Perfect with all your imperfections…

by marlies|dekkers

Do you feel quite vulnerable on the beach? No wonder! Just think about it: you’re laying on your back, surrounded by strangers, and you’re wearing something minuscule that, just a few hundred meters down, on the boulevard, you wouldn’t be caught dead in! Simply put: the beach has its own set of rules. So when I started designing swimwear, I felt I needed to crack that code. Off I went, on a tour of different beaches in different countries, trying out different states of undress. (And yes, that included an exciting afternoon on a nudist beach.)

First of all, I realized that the closer we are to the actual water, the less we wear. Literally! It’s as if Neptune, that handsome bearded god of the sea, whispers in your ear with each wave: “Go on, you don’t need all these clothes…” We might swim topless, but put on a bikini-top when we walk over to see a friend. Then, when we decide to get some ice cream on the boulevard, we throw on a shirt or a pareo.

Secondly, I learned that what works for lingerie, might not make us feel strong and sexy on the beach. Personally, I want to look good on the beach, but not too sexy. More than anything, I want to feel confident. A sensual lace strap or a naughty cut-out – so empowering under a suit skirt – is not going to give me that feeling when I’m strutting through the sand.

So how does this affect my designs? Well, I know most women worry about very specific areas: the breasts, belly and bottom. That’s exactly where I offer security with all my designs. But whereas I use straps in my lingerie, I prefer to fold and pleat the fabric of my swimwear, giving it the fluidity that suits the setting. I want it to feel safe like body armor, but to look like a sexy bikini. I think every woman is beautiful, stunning even. And my ultimate goal is to make you see yourself the way I see you: perfect with all your ‘imperfections’.

I like to compare women’s bodies with trees: would you say one type of tree is too tall, or too stubby? Of course not! Every tree is perfect in its own way. Just like you. To make you realize that, is my life’s mission. Every time someone tells me that because of my designs, they have the courage to wear a bikini for the first time in their lives, I feel like I’m one step closer. (And yes, I allow myself an actual fist pump.)

So when Neptune calls, go! Let that bearded hunk and his sexy triton seduce you, let him bewitch you with the electric energy of his waves. With my swimwear, you’ll be ready…

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fall|winter 20 preview

Marlies Says

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by marlies|dekkers

In January, I presented my newest FW20 collection during a show full of dance and entertainment in Rotterdam. All my work as a feminist designer is inspired by muses, powerful female icons from past and present. And for FW20, my muse will be crime writer Agatha Christie. A few months from now, you will get to discover the collections, and see how they tell stories like Agatha’s thrilling books do..

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MD Friends

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by marlies|dekkers

Dr. Bram Bakker is a psychiatrist, a writer, a runner and a provocateur. With his many bestselling books and columns – and yes, even his own theatre show – he urges us to think outside the box when it comes to our mental health. Not crazy about popping pills? Bram shared some interesting alternatives with me, from throwing out our phones to running ‘till we puke’.

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MD Friends

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by marlies|dekkers

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Marlies Says

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by marlies|dekkers

All the single ladies, listen up! With single women rapidly becoming the majority, it is high time to stop feeling singled out. This Singles Day, let’s celebrate our freedom and independence by sharing all those solo milestones that make us go: ‘You’ve got this!’.