About

Andrea G. P. , nacida en 1993 en Jerez de la Frontera, Cádiz , con infancia y adolescencia divididas entre Francia y España. Durante años me moví entre dos culturas, dos estéticas y dos formas de entender la vida , algo que hoy define profundamente mi manera de crear.

Having spent my childhood and adolescence between France and Spain, I’ve devoted the past few years to exploring craftsmanship in fashion, experimenting with different arts such as embroidery and crochet. Before fully dedicating myself to the world of crochet, my passion was something completely different: dental prosthetics. I loved my work, but it left me little time to explore this new world of handcrafting that fascinated me so much.

It all began in the summer of 2018, with the desire to have a crochet bikini that had exactly the features I was looking for. After several attempts and not finding what I wanted, I decided to learn how to make my own. Every challenge I encountered in the process pulled me further from the idea of creating the perfect bikini. At one point, I gave up without achieving the prototype I had dreamed of.

In 2019, my life changed completely. I had a motorcycle accident that took away my great love and, with it, my life in Lisbon. I decided to return to Paris with my family, seeking comfort in the familiar. It was during this period of grief, and thanks to the love of my family, that I felt the need to try again.

This brand was born from a need to heal, to find something that would reconnect me with my essence and allow me to keep believing in the beauty of life.

Every piece that comes out of my hands is an expression of my journey, my passion, and the certainty that we can always reinvent ourselves. My first attempt at creating my bikini led me to use a type of yarn that was completely unsuitable for swimwear. The material didn’t work at all—it became heavy when wet, stretched out, and took too long to dry.

I needed to create a crochet bikini that was not only beautiful but also comfortable to wear at the beach or pool, and, of course, made me feel confident after leaving the water.

I started exploring the types of materials available on the market. After many trials and having my home filled with different kinds of yarn, I realized there was an endless variety of compositions and fiber blends, each giving a different finish depending on the garment. That’s how I finally found the right material, with the qualities I needed. I wanted a bikini that wasn’t just pretty—it had to have a natural finish, be comfortable, and, of course, functional.

This journey took me far beyond just a simple bikini. What began as a personal quest turned into a passion. I discovered a world of possibilities in handcrafting, and with each new idea came the desire to keep creating. That’s how my brand was born, reflecting my dedication, creativity, and the desire to offer pieces crafted by hand with carefully selected materials, adapted to each type of garment.

Sustainability

The Sustainable fashion movement.

What do we mean by Sustainability? We prioritize materials, sourcing, packaging, and production practices that do not harm the ecosystem and maintain ethical standards.
Our focus this year is to transition Akoia into a fully sustainable brand. We aim to eliminate all chemical dyes and are committed to discovering the most sustainable sources of organic cotton. Our new concept revolves around minimizing waste and embracing a more minimalist approach to fashion and consumerism. Rejecting fast fashion and mass production, we’ve ensured that Akoia offers top-quality pieces, intended to be essential wardrobe items for our customers, designed to last for many years.
From production to shipping, every piece is 100% free of plastic. We’re actively exploring ways to upcycle our excess materials to create byproducts.
 
Why natural dyes? Utilizing natural dyes is a pivotal step in our production process due to their minimal environmental impact. Derived from nature, these dyes are biodegradable and their disposal causes no pollution.
In contrast, conventional dyes contain harmful chemicals that not only endanger the health of those working with them but also result in the contamination of freshwater systems.
We are currently in the process of conducting numerous samples to finalize our natural dye products. Our aim is to introduce these natural dye products in the upcoming collection.
  

Why opt for organically sourced materials? Organic materials offer a natural, renewable, biodegradable, and durable fiber. In their cultivation, no pesticides, insecticides, or fertilizers are used, promoting healthier growth. Organic farming contributes to building soil fertility, aiding in the absorption of CO2 into the soil and thereby mitigating climate change. Additionally, choosing organic materials safeguards farmers from exposure to harsh pesticides.

How plastic free? We have been conditioned to believe that plastic is an essential part of life, but we’re proud to say that it’s not true. Transitioning to a plastic-free approach has been surprisingly easy for us, and the rewards have been significant, despite the small efforts involved.

Still working towards…As we continue our journey towards sustainability, we would appreciate any tips or information on resources that could help us become more eco-friendly.

Here is our Mission: While the sustainable journey can present challenges and be costly, we haven’t given up. We acknowledge this path as an ongoing journey. Continuously striving to improve for the well-being of our people and planet remains our commitment. Transitioning into conscious fashion has opened doors to new connections and heightened our awareness. We encourage other brands and labels to push themselves toward sustainability, as even as a small brand, we’ve managed to make significant strides and do our best. At Akoiaswim, our mission is to utilize our platform to drive change, raise awareness, and educate on the fashion industry’s issues. We aspire to share the knowledge and experiences we’ve gathered. For those interested in transitioning to conscious fashion, please contact us at info@akoiaswim.com, and we’d gladly provide guidance. Similarly, for any information or feedback, we’re open to communication and welcome you to reach out