Blame It On Rio: U.S. Men's Retailer Makes a Splash with Swimwear from Brazil

Provided by: Universal Gear

Washington, D.C. (June 10, 2002)...When most of us think of Brazil, we think of beautiful beaches with scantily-clad tanned bodies. And for aficionados of the sport, perhaps the name also conjures up soccer balls, Pele and yellow jerseys-especially now in the midst of World Cup fever. But for one retailer in particular, Brazil has become something new: an amazing source of new trends in swimwear.

Universal Gear, a young men's fashion retailer headquartered in Washington, DC traveled to Rio de Janeiro this past winter in search of the latest summer styles. "Our interest developed a few years ago when a friend came back from a family vacation in Brazil with amazing bathing suits," states David Franco, President and co-founder of the 4-store chain. "We finally decided it was time for us to explore that opportunity further." Keith Clark, the company's Vice President adds, "What really appealed to us was the combination of great fabrics, amazing new designs and great wholesale prices."

Though the suits have only recently arrived to officially kick off the summer season, the company has found the customer responses to be extremely positive so far. According to Director of Marketing, Ricardo Zapata, "Our customers tend to be fashion-forward, early adopters of fashion, so they're always on the look-out for new cuts or designs, so this collection really appeals to them." Perhaps the most interesting twist of the collection is a swimsuit called the Army Cut-which is wider on the sides than your average bikini, though not quite a squarecut-a style that has become the most popular cut in Brazil for men of all ages. The suits are also meant to be worn lower on the hips for a sexier fit, highlighting the lower abdominals, elongating the torso and accentuating the customer's backside.

Another key thread that runs throughout the collection is the occurrence of tie-dye in bright color-ways. Though tie-dye made a fierce comeback into fashion last Spring (that has continued throughout this season's collection), this extension into swimwear is at once daring and sexy.

The company-which targets young men by offering fashionable casualwear, underwear and accessories from top designer names like G-Star, Energie, Diesel, DKNY, Kenneth Cole, French Connection, Lucky Brand, Adidas, 2(x)ist and others-hopes to continue looking South for new lines that stand out.

About the Author:

Universal Gear
Universal Gear carries men's clothing, swimwear, underwear and accessories from top designers like Diesel, G-Star, Energie, Calvin Klein, Kenneth Cole, 2(x)ist, Levi's, Adidas and more. Great selection, secure checkout and fast shipping.

Universal Gear currently operates three retail locations in Washington, D.C. (1601 17th St., NW 202/319.0136), Chicago, Illinois (3153 N. Broadway 773/296.1090) and New York City (140 8th Avenue 212/206.9119) as well as an online store (www.universalgear.com) which is now in its third year of operation. Through these outlets, Universal Gear has established a solid reputation as a high-quality provider of clothing and accessories for the fashion-conscious man. The company has also signed an intent to lease agreement in Atlanta's trendy Midtown neighborhood-the second step in the company's expansion plan of opening 5 new stores by 2005.