Bunny Shapiro, our new favorite jewelry designer is actually Canadian, however, worked for the New York’s fashion industry for over ten years and suddenly decided to quit her job and move to Puerto Vallarta.
Shapiro is a graduate of the New York Fashion Institute of Technology and the University of Western Ontario Canada. During her time in New York, she worked as a display designer for Bloomingdale’s—a luxury department store owned by Macy’s—and for other brands such as Ralph Lauren and Chanel. How we adore that!
“In November 2015, I decided I wanted to move somewhere warm, tropical, and maybe teach English. I had visited Tulum with a friend and was amazed by the beauty of Mexico, all the colors and people who live in this nation. So I looked for opportunities as an English teacher in this country and subsequently moved to Puerto Vallarta”, Bunny explains.
A few months after her arrival, she stumbled upon a beads supplier and started making bracelets and necklaces. Very quickly, acquaintances, family, and friends started buying up Bunny’s pieces, so she decided to develop her jewelry line and start an online business.
Thanks to the success of her accessories, she opened her boutique in July 2016 and is still going strong even during the Covid event we all have been experiencing. Bunny has been fulfilling order after order with so many clients now shopping online from home.
We recently discovered all the one-of-a-kind items available at her lovely boutique—including artworks, fabulous candles, and pieces from other local artists and suppliers—and we at Surfchic didn’t want to miss the opportunity to give you a glimpse of its offerings and fabulousness.
When asked about the inspiration for her line, Bunny will tell you it has everything to do with color, freedom, and being free “I don’t design anything with a particular market or style in mind. I make whatever feels fun with lots of love and care, and more than anything, I think people are responding to that sentiment.”
Bunny uses Shakira and glass seed beads to make her bracelets and necklaces. The silver pieces she puts together in her designs come from a local silversmith.
Bunny describes her line as a kaleidoscope of colors.
Stones are also an important element of her line.
What a divine experience!
Photos by: Paul Desmond @pauldesmond
Just as there is a beach for every mood, there is a swimsuit to fit every lifestyle. This is the main feature of Skyler Swimwear, a bikini brand founded by Skyler, a young designer from Beverly Hills, who arrived in our destination in 2010 when her family decided to move to Punta Mita, a place she considers
her home and which has served as her muse for each of her creations.
“I am sure that living in Vallarta • Nayarit was what motivated me to undertake the design of swimwear. Since I was born in a ‘concrete jungle,’ but grew up in this spectacular beach destination, all my inspiration is based on the fusion of these two worlds in which I have lived,” Skyler shares.
SEASONAL
COLLECTIONS
Skyler Swimwear was launched in December 2018. “The general concept of the brand is to create a collection of two-piece swimwear with minimalist, simple, natural designs and without prints, so that they become essential items in every woman’s wardrobe, while offering a more personalized experience through the combination of different styles.”
ENERGY was Skyler’s debut collection and consists of five sets of different designs, all available in black, white and red, the brand’s signature colors.
“I like to think that, with this first season, I managed to convey a feeling of confidence among women who wear a bikini, as this garment awakens a characteristic energy in each of them.”
2020 is the name of her second collection, which pays tribute to the spring-summer season. “The creative process of this new collection was very interesting, because if ENERGY was the introduction to the concept of my brand, in 2020 the central theme is inner discovery.”
To create this second season, Skyler took as a reference the style used by renowned designer Tom Ford for some Gucci collections he created in the late 1990s and early 2000s. “These are five new pieces available in the brand’s colors, but cocoa and green were added, which I love because in addition to being present in nature, they contribute to highlighting the skin tone and type, which reinforces women’s security and freedom.”
CREATION OF
THE BRAND
In addition to our destination’s lush landscape, Skyler Swimwear’s origin was in catwalks and photo shoots.
“When I was 15, I started modeling. At that stage I felt very creative, and that awakened in me the need to make an impact with some design ideas I had. It was during my last year of high school that I really started with the project, as I was making some changes to bikinis I already had, besides making sketches about some ideas that could be useful. Then, little by little, I got in touch with people who knew about the swimwear design and production industry, who guided me until I was able to create my own brand.”
