Today we’d like to introduce you to Claudia Hoth. They and their team shared their story with us below:
Canela Swimwear Mexico is a truly inspiring success story that began as a university project, driven by Claudia Hoth’s passion for design and her desire to bring her vision to life in the real world. The brand’s journey reflects the transformation of a personal struggle into a source of empowerment for women.
Claudia Hoth, as a young designer, embarked on her university project with Canela Swimwear, aiming to create something more than just a typical swimwear line. She sought to provide women with a sense of comfort and empowerment while at the beach, a place where many of us may feel vulnerable due to our exposure to swimsuits. This inspiration came from her history, where Claudia had faced insecurities about her body when she was 15 years old, weighing around 280 pounds. She understood the importance of belonging and feeling accepted in society, especially during those formative years.
As Claudia’s project evolved over the months, she had the opportunity to turn it into a full-fledged brand. Her dedication to the cause and the unique design approach caught the attention of customers not only in Mexico but also in the United States. Today, Canela Swimwear proudly boasts a presence in major cities like Los Angeles, New York, and Miami, showcasing the brand’s growing international recognition.
The brand’s ethos revolves around supporting women and empowering them through comfortable, yet stylish swimsuit designs. With a focus on real women and their needs, Canela Swimwear prioritizes providing a sense of comfort and confidence to its wearers. Their swimsuits are not just about looking good but also about feeling good.
Canela Swimwear’s dedication to empowering women is beautifully woven into every design. By creating swimwear that allows women to feel at ease and confident in their skin, the brand has become a symbol of body positivity and self-acceptance. The swimsuits are carefully crafted to cater to various body types, ensuring that every woman can feel beautiful and comfortable at the beach.
Claudia’s journey from self-doubt to self-empowerment reflects the heart and soul of Canela Swimwear. Through her brand, she has transformed her past struggles into a source of strength for others. By breaking stereotypes and redefining the narrative of how women should feel at the beach, Canela Swimwear has become an emblem of self-love and inclusivity.
As the brand continues to expand its reach across different cities, it continues to uplift and empower women, reminding them that they are beautiful and worthy just as they are. Canela Swimwear’s commitment to creating a positive and supportive community for women through their designs is a testament to the power of fashion in fostering confidence and self-expression.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Throughout our journey, Canela Swimwear Mexico has encountered some challenges, especially concerning the public’s acceptance of our unique designs. While the swimwear industry often features small triangle designs, we wanted to break away from the norm and offer something fresh and different. Initially, it was a bit tough to gain widespread acceptance for our unconventional designs, as people were accustomed to the traditional styles.
Competitively, we’ve faced our fair share of hurdles as well. Recently, we experienced a setback when a prominent brand, Zara, owned by Inditex, copied one of our latest designs. It was disheartening to see our hard work and creativity imitated without recognition. To make matters worse, they exposed their version just two weeks after launching our collection, leaving us with limited options to respond effectively.
Nevertheless, despite these challenges, we remain steadfast in our commitment to originality and innovation. We firmly believe in the value of our designs and the positive impact they have on our customers. We know that true creativity lies in forging new paths and embracing diversity in the swimwear industry.
Our team is constantly striving to overcome these obstacles and find new ways to connect with our audience. We have a dedicated group of supporters who appreciate and celebrate our distinctive designs. Their loyalty and enthusiasm keep us motivated and inspired to keep pushing boundaries and staying true to our vision.
As we navigate the competitive landscape, we are learning valuable lessons about protecting our intellectual property and finding ways to stand strong against imitation. We are exploring legal avenues to protect our brand’s integrity and ensure that our hard work is respected and acknowledged.
Through it all, we remain focused on our core mission: empowering women and making them feel comfortable and confident at the beach. Our passion for creating real, empowering designs has only grown stronger, and we will continue to pour our hearts into crafting swimwear that celebrates the beauty and uniqueness of every woman.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
As a fashion designer, I have had a diverse and enriching journey that has shaped my passion for creating not just clothes but also a way of self-expression and activism. My fashion career began in Mexico City when I was just 16 years old, attending a fashion marketing course at Universidad Iberoamericana. This early exposure to the fashion world ignited a spark within me, and I knew that I wanted to pursue my dreams in the industry.
To further my knowledge and skills, I had the incredible opportunity to travel overseas for my studies. I studied fashion design at Parsons School of Design in Paris, where I delved into the art of creating garments that go beyond mere aesthetics. Simultaneously, I explored the art of fashion illustration at Istituto Marangoni, honing my ability to communicate and express my ideas visually.
