DSO: We are so excited to be launching Fisch Swim at Mode Sportif. Could you share with us a story of how the brand came to life?

AF: FISCH is an eco-innovative label inspired by my childhood spent on Saint Barthélemy snorkelling and exploring the island’s wildlife. The brand was born from the desire to create statement swimwear with a superior fit and timeless design that helped to clean waste from the ocean.

 

DSO: What is your brand ethos?

AF: The FISCH ethos is about being original and having an appreciation for the unique - from beautiful aquatic life to interior design, art, film and everyday objects. This really comes out in the prints and colour schemes I develop - I hope to give customers something they want but that they also weren’t expecting.

 

 

 

DSO: Your brand’s focus is on producing responsibly - could you tell us a bit about the different raw materials your work with? Why have you selected these fabrics?

AF: I work primarily with ECONYL® which I came across doing research online in 2015, and at the same time I found the Italian textile manufacturer that I currently work with, so I didn’t really explore any alternatives. ECONYL® is a 100% regenerated nylon fibre crafted from abandoned fishing nets and other types of nylon waste. I was curious and made some samples in late 2015 that I wore around St. Barths. The quality of the fabric exceeded my expectations and at that time very few brands were using ECONYL®. I created something I liked and saw an opportunity to give it a try and by summer 2017 FISCH launched a small little collection online.

 

DSO: How do you approach each new collection? What’s your creative process?

AF: I approach each new collection by diving into my print archives and seeing what I must play around with for prints and what I’m really liking at that moment as well as what my customers ask for.  I spend a lot of time researching colour when I develop the prints and every hue is closely identified before I submit to the printer.  

I also like to find inspiration looking over the artwork and colour schemes of my favourite artists and especially now that I have a new apartment, interior design.  Especially unique vintage finds ranging from Art Deco to the 70s. I try not to follow trends too closely and stick to classic silhouettes that are tried and true season after season.

 

DSO: What is your favourite piece from the Mode Edit?

AF: I actually have two favourites, my first is the Coquillage and Flamands set in Safari Green because I love this colour - it looks great on every skin tone and is very versatile between seasons. I have this style in every color. Elegant yet sexy and flattering -It is my favorite fit.  My second is the Taini and Petit in Blue Sail with the matching pareo. The Taini and Petit are two very sexy new silhouettes that I think the FISCH girl will love playing around with. I’m also very excited to finally be launching pareos this season - it’s a beach staple I personally use all the time.