Melissa Makan is the lady behind the eponymous MAKAN brand which launches this year with a collection of luxury, limited edition, contoured swimwear: the MONO collection. Melissa has a rich fashion career working with the luxury PPR group Pinault Printemp Redoute but it was whilst struggling to find swimwear to take to a friend’s wedding overseas Melissa realised there was a gap in the market. Pamela Scott finds out more.
This distinctive new brand will make its first appearance in March 2013 and offers a capsule collection combining design, bust support and body contour. Melissa Makan has spent over a year researching the global market and meeting with both retailers and manufacturers before planning the brand. Along the way she supplemented her fashion know-how with specialist training from both the London College of Fashion and the De Montfort University, leaving no stone unturned in her pursuit of the creation of the ultimate swimwear label. “I wanted to produce swimwear that created beautiful lines, was trend influenced, supported the bust and sculpted the body 360° – and that meant a log of research and testing,” laughs Melissa.
The swimwear is engineered using only the finest hand sourced materials: Italian fabrics mould, contour and shape the body with beautifully shaped cups which work with the hidden bust support in some garments. The luxurious power fabrics contour the body to create a stunning silhouette. “It was one of the most challenging tasks I had when researching and designing the Mono Collection – to find exactly the right fabrics for the ideas I had. However I believe I have the right components and I am really happy to say that the ranges are all manufactured in the UK,” adds Melissa.
Vibrant colour drenched tomato reds and clean, graphic monochromatic colours offer a wealth of designs – both fashion forward and bold. Each piece is entirely hand made with some garments encrusted in monochrome tones of Swarovski elements. Melissa adds, “I worked with a team that were not only highly skilled in swimwear but were forward thinking and had a ‘can do’ approach.” The results speak for themselves: an inspirational and aspirational luxury beachwear brand which celebrates the female shape, creating perfect fit and contour with quality and discreet embellishment.
Melissa sees the brand positioned in top department stores and exclusive resorts and will be working with selected retail outlets. She intends to maintain client exclusivity with limited production and prices retailing between £200 to £300. The ‘one to one’ approach will be continued throughout the website and all garments will be luxuriously wrapped and packaged. “I am very excited to launch the MAKAN brand with the MAKAN MONO collection and those who register at www.makanswimwear.com will be notified when the full collection is unveiled,” adds Melissa.
And what of 2014 and beyond? “I have been researching body shapes throughout the world and want to extend the collection so it can be offered to a global audience – its essential characteristics should charm women everywhere.”
For more information on MAKAN swimwear contact Melissa on 07919 164112.