CREATIVE PROCESS
For Skyler, a swimsuit is much more than a piece of clothing; it represents an entire lifestyle. “Since my arrival in Vallarta • Nayarit, I have always enjoyed spending time by the ocean. My swimsuits are designed to be comfortable and to offer more freedom of movement. In addition, each piece is designed to fit the various lifestyles this destination allows you to experience.”
“Once I conceive the model, I make different sketches until I get the ideal design. In addition, I like to get involved in the production process, to choose the best materials and, above all, to obtain the distinctive look in each of my bikinis.”
RELATIONSHIP WITH
THE DESTINATION
The next natural step for Skyler is brand building. To achieve this, her strategy includes the introduction of her swimsuits in different popup stores in the destination and the organization of events with dynamic catwalks that will feature special guests.
“Through Skyler Swimwear I want to emphasize that, in addition to the excellent lifestyle our destination offers, this wonderful bay is home to very creative and talented people. In fact, due to all the attributes it possesses, both visitors and residents are privileged to enjoy this wonderful place,” she concludes.
Photos by: Anne Menke and Hossek
In less than two decades, the magical peninsula known as Punta Mita has blossomed from a small fishing village into a highly exclusive, international residential resort community where residents and visitors come to breathe in the salty air of the Banderas Bay, admire the starry night sky or sneak away to one of its world-class resorts. Located on Mexico’s Riviera Nayarit, Punta Mita is bordered by the sparkling Pacific Ocean on three sides, attracting surfers, sailors and golfers, all of whom are lured by its unique geography, pristine white sand beaches and stunning scenery.
Punta Mita reveals the beauty, details and spirit that have made its star rise so rapidly from its iconic design style, unmatched sense of community and devotion to its natural abundance. And this is only the beginning.
Punta Mita is an ultra-luxurious, 1,500-acre resort and residential gated community situated in the Riviera Nayarit, north of Puerto Vallarta. It lies on a private spear-shaped peninsula surrounded by white sand beaches, Pacific Ocean waters and lush tropical flora. Punta Mita is home to private villas, residences, and two Five-Diamond rated resorts: The St. Regis Punta Mita Resort and Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita–both ranked 2018 Top Resorts by Conde Nast Traveler Magazine. Punta Mita also offers four Resident’s Beach Clubs, two Jack Nicklaus Signature Championship Golf Courses, and PBI Tennis Center. Pacifico Golf Course is best known for its famous island green, “The Tail of the Whale,” the world’s only natural ocean island green. For more information, please visit http://www.puntamita.com.
Punta Mita book by Lynne Bairstow and Carl Emberson.
The SKYLER Swimwear Collection is coming to Punta Mita with two exciting pop-up events. A brand named after its 21-year-old designer, Skyler was born in California, but moved to Mexico at the age of 12, growing up on the beaches of Punta Mita.
Influenced by the beauty, lifestyle, and the power and energy of the ocean of Punta Mita, she has created a stylish yet functional swimwear collection, with mix-and-match pieces meant to enhance any figure, perfect for both lounging or active use.
The SKYLER Energy collection is the first to be launched as a grouping of essential pieces: five tops and five bottoms, designed with a focus on fit and high-end, quality fabrics.
You can experience the SKYLER swimwear concept at two fun pop-up boutiques from 12:00 pm to 5:00 pm with a live DJ to add to the atmosphere, at Pacífico Beach Club on Friday, April 19th or Kupuri Beach Club and Saturday, April 20th, and support this young, local Punta Mita designer.
When visiting Punta Mita from Los Angeles stop by the Beverly Hills Bikinishop to grab your essential bikini wardrobe to outfit your vacation from Skyler Swimwear.
