✨ “Finding the perfect fabric was a two-year marathon. I refused to compromise.”
Interview with Jarka Pichrt – founder and designer of Sparkle*Me swimwear
How did the idea of creating your own swimwear collection begin?
I’ve always loved the sea, surfing, and that incredible sense of freedom you feel when you spend time outdoors. I love watching women on the beach – how they carry themselves, how they move with confidence. Confidence can truly light up any body.
That’s exactly what I wanted to bring into my bikinis – for every woman to feel proud and beautiful, no matter her curves or shape.
You’ve mentioned that finding the right fabric wasn’t easy. How long did it take?
Honestly? Two years. My vision was clear, but the reality of production was challenging.
All my bikinis are made from sparkly swimwear fabrics, but finding one that feels soft on the skin, doesn’t scratch (so no metallic threads), has a high density for full stretch in all directions, and is genuine swimwear fabric – not costume material – was a real challenge.
Many manufacturers, especially outside Europe, use costume fabrics and call them “swimwear,” which simply doesn’t perform.
I didn’t want to compromise. Whenever I found a promising fabric, I tested it in saltwater and chlorinated pools, left it to dry in the sun, stretched it, twisted it – and most of them failed the test.
What was the moment when you knew – “this is the one”?
When I finally found European manufacturers who were able to create colours exactly as I imagined them.
I had those shades in my mind for years – I wanted them to reflect the sea at every time of day. From sunrise gold, to the sparkling blue of noon, to the deep navy of night.
When I held that first fabric sample in my hands, it felt like holding a piece of the sun and the ocean at once.
There was even one American supplier in the running, but the price would have been simply unrealistic.
What does your design process look like?
I start by sketching the cut by hand, then we make a prototype – and that’s where the real testing begins.
Some fabrics didn’t make it at all; the fit collapsed, even with reinforced lining, or the shine faded after washing.
Every detail is adjusted again and again until I know the bikini is not only beautiful but also perfectly functional and comfortable.
Do you test the fits yourself?
Yes – but not only on me. I also test every design on a gorgeous model with a fuller figure, size L.
I believe real bikinis should work on real women. Every body has its own energy and silhouette, and I want every woman wearing Sparkle*Me to feel amazing, confident, and free.
What does the Sparkle*Me brand mean to you personally?
It’s a dream I postponed for years. Today, it’s my journey, my sea, my sparkly energy.
Each collection has its own story, but one thing remains the same – I want my swimwear to make women shine.
Luxury bikinis that make you shine – that’s what Sparkle*Me is all about.
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