At AKOYA, we've made it our mission to provide extraordinary swimwear for extraordinary women. Our high standards in craftsmanship is not mere luxury, but a fundamental foundation. Founded by women, for women, every detail is designed for every body in mind. By carrying sizes XS to 4X, we are here to enhance your natural curves with comfort and confidence.
Body issues have become so universal that according to the Dove Global Beauty and Confidence Report 89% of women had considered cancelling plans such as job interviews because of how they looked. AKOYA understands how difficult it is to find swimwear that addresses some of these issues. Our team consists of women who have battled body issues and struggled to find stylish, quality swimwear. Our response was to create a line of luxurious swimwear that encourages women to feel confident.
Through this, AKOYA created the campaign #ConquerfromWithin, to encourage all women to share their own story of a time they stopped fighting the world outside, and searched within to heal. This campaign extends past body issues, and bridges into self-confidence, overcoming trauma, and all societal pressures the world brings.
We'd love to hear your story. Tell us about a time you #conqueredfromwithin
AKOYA only uses quality recycled materials predominantly supplied by Italian fabric supplier Carvico. Carvico manufactures its fabrics using the highest standards of production and has Global Recycled Standard (GRS) accreditation. It is important to AKOYA to know who its fabric supplier is. AKOYA also manufactures all of its bathing suits locally in Vancouver, B.C
Our goal at AKOYA is to have zero waste in our manufacturing process. All excess fabric from the manufacturing process is used in making small accessories such as scrunchies and in the design process making new samples. The profits from the sale of scrunchies are donated to The Ocean Clean Up whose goals include protecting and preserving our oceans, something close to Olivia Bickerstaffs heart.
Heavily focused on design and quality of our swimsuits. We have access to innovative design technologies and new fabrics guaranteeing you superior quality and fit in every piece.
Sun protection is important, but suncreams aren't the best for the environment. To combat the over use of suncreams, we have sourced fabrics with built in UV protection.
Olivia Bickerstaff is a Vancouver-based designer who trained in fashion design and technology at the Wilson School of Design at Kwantlen Polytechnic University. As a master pattern drafter and sewer, she recognized a need for swimsuits that fit and flatter all women, and took it upon herself to meet these needs through her designs and range of styles at AKOYA. Olivia hopes to empower those women who have felt the need to cover up or felt too self-conscious to join in the summer fun.
The origins of the ‘AKOYA’ (meaning salt water cultured ‘pearl’) brand, go back to the designer’s childhood summers spent in the BC Gulf Islands. Olivia gained an appreciation of the beauty of the ocean and the need to protect the ocean – which is why the collection features swimsuits made of long-lasting and flattering materials with recycled nylon, and scrunchies.
