Forever on the hunt for the perfect bikini, we were smitten when stumbling upon Faherty Brand’s gorgeous swimwear—fun prints, perfect cuts & eco-friendly production methods, doesn’t get much better than that! Putting the spotlight of the brothers behind the brand, Mike and Alex, we wanted to find out as much as we could about the emerging line—check out our interview with the Faherty boys below!

1. As men designing bikinis and beachwear for women, how/do you feel like you bring a different perspective to the swimwear game?

The beach for us is a casual, laid back place where we have our best moments.  Feeling comfortable and looking good should come naturally.   As guys who love the beach and love to surf, we appreciate active women who want to look great but not worry that her top will come off.   One of the things we noticed in women’s swimwear is the lack of functionality– a lot out there is purely designed for aesthetics, full of uncomfortable buckles and beading.  Creating a pragmatic, yet flattering, suit was important for us.

Our fabric and prints are great. We spent more than two years perfecting a fabric blend that has the ideal hand feel and stretch. The result is a fabric that is lightweight and soft with great stretch retention and that dries quickly. It was also important to us that the fabric was eco-friendly, so we utilized innovative technology and derived the fabric from recycled plastic bottles.  Our prints are inspired by our world travels; we’ve collected silk block prints from India, handmade Plangi fabrics from Sumatra, and Kikishibu indigo textiles from Japan. Our colors are deeply saturated, but still maintain a cool subtlety. We offer five prints and four solids ─ colors that look great on darker and lighter skin and can be seamlessly mixed and matched.

We also offer a great assortment of styles.  We have the all-time Classic String Bikini top and bottom ─ an iconic style with just the right amount of coverage; the Convertible Bra Top ─  a classic, no-fuss bikini that captures the comfort and function of a bra; and the Cami Underwire top – a stylish and chic, yet functional top that provides underwire structure.  The latter two have adjustable straps that convert to a cross back, halter, or strapless and have removable padding.  In terms of bottoms, we designed the Signature Brief Bottom, which is very versatile and constructed to fit all body types; the Hipster Bottom, a suit created for all women, which can be worn completely up, down, rouched slightly above the hips, or worn as a skirt.  Finally, we have a great vintage inspired One Piece, which is simple yet sexy.

The beauty of our swimwear is that all pieces are sold separate.  We encourage women to buy different tops and bottoms and to experiment with what fits best.  We also love the way you can mix and match our patterns and colors.  It’s a fresh and stylish way to show up on the beach wearing contrast prints or color blocking.

2. Describe the kind of girl wearing Faherty creations:

Our girl is someone who is comfortable in her own skin. She’s Bohemian and classic. Active and sexy without trying. She values beautiful things and values the environment. 

3. The prints on your suits are way cute! Where do you find inspiration for these patterns each season?

The concept for the brand is rooted in life’s great moments at the beach.  These moments are filled with the bright colors of summer, from the reddish orange of sunrises and sunsets to the varying ocean blues.  We identify summer with color, so summer suits should be colorful.   Our prints are fun. Bold, but still understated, so each woman can keep her own personality, but not be overpowered.

We have an obsession for vintage textiles and are constantly collecting textiles at flea markets, antique fairs, and fabric markets from around the world; we’ve even ventured to rural places to work with artisans to discover new print techniques. The five prints that we designed for this first collection came from the indigenous textiles we discovered during our travels on our surf and work trips. Our initial collection has prints inspired from Silk Block prints from India, handmade Plangi fabrics from Sumatra, and Japanese Kikishibu indigo prints.

4. What made you want to incorporate an eco-friendly element into your business? Any particular environmental causes you both are dedicated to?

We couldn’t call ourselves a beach lifestyle brand if we didn’t care about the health of our beaches and water. Other industries are taking initiatives to make their products more eco-friendly. Our generation is buying organic food and cleaning supplies, recycling more, and expressing concern about climate change. And yet, the fashion world still has a long way to go. It’s time for the fashion world to step up. Most bathing suits are made from polyester; ours are simply derived from recycled polyester from plastic bottles which come from the same byproduct, petroleum.  The oceans of this world do not need any more plastic bottle and recycled polyester requires approximately 2/3 less energy and almost 90% less water than the production of new polyester. With these facts in mind, it was an easy decision. While the creation of our fabric is more costly, we consider it a necessary investment in the environment. We’d like to create a shift in consumer culture, where people find value in premium product that lasts for years from eco/sustainable materials, as opposed to just one season.  

