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currently living in New York City pursuing an MBA in Fashion
Management.
One of the biggest challenges for these fledgling
manufacturers is trying to create “the perfect fit.” The bikini
bottoms have a super-low rise with wide sides and elastic that
has to be hand threaded into the legs and waist. There are
no strings on the bottom to come untied while surfing. This
was very important because, they say, most bikini bottoms
inconveniently fall off as soon as a person dives under a wave.
These bottoms, however, stand up to being matched with a rash
guard when surfing. “Not only do they have a cute vintage vibe,
but they are also functional,” Mollie notes.
Acqua Sabbia Baby
Given the nature of this inserted elastic, mass production
of these suits is out of the question. Each is individually
hand-cut and sewn. The tops have a small triangle that can be
adjusted by sliding it along the tie string. The gathers in the top
allow one to adjust for more coverage, or less. They are designed
for all age groups (in small, medium, and large sizes) to be
flattering and sexy, while comfortable and practical. They can be
found at Angel on Coast Village Road in Montecito.
In addition to their classic handmade bikinis, Zoe and
Mollie have additional ideas for other styles and are considering
adding similar clothing items from the ‘70s. Right now they are
just seeing where Acqua Sabbia takes them, while selling suits to
friends in Spain, Los Angeles and New York.
Acqua Sabbia Baby is one idea they are seriously exploring.
Mollie has a Master’s degree in Education and is currently
teaching 4
th
grade at an elementary school in Santa Barbara.
They envision expanding Acqua Sabbia baby line with possible
matching boy trunks and have been receiving special orders
from parents of little girls. Their motto: “No mass production,
no synthetics, just peace and love.”
The message of the ‘60s (and ‘70s) is still alive and well in
Santa Barbara, thanks to Zoe, Mollie, and Acqua Sabbia.
Anyone interested in acquiring one of Zoe and Mollie’s
one-of-a-kind bikinis can go online to: www.acquasabbia.com
to inspect the line.
bottom,” says Mollie. One of their most popular styles is the Mexican
scarf-bandana bikini as well as the paisley prints and tribal-inspired
fabrications that can be worn with a pair of jeans.
Staying true to the Malibu Media model, all Acqua Sabbia bikinis
are 100% cotton. “They are very different from the synthetic fabrics
that populate most of the bathing suit industry worldwide,” says Zoe,