We're exploring designer swimwear Poko Pano in our Designer Profile series this time, with the background of the brand and designer this week, and a continuation of Poko Pano's profile next week:





Poko Pano was launched in Sao Paulo, Brazil in 1988 by designer Paola Robba and since then established itself as one the top swimwear brands in the world. In 2002, Poko Pano was invited to participate in the prestigious Sao Paulo Fashion Week, reinforcing its position as a trend-setter in the swimwear industry. Poko Pano is known for innovative silhouettes and designs in demand the world over - currently 40% of the brand's annual production is destined for export in over 20 countries. Poko Pano also has a strong presence in the U.S. designer swimwear market, where it began showcasing its collections in the distinguished Mercedes Benz Fashion Week runways in 2008. The brand has been featured in magazines such as Vogue, People, Elle, Star, Life & Style and Sports Illustrated - Swimsuit Edition and worn by celebrities including Beyonce, Marisa Miller, Elle MacPherson, among others.

In 2006, designer Paola Robba launched a homonymous label focused on the high-end, luxury swimwear market. While the Poko Pano line is filled with fun, colorful prints in basic designs, The Paola Robba segment (or Poko Pano Couture) creations represent a glamorous, cosmopolitan lifestyle with classic colors and refined cuts.

Brazilian designer Paola Robba used to create swimwear for her dolls as a hobby in her teenage years, an early indication of the skill she would later utilize to launch one of the most successful swimwear brands in the industry. Paola has a degree in Business Administration, but her passion for swimwear fashion led her to hire a seamstress and begin producing bikinis from her own garage. She launched a label appropriately called 'Le Garage' where she sold her creations at a friend's clothing store and to close friends. Paola later decided to change the name of the brand to Poko Pano, considering it more Brazilian and a better representation of her creations. After almost 20 years of continued success with Poko Pano, Paola Robba sees the need to meet the growing demands of the luxury swimwear segment and launches the sophisticated Paola Robba para Poko Pano label in 2006.

Stay tuned next week for Part II of our Designer Profile with Poko Pano!

Tags: Designer Profiles, Poko Pano

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