EXCLUSIVE: Elsa Hosk Teams With Heavy Manners for Retro-inspired Swimwear Collection — ‘It’s My Favorite Collab I’ve Ever Done’
Heavy Manners is collaborating with supermodel Elsa Hosk on a line of vintage-inspired swimwear, WWD has learned exclusively.
“People know that this is the swim I wear,” Hosk said. “I’ve even seen comments on my Instagram saying, ‘When is the collab coming?’ It was just so organic.”
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Launching May 20, the collection features 48 swimwear pieces available in eight new prints and two metallic shades. Hosk also fronts the collection’s campaign, which was photographed by Cameron Hammond on location in St. John.
The former Victoria’s Secret Angel has been a supporter of Heavy Manners since its inception in 2019. According to founder Lisa Caprio, she quickly became one of the brand’s most loyal customers.
“Before anything comes out, I’ll send Elsa the whole look book before anyone else has it,” Caprio added.
Hosk and Caprio had never formally met before collaborating — their friendship, which was once confined to Instagram DMs, has blossomed into a mutual admiration.
“Lisa does everything on her own, and I have so much respect for that,” Hosk said. “When you can support a female entrepreneur that’s building something really good, that’s so important to me, because since launching my own brand, I know how much work it is.”
Hosk founded her clothing line, Helsa, in 2022. The brand, which specializes in elevated basics, is primarily influenced by her Scandinavian heritage. Though Hosk initially considered incorporating Helsa branding in her Heavy Manners collection, she ultimately decided against it.
“I don’t do swimwear for Helsa because it’s more clean and simple,” Hosk explained. “With swim, you should really allow yourself to have fun. Maybe you wouldn’t wear certain prints to a business meeting, but with a swimsuit you can go outside of the box.”
Heavy Manners is best known for its bold patterns and sultry, ’90s-inspired cuts — funky florals, colorful stripes and gingham styles comprise some of its bestselling pieces.
After cultivating a following among Gen Z “It” girls like Kendall and Kylie Jenner, Hailey Bieber and Dua Lipa, Caprio’s swimwear brand has expanded into ready to wear and made-to-order jewelry. Made in small batches in Portugal, Heavy Manners prioritizes ethical production.
Hosk’s collection marks the label’s first-ever collaboration. Caprio couldn’t think of anyone else she’d rather partner with.
“It was really about getting to work with Elsa as an entrepreneur, brand owner and creative before it was about making a collaboration,” Caprio said.
Tapping into Heavy Manners’ penchant for nostalgia, Hosk provided Caprio with plenty of retro inspiration.
“I had a lot of vintage ’90s gowns that we were influenced by,” Hosk explained. “For the metallics, we looked at a lot of Guy Bourdin photos from the ’70s.”
Elsa Hosk x Heavy Manners Swimwear Collection and Campaign [PHOTOS]
True to the brand’s staple pieces, the Elsa Hosk x Heavy Manners collection spotlights vibrant hues, but incorporating more minimalist options was also a must.
“Everybody wears swim on vacation,” Hosk said. “You can match your surroundings too, so if you go somewhere tropical, you can wear a tropical print. You go somewhere chic, you can wear the clean one with the bows. There’s something for everyone.”
Even though their first collaboration hasn’t formally launched, Hosk and Caprio are already brainstorming more ideas.
“We both still have so many more things that we want to do together,” Caprio mentioned. “It was very difficult for us to stop where we stopped. We could’ve just kept going.”
“This is my favorite collab I’ve ever done,” Hosk added. “It was so seamless, easy and fun.”
Available in sizes XS to XXL, the Elsa Hosk x Heavy Manners collection will be available exclusively on heavymanners.com. Prices range from $107 to $158.
Launch Gallery: Elsa Hosk x Heavy Manners Swimwear Collection and Campaign [PHOTOS]
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