5. As total beach boys, what are each of your favorite seaside locales?

We’re from a small beach town in New Jersey called Spring Lake, which is an awesome laid back, sleepy town.  We also love Cardiff-by-the-Sea, a surf town in Southern California. And anywhere we can catch some great waves, have a bonfire, and then get good grub and cold beers will be a home away from home. 

By this point, you probably know Jessica Alba is a trailblazer in the eco-friendly sphere—and we highly recommend all the products from her natural, non-toxic bath/body/baby goods line Honest, whether you’re a parent or not! Last week we featured Miss Alba’s latest venture—her first book!—but didn’t stop there, as we couldn’t wait to pick her brain for all the details. Read on for the full scoop:

1. As The Honest Life is your first book, what was the most challenging part of wearing the author hat? 

Finding the time to write it!  All kidding aside, I found it difficult to whittle down the most relevant content because The Honest Life includes all the information and natural living tips I’ve learned from experts and experience over the years. And arriving at a book format that was usable for women on the go, while still keeping it fresh, fun, and engaging, was a lengthier process than I ever expected. I had to get it just right. Despite these challenges, the overall process of writing my first book was really exciting and rewarding. I owe many thanks to my family and friends for their patience and support during this time!

2. What were some of the highlights/most fun aspects in your journey to creating The Honest Life?

My journey as an author really gave me an excuse to pause and reflect. When you read the book, you’ll see that it is inspired by my different life experiences. So, it was enlightening for me to connect the dots of my childhood and how I was raised with my career and now motherhood—and then share it all in one place. I also had a blast spending time and collaborating with my family and friends, including my mom, Kelly Sawyer Patricof, Katherine Power, Justin Coit, Lauren Andersen, and more. I appreciate that they shared their talents and now feel more bonded with everyone who contributed to the book.

3. Any unexpected content we can look forward to seeing in the book?

The Honest Life is really personal and authentic to me, so readers might be surprised to find favorite family recipes that we actually make, old family photos, and my tips and tricks for home design (I love DIY décor and refurbishing vintage furniture—it’s an obsession).

4. Who or where do you look to stay up-to-date on tips and tricks for maintaining a healthy, clean lifestyle?

I just go to work! My Honest co-founder Christopher Gavigan keeps me up to speed on all things eco-friendly and safe even when I’m not looking for it. However, more than tips and tricks, I think living a healthy and clean lifestyle is about being balanced in your approach and finding what is right for you and your family. I hope that is what readers take away when they reach the last page of The Honest Life.

5. What are your 5 essentials products—an “eco-friendly starter kit”, of sorts—you think every person should have as a basis in his/her home?

When we created The Honest Company, we knew busy families wanted eco-friendly products but didn’t have the time to research how to make the switch or find safe, non-toxic ones that truly worked. We wanted to take the guesswork out of it for them by offering a Family Essentials Bundle from one trusted source. Our bundle includes 5 essential products—shampoo, lotion, hand soap, detergent, and healing balm—the most important stuff you’ll need. So, it’s the perfect eco-friendly starter kit.

Beyond products, I recommend that every person take these three “starter steps.” (1) Get a natural, organic mattress or an organic mattress cover that reduces toxic off gassing. We spend so much of our life sleeping, it’s important to minimize our exposure to petroleum-based chemicals, fire retardants, and VOCs. (2) Take your shoes off at the door. This keeps you from tracking nasty stuff from the street and toxins into your home, plus your floors will stay cleaner. Who doesn’t like that? (3) Read labels and research. You will find eco-friendly alternatives that make the most sense for your family.

We’ve been smitten with Makri’s designs since her collab days with The Row to the present—our current fascination is her double python ring, featured today in AccessZOEries! With a vast knowledge of all things jewels and gemstones and memories from abroad, check out our interview with the amazing Ileana below:

Though you’re vocal in your fascination with a series of motifs (evil eyes, snakes, beetles/bugs), where else do you defer to for design inspiration?  

Inspiration may come from anything. A phrase, an image, a shape, a mood, a moment. I especially feel  inspired when i travel. There is something so magical about discovering new places that touches me and makes me want to express that feeling. At the moment I am in India and I find myself constantly aroused and enlivened by colours, scents, music and of course a vast array of shapes and motifs. 

