Meet Emily LaPlume | Founder & Designer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Emily LaPlume and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Emily, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?
I started Saturday Swimwear during my junior year of college after not being able to find a swimsuit that was comfortable, functional, and fashionable. After graduating college, I decided to take a step back from the company and continue traveling the world. During my travels, I noticed the direct impact that fast fashion and overconsumption were having on the environment and developing communities around the world. This inspired me to take a deep look at Saturday Swimwear and shift the entire focus towards sustainability.

What should our readers know about your business?
Saturday Swimwear was founded on the idea that as designers and creators we must also be movers and change-makers. We aim to protect where we play by putting people over profit and the environment at the forefront of everything we do.

We are a women-owned, family-run company. Each of our pieces is ethically made in Portland, Oregon using the highest quality materials available that have the lowest environmental impact possible. Short-cuts have never been part of our process.

By creating functional, high-quality swimsuits, we aim to inspire consumers and retailers to be more conscious about the products they are purchasing and the brands they are supporting.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I live in the beautiful town of Bend, Oregon, where we are surrounded by amazing mountains, lakes, and rivers. Bend is also home to 20+ local breweries that are a must-visit if you like beer. Depending on the season, Mt. Bachelor is a destination for great winter skiing/snowboarding and summers are great for downhill mountain biking. With half a dozen food truck lots, there is always some new food to try and great variety. Overall, if you like beer, food, and being outside, you will never get bored in Bend.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Saturday Swimwear has been a community effort from the very start. My sister has Molly helped with everything from cutting and sewing suits, to promotional events, moral support, and everything in between. I also need to give a huge shout out to the countless models and photographers who have so generously traded their time and expertise to helping me make Saturday Swimwear a reality.

Website: www.saturdayswimwear.com

Instagram: instagram.com/saturdayswimwear

Facebook: Facebook.com/saturdayswimwear

Image Credits
Lauren Howland, Lisa Cantin, Jared Watts, Morgan Karanasios