Continuing my educational journey, I also studied fine arts at Universidad Francisco de Vitoria in Madrid. This exploration of the world of visual arts, including painting, photography, and printmaking, provided me with a broader perspective on creativity and design. I realized that fashion was not limited to clothing; it encompassed a realm of artistic expression and storytelling.
At present, I specialize in fashion design, driven by the belief that fashion is a powerful tool for self-expression and a means to advocate for important causes. I am passionate about creating a community of women and noblemen who are committed to personal growth and better themselves each day. My designs aim to empower individuals to embrace their true selves and find strength in their unique identities.
What sets me apart from others is my interdisciplinary approach to fashion. Drawing from my fine arts background, I don’t view clothing as mere pieces to wear but as artworks with a deeper meaning and purpose. Each garment is thoughtfully crafted to convey a message and invoke emotions.
I take inspiration from various sources, and my designs are a reflection of my personal experiences, values, and beliefs. My work goes beyond creating a collection; it is about creating a meaningful narrative and establishing a connection with the wearer.
One of my proudest achievements is the fusion of fashion and activism in my designs. I believe that fashion can be a platform to raise awareness, challenge norms, and drive positive change in society. It brings me immense joy to see my creations empowering people to embrace their individuality and become agents of change.
In essence, my journey as a fashion designer has been an exploration of creativity and self-discovery. Fine arts have helped me to go beyond the surface, infusing meaning and depth into my designs. My ultimate goal is to leave a lasting impact, creating a positive and inclusive community where fashion becomes a vehicle for personal growth, expression, and activism.
In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
As a fashion designer with a vision for the future, I see several exciting shifts and trends that are likely to shape the fashion industry over the next 5-10 years:
Sustainability and Ethical Practices: The focus on sustainability and ethical practices will continue to be a dominant trend in the industry. Consumers are increasingly conscious of the environmental impact of fashion, and they demand transparency and accountability from brands. Sustainable materials, eco-friendly production processes, and responsible supply chain management will become the norm for forward-thinking fashion brands.
Technology Integration: Technology will play a significant role in shaping the fashion industry’s future. From digital fashion shows and virtual try-ons to blockchain-based transparency and artificial intelligence-driven design innovations, technology will revolutionize various aspects of the fashion business, enhancing customer experiences and streamlining operations.
Inclusivity and Diversity: The push for inclusivity and diversity will grow stronger, with consumers advocating for representation and authentic inclusiveness in fashion. Brands that embrace diversity in their marketing, sizing, and design choices will gain a competitive edge and resonate with a broader audience.
Digital and Social Commerce: E-commerce and social commerce will continue to dominate retail, with brands leveraging social media platforms and other digital channels to connect with customers directly. Interactive shopping experiences, personalized recommendations, and easy-to-navigate online platforms will become essential for success in the digital marketplace.
Slow Fashion and Capsule Collections: The slow fashion movement, emphasizing quality over quantity and timeless designs, will gain momentum. Capsule collections, featuring thoughtfully curated pieces that can be mixed and matched, will become popular as consumers seek versatile and sustainable wardrobe options.
Customization and Personalization: Personalization will be a growing trend as consumers seek unique and tailored fashion experiences. Brands that offer customization options, allowing customers to personalize colors, fabrics, and styles, will cater to individual preferences and foster brand loyalty.
Circular Fashion Economy: The circular fashion economy will gain traction as brands explore innovative ways to extend the life cycle of garments, such as recycling, upcycling, and rental services. Circular fashion initiatives will contribute to reducing waste and conserving resources.
Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality: Virtual reality and augmented reality technologies will enhance the shopping experience by enabling customers to try on garments virtually, visualize different styles, and receive personalized styling recommendations.
Focus on Wellness and Comfort: As consumers prioritize comfort and well-being, athleisure and activewear will continue to be popular, blurring the lines between casual and formal wear. Brands that prioritize comfort without compromising style will resonate with the modern lifestyle.
Conscious Consumerism: Overall, conscious consumerism will shape the industry’s trajectory, with customers favoring brands that align with their values and contribute positively to society and the environment.
As a designer, I am committed to embracing these shifts and trends, infusing my creations with sustainability, inclusivity, and meaningful storytelling. By staying ahead of the curve and connecting with my audience on a deeper level, I hope to make a positive impact and contribute to the transformative future of the fashion industry.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.canelaswim.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/canela.world
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/canelaswimwearmx/
Image Credits
Aurea Cabezas, David Lobo, and Flying Solo
