Have you ever heard of a swimwear designer that dresses women from the inside out? Now you have…
Martha Rey uses her creativity and spirituality to bring her eponymous line to the United States. It is no wonder that she was a hands down choice to dress models like Anne V for Sports Illustrated 2009. Nolcha had the opportunity to speak with the Columbian designer just weeks before opening her flagship store in Miami. Lynn Furge: How did you get your start in design?
Martha Rey: Six or seven years ago I was trying to figure what the essence of me as a human being was. I started looking at the way I usually dress and found it was the most helpful tool to re-invent myself. The link between fashion and the outer experience was the key to knowing my true self. I started to make experimentations with fabric in my apartment in Columbia; the free and boho look and mix and matching dying textiles etc. to create my aesthetic. I had basically set up an in house laboratory. I wanted a line that would connect with my lifestyle more than a label… a lifestyle. Martha Rey was born with little cash, lot of creativity and lots of passion. I then started to participate in local shows, now the company is close to opening in Miami, going to Dubai etc.
LF: Why swimwear?
MR: There was a lack of imagination in the swimwear. My “free woman” is very connected with the ocean not only under the sun, but in her inner soul. I found a way to create an experimental brand where you can mix the hand dyed pieces. It is a true labor of love. For me to be under the sun at the water it is the happiest experience a woman can have. The ultimate relaxation. I want to give my customer the same feeling.
LF: You have had a major career growth with both the flagship store in Miami as well as your designs featured in Sports Illustrated did you prepare for the rush?
MR: First I developed my dream. If I really wanted to do this I knew I had to be professional I needed to develop a structure that a company demands. Step by step I had to show the creative process in a very professional way. Three years after the start I moved into an office. I am the only outsource for the dying process right here in Columbia in my factory. There are eight steps in the fabric before we get the final product done. Am very prepared for the world’s demands. I had to learn about exporting accounting etc. Fashion needs to be run by who you are but it still needs to be run as a company and be competitive and professional.
LF: Why Brickel… off the beach for the flagship store?
MR: We do know that our final customer is a young local client who wants to be right on top of the trend as well as the Martha Rey concept constantly. We want the store to feel like their home. We want a community so we can have customers for a very very long time. This allows us to build clientele for private shopping nights etc. Local helps us become global because we learn how people think.
LF: What three things do you feel are important in designing swimwear?
MR: In swimwear my customers are very sensitive to emotions; therefore you need to keep up with the momentum of the world and the spirit of people. People are looking for something very special. Give them that little piece of what they want. Be innovative always have your style but give them an unexpected surprise every season. Give the customer a presence with each collection. Finally, have an avante guarde sense of business; do not look at what works for others. Take a risk.
LF: What one thing do you want women to know about having the confidence to wear a teeny bikini?
MR: That they have to feel very free. When you are in your bikini it is the closest to being naked, it is you your body the ocean the sun and your thoughts. Open your mind and connect to yourself. Be comfortable and happy in your own skin. Very real women are confident! 
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