With a vast experience in the swim realm including stints at Esprit, Rampage, and even Oscar de la Renta, Carter launched his own independent line in 2002 and has had editor’s and buyers eating out of his hands ever since. Nolcha's Lynn Furge sat down in the Bain de Soleil cabana with Red himself to talk about how he finds ways to re-inspire swimwear season after season.
Lynn Furge: You are the “darling” of Miami Swim, yet you don’t turn out the typical Brazillian bikinis people expect… where do you find the inspiration?
Red Carter: I live here but have the opportunity to travel and always have a fashion magazine in front of my face. This season I looked my Father’s archival Playboys from the 1970’s. I used them as a reference to create the current collection both in sex appeal as well as really looking to Hugh Hefner as an inspiration for his amazing marketing skills.
LF: You’ve lived most of your life in the water as both a competitive swimmer and water polo player. How do you account for function in the water when designing such lavish pieces?
RC: Any swimsuit has to make a woman feel good. It is the accessories that keep the suit up to par in the fashion world, but the design of the suit itself is always functional.
LF: What has working for greats like Esprit, Guess and even Oscar de la Renta taught you about the business of fashion?
RC: They taught me to have a very thick skin and don’t take anything personally. Trial and error was another good lesson. Learn how to work with people and believe in yourself.
LF: You are sold now in major department stores but as an independent designer you had to start somewhere. Take me back to your first collection.
RC: I started after being fired from a job. I really started my first collection based out of anger. I didn’t feel respected and wanted people to prove to myself and other people that I had value. I made some designs, found manufacturing in China via the internet. Spent 10 days in Asia in a factory, brought the pieces back and signed up for the Swim Shows. It was really that quick. I brought my living room furniture into my trade show booth. My first buyer was Henri Bendel. They bought 12 pieces and the rest is history.
LF: Do you feel with the current success you have had to go “corporate”?
RC: I am a young designer an have the ability to take risks right now. I am a resource to create change in this marketplace and I know sometimes people copy my ideas, but I don’t have a problem with that. I will keep doing what I’m doing and what inspires me.
LF: Your shows are always theatrical and styled to the “T.” What goes into creating the entire Red Carter aesthetic from campaign to runway?
RC: I feel this is the first season we got it right and we are seven years old. First I look at what the collection is about. Then we do the photo shoot for the campaign. Then in terms of runway we want to give our viewers the live version of the campaign so the entire vision comes to life.
LF: Having experience in the entertainment industry… what is the most iconic cinematic swim suit moment for you?
RC: Marilyn Monroe, all of those images of her coming out of the pool released after she passed away. It is a suit that we will only see in photographs and never in person because she passed and I love the mystery of that
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