While in Maui, I had the opportunity to interview the designer of Letarte Swimwear. Read on for skull and animal-print bikinis!

My “tropical explorer” outfit…
Floral printed soirée silk skirt gifted by Nanette Lepore. The same design is sold here
Black and white sunhat: from Hong Kong (similar to this hat by Emma Fielden). I decorated it with a fresh yellow protea flower.
White layered top: vintage
Lace jacket: handmade

The Maui tourism board generously gave a rental car for the week. My film crew and I drove to Paia, a hippie-ish town filled with coffeeshops and boutiques. Letarte’s interior decor pays tribute to Paia’s title: “World Capital of Windsurfing.”

I interviewed designer Lisa Letarte Cabrinha, who founded the label with her sister. In addition to swimsuits, Letarte makes cashmere zip-ups, kid’s items, and beach accessories. Can you tell that she loves animal prints?

I always have a hard time finding swimwear that fits my personality, so I was pleased to see edgy elements like this skull print. It matches my leather wristband from Good Art.

The swim shop also carries local jewelry and Lisa’s custom-made moisturizers.

On the walls: artwork by her husband Pete Cabrinha, founder of Cabrinha Kites. This is their daughter, Tahiti.

Lisa styled me in her clothes, which are remarkably flattering and comfortable. This cotton tunic with neon embroidery matches my hair color. (Pick up this beach coverup here.)

If you’re an alternative fashionista, you might also like Letarte’s leopard print bikini and black one-piece swimsuit with a dipped neckline. Many of her designs are influenced by Maui’s natural environment, such as shell ornamentation.

Wait til you see our travel video — there’s a fun “dressing room” montage!

What type of swimsuit do you wear, and which swim brands do you prefer? What do you think of Letarte’s designs?