It’s no secret that you’re a world traveler—where do you find you do your best creative thinking? 

The island of Patmos is one of my favorite places in the world. Though I am a very optimistic and joyful person, I like to flirt with melancholy. Patmos has a deep feeling of melancholy due to its profound spiritual history but at the same time it resonates a sense of calm because of it. This is a combination that suits my personality.

Besides those of your own creation, which pieces of jewelry are your most treasured possessions? Any that carry a particularly special story? 

During the big snowstorm in NY back in the 70’s, I came across a small antique jewelry store somewhere in midtown, (probably the only store in NY that was open that day.) I bought a magnificent set of mosaic jewelry consisting of a necklace, earrings and four pins, that depict the history of Rome. These are still my most treasured jewelry pieces.

You’re very well-versed in gemstones—if you had to pick a favorite, which would it be and why? 

Though I find that all gemstones carry they’re own magic, the stone that has had the biggest impact on me when I came across it, and left me breathless, was a cushion-shaped blue diamond.

You recently launched a contemporary jewelry line “IaM”—besides the price point, how do these designs differ from your other creations? 

I feel that today more than ever, because it is such a strong transitional period, there is an intense feeling of nostalgia for things and times that are either transforming or drifting apart. The “IaM” line is a reflection of this time of transformation as it challenged me to create something beautiful and precious with a value that is not necessarily monetary.

Sophia Webster is our latest shoe designer du jour—her designs are girly, fun & definitely not your run-of-the-mill pumps and platforms. In our haste to learn as much as we could about this British babe, we flagged her down to ask a few important questions:

1. Describe your aesthetic in three words:

Playful, colourful and feminine.

2. You were Nicholas Kirkwood’s assistant for quite some time—how have you been influenced by that period in your career?

I think he has influenced my attitude towards designing shoes. If Nicholas has an idea for a shoe and suppliers or manufacturers tell him it’s not possible, he will exhaust the possibilities until he can prove them wrong. If he believes something is possible then he always finds a way to make it happen. 

3. Your shoes are insanely detailed and intricate —where do you derive such creative inspiration for these unique designs?!

Some designs come from research imagery some pop straight out of my head. There’s no real method to the madness. 

4. Where do you envision the Sophia Webster girl wearing your footwear?

Wherever she wants I guess, wherever her shoes take her. It would be as rewarding for me to see a celebrity wearing them on the red carpet as it would to see a woman wearing them down the fruit and veg aisle at the supermarket. As long as they enjoy them and feel confident in their heels I’m happy. 

5. Do you have a particular favorite shoe from your collection (if you HAD to pick!)

I love Rio Sunset. They make me smile. I designed them in Brazil, relaxing on Ipanema beach and sipping on a coconut. 

We’re putting the spotlight on our new favorite fashion book, Plus One: An Outsider’s Photographic Journey into the World of Fashion by Sharon Socol. Trust us, this tome is chock-full of incredible up-close images amassed from years of Socol’s experience as a “plus one” to fashion functions with her husband Howard Socol, the former CEO of Barneys New York. Read on to find more about the amazing lady behind the lens!

1. Shooting behind the scenes in the fashion world, you must have paid witness to some amazing things! Any favorite backstage stories?

One moment I clearly remember was during my time backstage at Lanvin. While moving in and around the action: the make up artists painting faces; the photographers elbowing each other to get pre show photos, the dressers organizing the clothing changes and Alber Ebaz brow tight scrutinizing the final looks. At one point Alber paused and walked away, taking a very private moment. I was very close to him and knew any photo I took would record something personal to him. Catching his eye I knew this needed to remain private and I turned and walked away. Later when our paths crossed he acknowledged my respect for his private moment with his smile.

2. You shoot primarily candid photos—was this always your passion, or did you play around with other styles of photography early in your career?

Yes,  candid photos have always been my direction. I am not a conceptual photographer. I do not have the ability to style and create a scene. When I make photographs I shoot organically. Sometimes I see the frame arranging itself and but most of the time I move around instinctively shooting what I observe and feel. I have tried portraits from time to time but I am not comfortable. I often say to myself I should try portraits more because being out of my comfort zone could push the shutter in rewarding ways. 

