One of the most anticipated collections from the past few weeks has been the Djerf Avenue x Frankies Bikinis line, which came out this past Tuesday, June 11. The two brands have created a luxurious and fun collection that appeals to both audiences.
via Frankies Bikinis on Instagram
"These effortless pieces were crafted to wear repeatedly while relishing the season's simple joys – think dips in the sea, sunshine snuggles, and sunset bike rides. If nostalgic summer days were a collection, it would be Djerf Avenue x Frankies Bikinis" (Frankies Website). From the start, these pieces look elegant and timeless, especially during the fast-approaching summer season. Let's take a look at each of the brands individually:
Djerf Avenue is a brand by Matilda Djerf, who has loved clothing and styling since childhood. She started Djerf Avenue as an outlet, a safe space, and a way to shop sustainably. The brand has grown exponentially over the past few years and has become some of the most sought-after clothing for everyday use.
Frankies Bikinis: The company is women-owned and founded by Mimi and Francesca Aiello, a mother-daughter duo who have been designing and building Frankie's for ten years. They started designing swimsuits out of their Malibu home and have since become some of the most influential names in women's swimwear. Their goal is to empower women and make them feel confident in their pieces.
via Frankies Bikinis on Instagram
These women-owned brands have collaborated to create a collaboration of confidence and excitement. As much as I applaud and root for women-owned businesses, I also believe in transparency. With all the above being said, Frankies Bikinis is not the most sustainable company. Djerf Avenue actively makes an effort to be sustainable, even including a resale platform of their clothing to be as circular as possible, and they have always been very transparent about their policies and factories when it comes to their clothing. Frankies Bikinis doesn't usually use eco-friendly products, and there is no apparent evidence that they have taken steps to reduce or eliminate harmful or toxic chemicals from their production lines and swimwear. Frankies Bikinis don't publish sufficient information about their practices, from production to labor; there is a lack of direction.
A Sustainable Investment?
This collaboration caught my attention because of how much Djerf's company tries to practice sustainability and how transparent they have been throughout their journey, especially with further elements such as labor. These two brands have created a timeless and highly fashionable clothing collection and curated a beautiful drop. Still, if you're paying over $200 USD for a bikini set, I would not only want it to be sustainably sourced, but I would want the company producing it to be explicit in its practices.
via Djerf Avenue on Instagram
It was surprising to see a brand such as Djerf's work with a brand that leaves something to be desired ethically. As someone who has always loved Djerf Avenue and loved seeing their factories and how they produce their clothes, I question what went into making this decision. Frankies Bikinis undoubtedly empowers women, and I can recognize how important that is, but it is just as important to push ethically sourced clothing. If anything, this collaboration should produce an amazing line. Hopefully, Djerf Avenue will have some insight or influence on Frankie's Bikinis. They are a progressive brand, but I want to see them improve their transparency and take that extra step to help the environment.
By Ani Grigsby
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