Instagram: @SKYLERSWIMWEAR
Skyler Swimwear’s Official Site: https://skylerswimwear.com/
Press inquiry please contact cherylwoodcock4@icloud.com
Photo credits – Hosseck
Art Direction by Alt Creative Agency
Hair by Colorisimo
We are in gratitude for our beautiful offices at the Vallarta Lifestyles Media Group (VLMG) – the leading publishing group in Puerto Vallarta and Riviera Nayarit – where we create our dreams journeys and ideas that inspire us everyday. We invite you to have at look at this modern and dynamic work space. Join us in our Surfchic adventures on Land Sea and Imagination in this captivating Tropical Paradise.
Video @storyof_jero
Revolucion del Sueno is the meeting between a Designing French couple who made Sayulita their home with Mexican history Traditions and Designs – paired with their French modern heritage.
The couple decided to move to Mexico with their 2 children for the love of the Colors Sun Surf and authentic Surf Culture. Each creation in their shop is produced in small workshops, with limited quantity in order to frequently offer it’s customers new designs an exclusive creations.
This is truly one of my favorite shops in Sayulita. I never leave the town without some fabulous treasure or creation from this divine store after a day of Surfing with my children. For me, their store nestled in the Surfing village next to the sea is all that being a “Surf Chic” family represents. It is the perfect store for Gifts and treasure for ages.
I sat down with the owners Laetitia Dijan and Nicolas. They were kind and generous to treat me to a delicious cafe latte sprinkled with cinnamon – of course keeping in fashion with the melding of the French and Mexican culture – along with the flavor.
I asked them what the actual meaning of the stores’ name and what it represents. They proceeded to tell me that it was inspired as a “Dream Revolution”- The French designers lovingly proclaim themselves to be:
1) Where did the inspiration for your flagship store in Sayulita come from?
We came to Sayulita for the holidays and we wanted to buy some gifts for our family and friends. We also knew that gifts and treasures from this beautiful town would be something that every visitor wou
ld want and enjoy. This is what first sparked our interest creations and designs for the store.
When we decided to move to Sayulita , we decided to try to create some items and gifts that visitors could bring home and use as a fashion statement in their real life after the vacation- something that could last a lifetime. When you bring home a sombrero it’s very nice but after some time perhaps you really would not be able to use it everyday as a fashion piece as fashion is always changing. However – We adore the Mexican sombrero and feel that it is an important part of the Mexican culture and heritage. We sell them and love them hope our customers will continue to bring them home and use as a fashion piece for some time or decoration. With our designs we really wanted to do something with a Mexican touch but modern flair. This is our inspiration.
2) Why did you choose to open your store and actually live in Mexico ?
We fell in love with Mexico, so we decided to live first in Sayulita and realized it was the perfect place for us to raise our children and enjoy a beautiful lifestyle. We traveled all through Mexico and after many months we found Sayulita and just fell in love and decided to call it home.
3) Is everything in your store made in Mexico?
Yes-almost-95 % is made in Mexico. If we import something it’s only because it was imposible to find in Mexico however that is very rare with the theme of our store.
4) What are your personal favorite items you have in your store?
I love all of the items which are made with embroideries, hand made in Chiapas. I was always so crazy with embroideries. I worked before in India, and when I was there I too was super obsessed with all of the embroideries!
5) What are your favorite things about Sayulita, Mexico?
We feel that we can Live more freely here in Mexico than in our hometown Paris, France- We live 2 minutes from our children’s school , the shops and the beach . Everything is more easy and natural for us here. It is a wonderful lifestyle. We find that we have more time to enjoy our daughter and our lives on a daily basis. We have an amazing schedule. After work and school, we go everyday to the swimmimg pool, the beach and enjoy surfing.
6) Give our readers an idea of what they can find in your store and how they can wear them- including your fabulous blankets !
In the shop you can find a lot of different products. When we find a product in Mexico that we love – we try to see how to change it or to do something different with a more modern element and flair so that you can wear it in your everyday life and fashion.
We are also very proud to offer our 3 signature brands in the our authentic Mexican boutique:
Revolucion del Sueno – in which all designs are inspired by Mexico. We design our famous Revolution del Sueno printed tee-shirts / posters / post cards that our repeat and new customers just love.
