COMMUNITY.
. . I'm a Designer
Bikini Stop featuring Riggs
Where Surf & Sensibility... MEETS SEXY
and Pulley
Designer: Diane Arnn | Buy Online: RiggsandPulley.com | Questions: info@riggsandpulley.com
When you grow up on the beach,
you live in your bikini...
HOW IT BEGAN... When you grow up on the beach, you live in your bikini. You even have a drawer dedicated to them. Like with any fashion apparel, there is always one brand that looks and fits like no other... one you could never replace. So after years of futile searching for a bikini that I could love as much as my old favorite bikini, I decided to just sit down and make it. The bikini was made from a cotton jersey material. So to save money I decided to use t-shirts to make the patterns. I would cut one out, sew it, try it on, and then make the adjustments when necessary. Through the quest, it became apparent that each individual t-shirt brought a soul or identity to the bikini, making each one truly unique. A quality upcycled shirt is important, but the color, patterns and message are critical to the actual design. Black Cat Firecracker, Super Woman, Double Bubble Blow Pop, are but a few examples of shirts that drive the design style. Each bikini is fully lined with a second t-shirt, and that shirt has to be the perfect color match to accentuate and complete the full design. I can find a t-shirt that will make a really hot bikini, but lack the perfect color t-shirt to use as the liner, so I have to wait until I find its complement to make it. The whole design has to work for me. It is incredible to see, but my studio has a wall of t-shirts that are just for bikini liners, that are separated by color, hue, and their subtle variances. It’s quite beautiful and produces a similar effect to looking at a new box of 128 crayons. Riggs and Pulley’s bikinis come in a custom drawstring bag designed from the same two t-shirts, and are embellished with beach combed seashells or sea glass. This is just another personalized touch, and the perfect way to keep your bikinis cared for and organized. THE NAME... It was my intention to have a brand name that would allow me to branch into other products and mediums. I had to conjure up a name that was surprising and obscure, yet catchy and relevant, like the bikinis it would represent. When I started designing, I was working as a regional account executive for 20 states, and was continually on the road, so I had a lot of time to think. There was a short list of possible names I had put together, but nothing that screamed. Then one day on the road, I passed a “big rig” carrying a crane, and on the side it said something like “Watson’s Pulleys’ and it hit me, “Riggs and Pulley”! It was perfect. THE MOST IMPORTANT THINGS... We all love being stylish. The fashion and styles we choose conveys who we are, makes us feel special, and gives us confidence that defines our life. Surfers more specifically, have always had a very distinctive sense of style, and it resonates. It’s counter-culture, revolutionary, and always on the edge. Riggs and Pulley offers this to women who want something different, the something that no other girl will have or be wearing on their beach. Our bikinis can be playful, girly, tough, retro, classic, and most of all sexy. Through all of this, we didn’t forget about fit and comfort! They are essential. Riggs and Pulley bikinis are made from soft, thin, breathable cotton, with drawstring ties for easy adjusting and won’t stretch out over time. Also, being that they are repurposed t-shirts, we’re doing our small part for the preservation of the environment. BEST SELLERS... We have 4 bikini bottom styles offering varying amounts of coverage ~ small, medium, large and Brazilian Bikini Shorts, and 3 bikini tops ~ medium triangle, large triangle and a sport top. Although there are distinct patterns in place, each bikini’s design is truly dictated by the size of the t-shirt from which the bikini is made. Larger t-shirts allow enough fabric to produce our Brazilian Bikini Shorts, and obviously smaller t-shirts produce smaller bikinis. I can truly say there is not a crowd-favorite style. Every girl has her own style preference. The hardest part is deciding which one you want… for now! FIND YOUR RIGGS AND PULLEY BIKINI... We currently have several stores along the east coast that sell our bikinis, but we also sell via our online store at riggsandpulley.com. This is the most up to date place to find our newest additions, and we are consistently adding new bikinis. You can also follow us on Facebook or Twitter and be the first to see them as they list. Riggs and Pulley’s ambition is to gain representation in distinctive surf shops and upscale island style boutiques that look for merchandise that sets them apart, stores with a unique branding of their own.
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Danielle in “Blue Ruffles” | Photos: Billy Kidd Photography
Top: Stephanie in “Superman” Middle: Danielle in “Hot House” Bottom: Rio in “Red Cross”