Sliding into a supermodel’s DMs is often unsuccessful—a fact Candice Swanepoel is quick to acknowledge—but when Francisco Costa popped up in her inbox, she felt compelled to respond. A self-professed fangirl of the Brazilian designer’s work, first as the women’s creative director of Calvin Klein and now as the founder of sustainable beauty line Costa Brazil, she admits that his 2000s-era looks were prominently featured in the debut brand brand book for her eco-conscious swimwear label, Tropic of C. “Minimalist perfection,” she says of Costa’s sleek and thoughtfully considered pieces.
It makes sense, then, that the two would team up for a collaboration that both honors and directly benefits the environment, specifically Conservation International (a.k.a. CI). Costa announced the forthcoming limited-edition bathing suit, co-designed by himself and Swanepoel, to an intimate group at Soho Beach House in Miami on Saturday night, at a dinner toasting CI’s efforts to protect and restore ecosystems at a global scale. Lais Ribeiro, Isabela Grutman, and Ana Khouri, dressed in breezy separates and skin-baring tops fit for the warm weather, were in attendance to celebrate. (All proceeds from the collection will directly benefit CI.)
“It’s been lovely to see how generous she [Swanepoel] is, and how somebody of her stature and voice can make a difference,” said Costa to the crowd, before thanking CI and ELLE for their continued support and co-hosting the event. As models mingled with each other and enjoyed the family-style dinner of burrata, grilled sea bass and broccolini, and skirt steak, rain clouds formed overhead; fortunately, a light drizzle didn’t stop anyone from relishing in the tropical climate. “We are here for the environment,” quipped my seatmate, pointing toward the full table of guests, who laughed and posed as Polaroid cameras authentically captured the casual, slightly wet, vibe.
Claire Stern is the Deputy Editor of ELLE.com. Previously, she served as Editor at Bergdorf Goodman. Her interests include fashion, food, travel, music, Peloton, and The Hills—not necessarily in that order. She used to have a Harriet the Spy notebook and isn’t ashamed to admit it.