3. You’ve taken pictures all over the world—what location has stood out as a particularly memorable for a shoot?

Bali stands high on my list. I stayed in Ubud for two weeks with friends. It was our base, but we traveled dally throughout the country.  Bali’s kaleidoscope  of sounds, smells, colors, people, and life routine kept my shutter finger busy. Every evening I was overloaded by my unharnessed responses to what I was seeing and feeling. 

4. Any future photo projects you’re hoping to tackle?

I have several projects in mind. One I started last summer asks questions about  the life of a young woman and her family in my home town. She impressed me with her dedication to her family and profession (nursing) and her conflict to remain balanced. Another project uses my photography to resolve unanswered actions from my life. An example: correcting the color of my mother’s lipstick when she died. 

5. And last—what are you most excited to give and (hope to) receive as holiday gifts this year?

I am most excited to spend Chanukah with my grandchildren. I love giving them gifts that utilize their imagination and in turn they love receiving them. I already got my holiday gift: the publication of Plus One: A Photographic Journey Into The World Of Fashion. I gave this gift to myself by committing to create it and others gave me this gift by sharing their ideas and energy to make it happen. 

If you haven’t heard of the deliciousness that is Momofuku Milk Bar and/or Karlie’s Kookies we recommend you get familiar, cause they’re seriously divine AND for a good cause. And conceptualized by supermodel-of-the-moment Karlie Kloss…like, you must, must try. Read on to get the lowdown on baked goodies and beyond from Queen Karlie herself:

1. How did the idea for Karlie’s Kookies come about?
I love sweets, and have always loved baking and playing with recipes to find healthy alternatives to my favorite treats. I wanted to create a nutritious and tasty cookie that could also benefit others.

2. We know you love to bake, so other than your Kookies, what are some sweet Karlie specialities?
Around the holidays I love to bake with my family. My mom and I make my grandmother’s famous ginger snap cookies, they are one of my faves. They have an amazing scent that makes me always think of holidays at home.

3. Clearly, a lot of eating is done over the holidays―what are your all-time favorite dishes to make and/or devour?
One of my favorite holiday dishes is mashed potatoes, especially when made with sweet potatoes and brown sugar. 

4. What are you giving as gifts this holiday season?
Everyone on my gift list this holiday season is getting the 5boro Kookie! Each tin of Kookies from Momofuku Milk Bar provides 30 meals to New Yorkers affected by Hurricane Sandy. It is truly the gift that keeps on giving, which is always my type of gift!
Also, this holiday season it is all about coffee table books since there are so many amazing ones coming out. I can’t wait to give and receive the Tim Walker, Kate Moss, Grace Coddington and Mario Testino books for the holidays!

5. And on the flipside―what’s on your wishlist?
I’m hoping Santa brings Grace Coddington’s memior, Grace, the Rachel Zoe Pave Love knot hoop earrings and some new Cartier stationary!

If you haven’t checked out the perfection that is Jennifer Fisher jewelry, we suggest you check out today’s TZR—we’re head over heels for the designer’s luxe take on personalized pieces. In an effort to immerse ourselves in all things JF, we scored an interview with the bauble babe herself—check her out and prepare to fall hard!

1. What are you most inspired by for your designs?

I am forever inspired by New York City and the architecture. For fall I have been feeling a bit more inspired by fabric patterns and mirrored images.

2. What are the most sentimental pieces of jewelry you own? Any particular ones with a great story?

The most sentimental piece is the first dog tag that I designed with my son’s name on it. It’s how my company got started. I wear it every day. I was told I would never give birth because of my health issues. This tag represents what a miracle he was and is today. And of course- I also have one for my daughter, Drew- my second miracle.

3. As a jewelry expert…thoughts on mixing and matching metals?

I tend to stick with rose and yellow gold..I’ve never been much of a silver girl and don’t wear the three together at once. I get it –but it’s just not my thing.

4. What are you giving as holiday gifts this year?

Lots of jewelry. It’s what everyone always hints towards.  I also just developed a scent so I am making custom candles.

5. And on the flip side…what’s on YOUR holiday wish list?

I want  (and am going ) to Mexico with my husband and kids with no cell interruptions for a few days. It’s really what I need!! It’s impossible to unplug when running a web business! I love spending New Years Eve in an amazing destination. It chills me out. 

