Swimwear Storiesđź‘™: Meet HEIDI FISH SWIMWEAR
We’re thrilled to highlight another outstanding brand in Season for Squeezin’s blog series - Swimwear Stories, Heidi Fish Swimwear. If you picked up a copy of 2023’s Sports Illustrated Swimwear Edition, you saw Padma Lakshmi in a gorgeous custom made seashell bikini, designed by the Seattle, WA based Heidi Fish, in addition to other one of a kind pieces featured in the digital edition of the magazine worn by Catfish co-host Kamie Crawford; influencer Olivia Ponton; and model Jasmine Sanders. Heidi was one of the very first swimwear designers to engage with Season for Squeezin’, and we couldn’t be happier to share her incredible story of creativity, purpose, endurance, and advocacy for women and mothers. You can also watch her incredible story featured on NBC’s K5 - where she shares what she embodies in each piece she designs, “All women matter”.
Tell us about your background, and how you got your start in swimwear?
I've been sewing since the age of two. Both of my grandparents were in this industry. My Grandmother Henrietta was of German decent, and was a fashion designer, who sold her collections at Saks 5th Avenue in the 1940s. My other Grandma Ura was a tailor. With this as part of my family, I grew up having outfits made for me. In 1998, I made the decision to leave my food and beverage role at a hotel, traded my laptop for a sewing machine, and set up shop in my kitchen. At that time, I was a mother to 5 sons. I would take my collections to the beach, and sold them on sunny days only. My first year in business we operated under one umbrella, by the second year, we were under three umbrellas. Sales were through the roof. It was a special time.
As highlighted in a recent feature with New Face Fashion Magazine, “Heidi's first significant breakthrough came when she was chosen by Gen Art, a foundation for emerging artists, to showcase her retro 40's fashion with a 90s twist at the Shrine in Beverly Hills. This opportunity catapulted her into the limelight, and her designs have since graced several Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issues, including the recent 2023 issue. This accomplishment is a testament to her relentless pursuit of her craft and her ability to create designs that are both visually stunning and functional. Heidi's designs are not just about aesthetics; they are about celebrating the female form and creating swimwear that women feel confident and comfortable in.”
How has breast cancer and breast health/advocacy been a part of your life?
In 2006 my best girlfriend was diagnosed with stage 3 breast cancer. At that time, I created a line of swimwear called Annie Fanny Swimwear, which had pockets for the placement of gel breast protheses (we would make the cut of the suit higher in the armpit area). Bringing awareness to breast cancer is much needed, as our younger generation does not think about this.
What does breast cancer action mean to you?
Getting the word out whatever it takes. Gift baskets to those who are diagnosed too. This needs to happen. (author’s note: Dear Jack is an incredible foundation that provides mental wellness gift boxes at no cost to young adult cancer patients and survivors ages 19-29. Check out their website to learn more about their foundation and these gift boxes. Breastie Boxes is another option, where you can purchase different box options for people undergoing breast cancer treatment with a variety of rotating products ).
What is something you would tell a younger version of yourself about advocating for yourself?
To keep checking, and definitely don't skip those much needed appointments. Also - to be more aware of the impacts of hormones and estrogen.
