INSPIRATION: Gold Coast Trading

Speaking of Wanderlust (our last post), we want to share some amazing photos courtesy of Gold Coast Trading, a clothing line and corresponding journal that spotlights African culture, history and imagery.

The Drifting Arrow

UPDATE: Sneak Peek for 2013

CABANA TIME

Missing those poolside days as Winter draws closer?  We suggest you bring the cabana inside, a la mosquito netting......

In the Wild: Rachel

The Kure bikini, out in the wild, getting some awesome Summer action.  Thanks for sharing Rache!!

FREE SHIPPING!

That means domestic AND international!

IN THE PRESS: Vancouver Magazine

IN THE PRESS: Bleach Black

STOCKIST: Maryam Nassir Zadeh

Drifting Arrows is a long-time fan of the retailer Maryam Nassir Zadeh.  Located in NYC's Lower East Side, this shop has a unique atmosphere.....equal parts art gallery and boutique.  Extremely well curated and beautifully merchandised, we are honored to be among their offerings.  Here are some of their stunning photos of DA. (Note: the Maré top is styled with the straps crossing in front, which looks really great!)

IN THE PRESS: Seattle Met

How did you end up in Seattle?

My parents met in Seattle before they went to Africa and I was born. When we returned to the states permanently, we settled back in Seattle. I was here up until I started high school, which is when we relocated to Maui. Then, a few years after graduating, I decided to come back to Seattle, and I've been here ever since.

How do you think living in Africa and Maui influenced what you design and the Drifting Arrows demographic?

My time on Maui was a huge influence, as I was basically living in a bikini for all those years. I was also introduced to surfing there, and I was exposed to the "resort" lifestyle. When you live in a place like Maui, you get to enjoy these amazing resorts without all the travel and expense of actually staying at one. I think it was the combination of the beach culture and surfing lifestyle, as well as the luxury of these resorts, that really influenced my concept and designs. I love making pieces that you can live in and are practical, but I also love adding some pieces that are really elegant and make a statement.

What is your personal favorite of your collection?

I wear the Kure—a high waisted bikini—the most. When I am looking to soak up a little sun, I often pair the Kure top with the Maré bottoms. 

What kinds of projects do you have in the works now?

I am working on the next collection, for 2013, which I am really excited about.  I'll be introducing a whole new color palette and prints into the line.  

What's your favorite thing about living in the Pacific Northwest?

I love having water all around me. I love all the different bodies of water we get to enjoy here, from Lake Washington to the Puget Sound. I live in Ballard and particularly love that area because it is like it's own little independent town. It's only a 15 minute drive to downtown, and you can still smell the ocean in the air.

IN THE PRESS: Daily Candy, Of a Kind, and NBC's Thread NY

INSPIRATION: Ran Ortner

Falling in love with the story and works of artist Ran Ortner.  His life long passion for surfing shows through in his gigantic, masterful pieces.  Ortner's quoted in The Sun Magazine saying "You do not mess with the ocean.  It will pummel you and chew you up.  It is devastatingly brutal.  And yet it can be luminous and delicate and tender.  We clean out wounds there."

 

IN THE PRESS: Citizens of Culture

Thanks so much to Chloe at Citizens of Culture for the great interview and feature on Drifting Arrows and Craft & Culture.  Also, congrats to Craft & Culture on the launch of the first issue of their printed journal, Ledger!

Let's Go "Camping"

IN THE PRESS: FreshJess

We got a nice feature in a Seattle-based lifestyle blog, FreshJess, thanks for the love!  The interview and photos are by Craft & Culture....check out the Drifting Arrows look book they made specially for their site!  Here's a sneak peek:

WEB STORE COMING SOON

Drifting Arrows is very excited to announce our web store will soon be up and running.  All styles, colors and sizes will be available and we'll be offering great shipping rates for domestic and international orders.  Stay posted!

IN THE PRESS: Racked Seattle

Thanks to Allison at Seattle Racked for the feature! 

SUMMER LOUNGING

On the hunt for the perfect hammock and beach chairs.  Wouldn't mind lounging in these:

STOCKIST: Craft and Culture

Craft and Culture is the first stockist to have our line up on their site, and it looks great!

Craft and Culture formed in early 2011 with the goal of introducing talented and independent designers to an audience of like-minded people. They felt many amazing artisans, specifically in the worlds of fashion and home objects were lacking the platform and exposure they needed to find their audience. By creating a space that values the stories, processes and ideas of these designers, they present one-of-a-kind products in a unique way.

Drifting Arrows is thrilled to be working with this great site!

The Cure

The cure for anything is salt water.
Sweat, tears or the ocean.

-Tina Crespo

DEAR SUMMER, ARE YOU HERE YET?

From the top:
Sunglasses by Karen Walker, available at Summerland
Dress by Isabel Marant, available at Maryam Nassir Zadeh
Sandals by J.Crew
Bag made in Morocco, available at Brook Farm General Store

TRANSPORT ME

Another Maui visit, another batch of inspiring sites! The last picture was especially inspiring.
From the top: Cafe Des Amis, Pi'iholo rooster, Red Sand Beach, palm tree, another beautiful sunset from Kula, Maui monster truck.