If you’re one to peruse the blogosphere like us here at RZ HQ, you’ve definitely heard Elin’s name—she’s the Swedish powerhouse of an Internet sensation that has turned her blogging ability into a full-fledged design career for Marciano! We highlighted our 10 favorite pieces on The ZOE Report, but got even more scoop on the collection from the blonde bombshell herself!

1. Talk to us about the vibe of the collection:

There’s a huge emphasis on wearability, and the ability to mix and match several of the pieces to create unique looks. The color palette is primarily neutral, which makes it easy to throw on & layer for an effortless, chic look.

2. How would you describe your style aesthetic?

Modern, clean & on the pulse of what’s happening in the fashion world without being too overzealous on trends.

3. What are the main inspirations for the collection?

It’s a combination of my aesthetic—modern, clean, etc—with the style of matadors and classic Spanish femininity, which lends an edgy twist to collection.

4. How do you view the Marciano girl?

She’s feminine, sexy and exudes confidence—she has a firm grasp on her fashion sense & isn’t afraid to show it off!

5. What do you love most about GUESS and Marciano ?

GUESS is such an iconic brand—I’ve always been a fan! I admire them for staying true to their vision after all these years, and I’m so excited to be a part of that! I mean, who wouldn’t want to be a GUESS girl? ;)

Today’s TZR highlights the glam collab between French perfumer Kilian Hennessy & interior design guru Ryan Korban—they managed to create a candle that’s actually downright sexy! Full steam ahead with our obsession, we sat down with Ryan (who’s responsible for the decor behind everyone from James Franco to the Traina sisters’ pads) to give us a few tidbits on how to make our interiors that much more chic.

1. Describe your decor aesthetic in five words or less.

Sex, Romance, and Fantasy.

2. What are your favorite ways to give a space that “fall season” feel?

I pull out the fur for fall always. Pillows and throws. Its also about green branch flower arrangements—like magnolia—send the feel of fall. I also love bringing in a rich scent. Something deep in amber and rose like our scent.

3. Ever had to do anything crazy to source/obtain a special piece for a project?

I feel like it happens every week. I try and stop at nothing to make a clients vision come true. From craning large pieces of furniture into an apartment to flying to another country to look at a sculpture. Its never dull!

4. Least expensive way to revamp a room?

Paint, flowers and a scented candle. Anyone of those things can revamp a room and all three will make it feel like a whole new place.

5. What are your favorite details in a home?

I am really into accessories. My obsession comes from the accents in a home. I love all accessories from pillows and throws to crystals, boxes,candles sticks and ashtrays. Its the accessories that make your space different from anyone else.

Nothing excites us quite like an emerging designer (or two), so it’s only natural that we have taken quite a liking to Cushnie et Ochs & their stunning fall collection. Ever-greedy to pick these uber-talented ladies brains, Carly Cushnie and Michelle Ochs were kind enough to answer a few questions for us regarding fashion week, fall trends & how this terrific twosome was born—enjoy!

1. How did you two meet and decide to start this line together?

MO: We met while studying at Parsons.  It wasn’t until we graduated that we decided to do something together but we had always had a very similar aesthetic while so working together came very naturally.

2. Describe the Cushnie et Ochs girl as you envision her…

CC: She is confident sexy and alluring

3. We’re kind of in seasonal limbo at the moment—what are your favorite ways to transition your wardrobe from summer to fall?

MO: This time of year is always so hard, your dying to wear your new fall things but its still warm out. Add leather pieces to your wardrobe like leather shorts, jacket pencil skirt or leggings.  You can still pair these with lightweight blouses or dresses but leather adds a sharp fall look to an outfit. 
CC: If you cant bare the thought diving into the browns greys and blacks of fall try introducing some jewel tones that are still bright but richer for the fall season.  And swap your bright nail polish for warm reds, purples and taupe.

4. Speaking of fall, what trends are your personal faves for the upcoming season?

MO: Metallics and leather
CC: Colored fur and winter white

5. Fashion week is just around the corner—what are your favorite aspects of NYFW?

CC: Its always so much fun to see everyone out about in their fabulous clothes.  The city is at its most vibrant.
MO: Our show is always at the beginning of the week so once our show is over its a great time to enjoy the city and all the festivities