We define luxury by design intention, ethics, and wearability
Founded on a sunlit Croatian beach in 2023 by Erik Leutar, with the support of his friend Petra, Aventura Swimwear is rewriting the rules of modern swimwear. Officially launched in 2025, the brand merges high fashion with sustainability, offering elegant, modest designs made from regenerated ocean waste and handcrafted in Italy. With a vision rooted in empowerment, environmental responsibility, and timeless style, Aventura is quickly becoming a global voice in the luxury modest swimwear movement. In this exclusive interview with Fibre2Fashion, Founder & CEO Erik Leutar shares insights into the brand’s design philosophy, technical innovation, inclusive appeal, and what is next on the horizon.
Tell us about Aventura’s recent participation in Ibiza Swim Week. Which other events do you normally participate in?
We made our runway debut at Miami Swim Week 2025, followed by our European debut at Ibiza Swim Week, where we presented at Hotel Aguas de Ibiza alongside other global designers. The energy in both events was incredible—a mix of press, buyers, and conscious fashion enthusiasts. These events are not just shows; they are statements of who we are. We are currently evaluating our next showcase opportunities and looking for platforms that align with our brand philosophy of luxury, sustainability, and purpose.
Aventura Swimwear champions ‘luxury modest swimwear’. What inspired the brand to blend modesty with fashion-forward swimwear, and how do you define luxury in this niche?
At Aventura Swimwear, our approach to ‘modesty’ is not about restriction—it is about empowerment through elegance. We believe that luxury does not need to rely on exposure to feel sexy or confident. Our inspiration came from a clear gap in the market: women who want to feel bold, elevated, and chic at the beach or by the pool, but without compromising their values, comfort, or sophistication.
We define luxury not just by fabric quality, but by design intention, ethics, and wearability. Every detail matters—from the feel of the fabric against the skin to the confidence it gives when worn.
How does Aventura cater to the evolving needs of culturally diverse women who seek modesty without compromising on style, performance, or comfort?
Our designs are shaped by the reality that women today are more globally aware and personally expressive than ever. We offer silhouettes that range from bold to more covered, ensuring every woman can find her level of comfort and style. We prioritise flattering cuts, sculpting fits, and timeless colour palettes that work across body types, skin tones, and style preferences—always with performance, elegance, and inclusivity at the core.
How has direct feedback from your customer community influenced the evolution of your collections or fit improvements over time?
Our fit improvements are driven by real women. After each runway show and photoshoot, we closely observe how the garments move, fit, and photograph on diverse body types. We also listen to feedback from early buyers and showroom testers. This has helped us refine cut lengths, adjust strap placements, and even introduce new silhouettes for greater comfort and versatility. We see our customers as part of the design process, as their insights shape our evolution.
Can you walk us through the process of designing a collection—from concept to fabric selection to final silhouette—especially considering the balance between aesthetics and modest coverage?
It begins with the vision and mood for the season—often rooted in a destination, a memory, or a natural element like the sea. Then we move into sketching and experimenting with cuts that enhance the female form while offering the right level of support or coverage.
Fabrics are critical: we exclusively use ECONYL regenerated nylon—a luxurious fabric made entirely from ocean waste like discarded fishing nets, carpet scraps, and industrial plastics. It is soft, sculpting, and allows us to achieve elegant silhouettes with a sustainable backbone. We test each style for real wear—swimming, lounging, dancing—and adjust every seam until it fits like a second skin.
Many of your suits offer full coverage with UPF 50+ protection. How important is technical performance in your product development strategy? Are there any patented or signature design elements unique to Aventura?
Technical performance is essential. Our pieces are not only beautiful; they are built to last, resist chlorine, dry quickly, and protect the skin. Every fabric we use comes with UPF 50+ protection, and our lining and stitching are carefully chosen to withstand frequent wear in both saltwater and pool environments. While we do not currently use patented elements, we do use custom-made metal accents, clean bonded seams, and signature cuts that have become part of our brand DNA.
What role does sustainability play in Aventura Swimwear’s sourcing and production practices? Are you exploring eco-friendly fabrics or local manufacturing partnerships?
Sustainability is at the heart of Aventura. Our entire production model is built around small-batch, ethical manufacturing in a women-powered atelier on the Amalfi Coast, along the southern edge of Italy’s Sorrentine Peninsula. We use only certified eco-conscious materials like ECONYL, and our packaging is 100 per cent recycled and reusable. We intentionally limit our output to avoid overproduction and waste. As we grow, we are exploring new textile innovations and expanding our partnerships with local artisans and sustainable vendors.
How is the global demand for modest swimwear evolving, and what role are cultural inclusivity and religious diversity playing in reshaping mainstream swimwear markets?
The demand is growing rapidly, not just from religious communities but from women of all backgrounds who want options that feel chic yet comfortable. Cultural inclusivity is becoming a core design consideration, not just a marketing trend. The modern woman is more conscious of fit, function, and values, and brands like Aventura are reshaping the narrative by offering pieces that prioritise dignity, beauty, and self-expression at the same time.
With increasing interest in modest fashion globally, are there plans to expand Aventura’s reach in markets like the Middle East, Southeast Asia, or Western countries with Muslim populations?
Yes, absolutely. We have seen rising demand from women in these regions who are looking for fashion-forward swimwear that respects their cultural and personal values. Our long-term vision includes both digital outreach and curated retail partnerships in these markets. We want Aventura to be a brand that speaks across cultures—one that empowers women everywhere to express themselves beautifully and responsibly.
What are the key material and design innovations currently driving performance swimwear, especially in the context of blending modesty with athletic functionality?
Recycled and regenerative fabrics like ECONYL are a game-changer—not just for their eco-benefits but also for their technical performance. Lightweight compression, chlorine resistance, quick-dry technologies, and UV protection are now standard for any brand aiming to be taken seriously. In terms of design, innovations like multi-way ties, adjustable coverage, and seamless bonding techniques allow for modesty without sacrificing movement or elegance.
What can we expect from Aventura in the coming seasons—whether in terms of new categories, collaborations, or digital experiences?
We are currently preparing to expand into resort wear and beach accessories that match our aesthetic and values. We are also exploring a capsule collaboration with a well-known public figure aligned with our mission—someone who can bring visibility to both the fashion and environmental sides of Aventura. Digitally, we are enhancing our e-commerce experience, storytelling, and community engagement, especially on social media where we plan to spotlight our makers, muses, and sustainability work more deeply.
