India Cardona Talks SS24 Resort & Swimwear

Cooke & Kin is a conscious swim and resortwear brand I love. It was founded by the cool Aussie influencer Olive Cooke. She lives my dream life in Byron Bay and her brand is an extension of her lifestyle. Cool and considered, it perfectly captures that feeling of wanderlust with beautiful colours and unique prints, all of which are designed in-house and take their inspiration from nature.

I’m excited to see more from Fruity Booty. The London-based brand creates everything in limited edition runs from repurposed fabrics and sustainably sourced materials – and it has excitingly just moved into swimwear. It started as an underwear brand, so it really knows what it’s doing when it comes to shapes. The red gingham bikini was even spotted on Kendall Jenner.

I always go back to Monday Swimwear. Created by OG-influencers Tash Oakley and Devin Brugman, I probably bought my first piece about six or more years ago – and now have one in every print and every style. They’re perfect for mixing and matching. I usually opt for an underwired top and side-tie bottoms. Some people worry it’s unflattering, but I personally love the way a tie disguises my hip dip and cinches in my waist. The cut also helps my legs look longer. 

Faithfull The Brand's resortwear is definitely worth a look. Homing in on a slightly different aesthetic than usual, this collection is a little more minimalist in terms of fabrics and design; it also champions Balinese craftsmanship, which is great to see. (more coming about the pieces) 

Free People is a no brainer for its curation of US and Aussie brands. Plus, Selfridges stocks the best range of smaller brands. 

Know where to look on the high street – case in point, Zara Home. Trust me, it has some really great swimwear. ARKET also does a great quality one-piece too, while House of CB really knows how to flatter the female body. 

Don’t forget about hotel boutiques. They often stock a more unique selection of brands and styles. For example, I recently went to Estelle Manor and spotted some amazing pieces there. 

Shop abroad. It’s so fun sifting through little shops or markets for swimwear that no one else has – plus, each time you wear it, you’ll have it as a memory. I actually have a really funny story from when I went to Australia in 2012. I went to the brand Love Stories at Bondi Beach and bought a swimsuit that had words printed all over it. It turns out they were words to a song. Later that night, I was wearing the swimsuit and we were in a restaurant – and the song played! I can’t for the life of me remember what song it was, but I still have the swimsuit, so I’ll have to dig it out. 

Look for pieces that make you feel like your most confident self. A supportive fabric that washes well and doesn't go sheer when wet is also a priority. I typically opt for sustainable fabrics that use Econyl and dry quickly. It’s so useful on those days when you’re either beach or pool-hopping or need to go from the ocean to shopping to a restaurant. 

If you’re looking to invest, always go for block colours. Style-wise it totally depends on your body and what you feel flatters you, but when it comes to colour, you really can’t go wrong with a neutral shade – it’ll never go out of style. If you’re looking to splash out on a brand or fabric on the pricier side, that’s what I’d recommend going for.