A Mano Project – here everything is hand woven, hand embroidered in Chiapas, Puebla and Oaxaca. With all these fabrics, we are doing cushions, bags ,clutches , dresses, and trendy jean jackets … which is the latest craze.
Las Bayadas – our biggest seller- the Mexican beach blanket made in Mexico in a old factory .
7) Who inspires you the most in fashion – textiles and – design?
We are very inspired by our French culture and we like to mixed it in with our lifestyle and designs here in Mexico. We have been living here for 10 years.
From my part I travel back to France every year to inspire me and of course to keep the French touch in my work which is very important to me.
The designers that I love include: Christian Lacroix, Isabelle Marant, Mara Hoffmann and Sessun.
Hey Surf Chic Readers! – I do hope that when visiting this area – You find yourself collecting and indulging in all kinds of Surf Chic treasures from this fabulous store – You will be so happy you did!
In a word, my passion is my family. No contest. I am always looking up to the future of the next generation with such pride and passion- guiding them in a beautiful world filled with love and opportunities. I’ve had a wonderful career and know just how fortunate I am. But, my amazing husband David, daughter Skyler, and son John David will always be the center of my life. As a family, we all share a passion for the ocean, nature, surfing, adventure and travel. As such, our philanthropic focus is on the preservation and health of the ocean, earth, surrounding communities and humanity over all.
I am blessed to live in Punta Mita Mexico and in an area brimming with culture and daily adventures including an active jungle beach and surf life with my children. The irony is that after having lived in Beverly Hills for 20 years, returning to Los Angeles to work (as a special correspondent and producer for Entertainment Tonight) and visit with dear friends has become a getaway I always look forward to and absolutely relish! Especially the shopping and beauty treatments at RejuvaYou Spa in Pasadena. I LOVE my Home in Beverly Hills. However – When in Mexico – my favorite getaway is to the St. Regis hotel in Punta Mita – either for a romantic getaway with my husband or a family affair when my children can surf the perfect wave right there in front of the hotel- while we relax from fabulous Spa treatments.. The wave is called “Monuments” and rightly so. I adore the place and energy – it’s super special.
Yikes! My kids could probably name a dozen! Thankfully, I don’t think I’ve had too many embarrassing moments professionally, but as a mom, well, I think that comes with the territory. I still do not understand this Instagram etiquette- apparently- I am doing it all wrong- posting too many photos with silly hashtags- Oh but I adore Instagram and hashtags. #Love #Beauty #gratitude #Peace #livinginParadise #Surfeveryday #Beach #Jungle #happy #happy #happy – It is an Entertainment Journalist’s toy! That’s for sure! Follow me for my life in Paradise and Hollywood Glamour @CherylWoodcock
Back to the embarrassing moment-But this one took the cake for embarrassing professional moments that still resonates in my memory!
I was covering the National Democratic Convention and my Insider crew was next to Katie Couric who had just interviewed Michelle Obama’s brother. My producers said no interviews with Katie as we were not allowed at that time. But I was just standing there with a mic in my hand and we made eye contact so I thought, what the heck and started interviewing her anyway. Suddenly a fan ran up bumping into my cameraman who then proceeded to fall over a chair on to the floor at Katie’s feet. It was a comedy of errors. I was just so red faced because I felt that we had created all of this havoc around her with every major media outlet there to witness the event unfold. However, Katie could not have been more calm, cool, professional and collected about the whole thing. She was a love all the way around. I on the other hand went back to my hotel room and pulled the covers over my head-and lamented- Why do I have to be that pushy journalis- ALL the time-! Ha!
Easy. Their names are David, Skyler, and John David. Or my Family, health- faith .
Professional chocolate taster and bubble bath taker. Or a public servant-politician. My father is an attorney and was a State legislator from Oklahoma. He was a member of the house of Representatives at the time of my birth. I studied criminal justice at Arizona State University. I had planned on being a lawyer, following in my father’s footsteps, then discovered my passion and fire for television journalism. I have been at ET for a total of almost 18 years on and off and really just could not imagine having any other career. Well…… actually- I would be a really great publicist.
