KEVA by Keva J Swimwear Is Stylehive's Next Big Thing! - Stylehive

It takes a pretty incredible collection of swimwear to get me (and many others, I presume) excited about bikinis and bandeaus in the middle of winter. Meet Keva Johnson, whose year-round, endless passion and excitement for swimwear has easily rendered her line KEVA by Keva J one to watch in the coming year. With funky yet functional styling, edgy, high-fashion cuts, and influences ranging from New York City to Rastafarian culture, it's safe to say the Brooklyn-born designer is full of surprises! Her philosophy is clear- she says "Fierce. Edgy. Unique." is at the essence of her swimwear- and after one glance, it's easy to see why, though I've definitely been fixated on her entire Spring collection for some time now! I spoke to Keva about what attracted her to swimwear, her favorite designers, and the other areas of fashion she plans on exploring. Read on to see what she had to say, and check out the slideshow for swimsuits unlike anything you've ever seen.

Stylehive: What attracted you to swimwear design?
Keva: I have always loved Rosa Cha swimsuits, they are incredible. Every season I would always see designers include swimsuits in their ready-to-wear collections. I remember one season Roberto Cavalli (who I just adore) did a series of black and white swimsuits at the end of his runway show and I thought it was just phenomenal. So from there I knew I wanted to do swimwear but with ready-to-wear, but instead I just ended up making a whole line!

Stylehive: You cite "Fierce. Edgy. Unique." as your philosophy, your essence. Tell us how this translates into your swimwear.
Keva: Fierce, edgy, and unique- this is the essence of my designs. See I believe in that in fashion design, in order to stand out, designers must set their own trends. My goal is to create a line of totally different swimwear that is still functional. Throughout my line you will see a lot of funky necklines and different back designs. I think the nape of a womens back is one of the sexiest parts of the body, so I focus on the back as well. It's almost like a surprise- you never know what to expect. My swimsuits are definitely not predictable!

Stylehive: It seems like we're seeing fewer bikinis and two-pieces and more one-pieces- what do you think is the reason for this?
Keva: I think the reason we are seeing more one pieces is because there was a time when one pieces were very boring. A lot of women didn't feel sexy in them because they were very plain and monotone. I think thats why for the past couple seasons the bikini was so hot. Now what's so great about it is that the one-pieces now almost look like two pieces and you can still feel sexy and sophisticated without baring it all. Some of the one pieces are sexier than the bikinis. With my one pieces, a lot of people tell me they prefer them over the two pieces. I don't think the one piece swimsuit has ever been so "hip."

Stylehive: Where do you get your inspiration?
Keva: This is a hard one- a lot of things inspire me! For my first collection, this was sort of my "coming out" into the fashion world. I knew I wanted to do edgy pieces that were different, so i decided to go with black and white. They are traditional colors but when used in the right way they can be so fierce! This collection started out with two swimsuits and a t-shirt and expanded into a 25 piece collection. I also get inspiration from my Caribbean background- my whole family is from Jamaica and in my first collection, I have some white suits with red/green/gold suspenders ( which are the Rastafarian colors). Also, New York inspires me as well- there is fashion all around and I love the city (despite the cold weather)! The last thing that inspired me for my collection was the fabric. Sometimes I sketch the design first and then find the fabric, or vice versa. Ultimately, in the end, when I put the fabric on the dress form, I let the ideas come to me. I am constantly changing my ideas back and forth, but in the end the result is always good!

Stylehive: Tell us about your upcoming Keva Couture line.
Keva: Well, I love designing dresses! My dream is to show a ready-to-wear collection underneath the tents at Bryant Park (stay tuned!). I do have a couple of dresses that I have designed; right now they are not in a collection. I plan to have one by Spring 2010 or Fall 2011. I already had a dress that was published in the April issue of Zink magazine. Definitely expect edgy and sexy pieces like my swimwear, and a lot of draping!

Stylehive: Who are your favorite swimwear designers and fashion designers in general?
Keva: My favorite swimwear designer is Rosa Cha. My favorite designers in general are Zac Posen, Roberto Cavalli, Versace, Iceberg, Carlos Miele, Donna Karan, and Elie Saab.

Stylehive: We hear you're planning on launching a handbag/accessories line- what can we expect to see?
Keva: My handbags and accessories line- well first of all, I love accessories! I own so many earrings and bracelets it's ridiculous! But I believe that a girl can never have too much of anything! I think accessories can make or break an outfit. I love the whole rocker chic look- the big bangles with the studs and chain links. So definitely those will be some key pieces in the accessory line! I want to launch that line as soon as this swimwear line takes off (which will be very soon). I will definitely keep you guys updated on the release of my accessory line!

Stylehive: Best advice for swimsuit shopping?
Keva: When shopping for swimsuits, I would say it's always good to find a suit that complements a woman's body and her best features! The purpose of a suit is to show a little skin, theres no harm in that. You can definitely be sexy and chic without being too revealing!

Stylehive: And finally... any future plans or goals?
Keva: Well KEVA By Keva J will be a household name for sure! I plan to be in boutiques all over and major department stores like Henri Bendel, Bloomingdale's, and Bergdorf Goodman. I want to have my own flagship store eventually. Five years from now I see my designs being worn by all the big names in the industry as well as all the fashionistas out there!

See the entire KEVA by Keva J collection and contact Keva at www.itskaotic.com.