This Body-Positive Swim Line Was Made for Big-Busted Women

We won’t sugarcoat it: Swimsuit season can be the worst. It’s the time of year when headlines, advertisements, and Instagram can make anyone feel added pressure to fit a narrow and unrealistic body standard. But things are looking up—albeit slowly. Not only does body positivity feel like it’s on the rise with increased size representation in fashion (there’s still a long way to go), but there are also fashion insiders like Atlanta de Cadenet Taylor. The DJ and model not only launches her debut swimwear today, but she’s also not afraid to speak candidly about her own struggles with self-acceptance, encouraging us all to be a part of the conversation.

“I had a really crazy year last year,” Cadenet Taylor tells us, explaining how she gained and then lost around 40 pounds due to a medical issue, which caused her to reevaluate how she dressed and how she viewed her body. “Through that experience, I realized that there is nothing more important in this world than to feel good about yourself and being surrounded by people you love and being healthy. I had a real shift in perspective.”

With a newfound appreciation, not to mention a foot in the door of the fashion industry, today’s she’s launching LPA x ATL. The swim collection, sold exclusively on Revolve, brings to life a few of the things Cadenet Taylor loves—namely vintage fashion and swimsuits that don’t fall short on a woman who has a curvy figure.

Below take a look at the styles, all sized XS to XL, and learn more about the story behind the unique line.

To start, how did this collaboration with LPA come about?

Pia [Arribio, founder of LPA] is a friend of mine. I don’t remember how it happened, but we were hanging out in New York one day. I always wanted to do a collaboration, and I always struggled to find cute swimsuits that fit me because I have really big boobs. I felt that there weren’t a lot of options for people who don’t have tiny, perfect boobs. I need support, and why can’t I have that and be cute? It’s always one or the other. So it sort of snowballed from there.

What have been some of your biggest swimwear gripes that you wanted to address, and how did you do that?

I originally pulled a lot [of inspiration] from the bombshell era [of style] because it had underwire and thick halter straps. There were also these cute one-pieces that I loved, but they had deep V-necklines, so I raised the hem. I wanted to create things that were comfortable, supportive, and flattering.

How do you define flattering? We find it’s really different depending who you ask.

Flattering is not the best word—it’s really what works with a woman’s body. That was what I wanted to aim for. I made the bum four inches more [to provide coverage]. I made sure that there was panels covering the boobs on the side so that you wouldn’t have side boob.

How about all the fun design details like cherries and rainbows. Where did you get those ideas?

It was literally all inspired by vintage. I just made a lot of Pinterest boards and they were all vintage-inspired. I’ve been obsessed with rainbows for my entire life, and I was like, You know what? I’m finally gonna make a rainbow bathing suit.

You’ve been really vocal about body positivity on your Instagram and on your podcast, I’m Over It. Why is it important for you to share your own experiences?

Since I had my Instagram, people look at me like, Oh she’s this fashion girl, her life is so glam, she is traveling to Paris, and her life must be so wonderful. Thank God that people are starting to be more honest now, but you have to remember that on Instagram you’re getting the highlight reel of a person’s life and you can’t compare yourself.

You’ve also shared publicly that you went through a rough year last year and your body changed a lot during that time. How do you view body positivity after a traumatic event like that?

I’ll be honest with you: I really struggle with it. It’s really challenging. I’ve realized that no matter what size jean I am wearing, if I can’t find that love for myself inside, then nothing is going to fix it.

Of course, I still have those days where I feel bad about myself, but at the same time, I am coming to realize that I do not want to waste my time or energy being mean to myself.

Do you think there are any solutions for ways we can all turn down that self-negativity?

I am really big on stepping away from your phone and taking breaks. Like I leave my phone at home when I go out for dinner or I take Instagram breaks. Real talk: If I wasn’t working in the world that I do, I wouldn’t have Instagram. I am already so in my head and I already have enough negative self-talk going on.

Shop more of the LPA x ATL available on Revolve now.