Coco Channel, Warren Buffet, Barry Diller, Diego Rivera, Frida Kahlo, Gabriel GarciaMarquez, Guadalupe Marin ,Ernest Hemingway, Arriana Huffington– and Nelson Mandela.
Not being prepared for an ET Interview. Sitting down and having no idea what the movie, television show or book is about. I think that happened before actually so maybe that should go under the most embarrassing moment question.
I’m living it! We call it the GYPSET life- a term coined by author Julia Chaplin- It’s a mix of the Gypsey and Jetset lifestyle. Currently-Living in a tropical bohemian esoteric paradise by the sea watching my children grow frolicking in the water-moving forward with their passion of Surfing, academic Studies and aquiring the ever so beneficial skills of being bi-ligual -Bi-cultural along with learning about other lifestyles away from the sometimes stressful conventional society. My children have the opportunity to be children- Super connected to Nature with less attachment to technology during their formative years. What a gift! We are grooming them to be world influencers. I have always adored existing in the bohemian enclaves where the authentic Gypsetters abound- being the ultimate SURF MOM on the beach with the jungle behind and my beautiful children in front taking wave after wave in the crystal blue waters of life -Then being able to hop back on a plane to the Glamorous world of Hollywood and Fashion. I especially adore coming back for the fabulous Genlux parties! I am so blessed to be living the best of both worlds!- We are off the Hossegor France again for the summer to surf the waves there- Oh I am indeed living my favorite dream.
Fortune favors the bold!
1. Alexia, tell us a bit about how you got started in this business in New York City?… and some of your professional background.
In the late 80’S as a young girl living in NYC, I got the big break by being chosen to do my apprenticeship (after having finished the required time of study-practice and getting my license); in a very well known Salon on 5th Ave & 57th; moving onto being a Junior Stylist and then a Senior one in a Soho Salon.
I had some months in LA working on Music Videos for a TV Production Co.
Then, later on Becoming a Paul Mitchell Educator once I had moved to St. Thomas, US Virgin Islands. Working for this Company taught me to present and project myself as a true professional, working as a team representing and selling a name brand and truly understand the business and creative aspect of it.
While in St. Thomas I was Chief hair designer for the “Repertory Theatre Company” during my employment in a Hair Salon until I opened my first business at the “Ritz-Carlton” St.Thomas and then moving to beautiful Puerto Vallarta and within a couple of years; opening my “Colorizimo Hair Studio” 12 years ago!
2. Why did you choose to live in Puerto Vallarta?
Vallarta is geographically blessed; with rivers,mountains and beaches, a cosmopolitan young city and an eclectic blend of foreign and Mexican residents; a combination that I happen to really enjoy!.
One can really enjoy the “surf-chic” or “beachy-trendy” lifestyle that I love…..
3. Why did you decide to specialize as a Colorist-Hair Designer?
I’m fascinated with Dimensional Hair color! Close your eyes for a minute and imagine a world without color; visualize it all in black and white… How dull and boring!!!!
Every visual is infused with color…Color is transformation; just as in nature there are many hues of one color; take a blonde for example, there are beige, platinum, ash, golden, rose-golden, yellow,etc..!
The possibilities with color are endless and a haircut compliments color and vice-versa.
4. How did you receive the name “the Queen of Highlites”?
When you’re passionate about something, clients feel it, see it and vibe it…one day my good friend Rose spontaneously said to me…that’s it; you’re “La Reina de las Luces”!
5. What are some points to consider for someone’s hair living this lifestyle, in this climate?
Colorizimo Hair Studio believes your hair should feel sexy, look healthy with dimension in color! … giving you the self-confidence that is sexier than anything else in the world!
Alexia tells us with beautiful conviction that she is a hair artist that likes to make her consultations and sessions very personal and in total confidence. She may even offer you a glass of wine or tequila shot, so you can just relax and enjoy the process!
I truly believe that Alexia is not only the best hair artist in Puerto Vallarta- But the Northern Hemisphere and perhaps the world.!
