Lost in the halls of 20 Jay street, I serendipitously met Jaime and Megan the co-founders of the luxury swimwear line, Flagpole. Young, ambitious, creative and super smart, these millennials have what it takes to build a successful brand and they are doing it in Dumbo.
The architectural quality of their designs elevate swimwear to a whole new level. The color blocking is an art form onto itself. The elements of surprise which manifest in both slits and shapes makes one want to ride the waves or at least jump into the nearest pool. Hard edge paintings from the 1960’s hanging in the MOMA come to mind. Their collection is impressive.
The duo met in high school in West Palm Beach Florida. “We were a natural team. From the moment we met, we hit it off. We would study together, dream together, and collaborate on outfits together. It was as if were laying the foundation for a future partnership without even knowing it. It was very organic,” states Megan.
The brand name Flagpole also dates back to their high school days. In their senior year, Megan and Jaime elected to take advantage of their school policy that every other day the graduating class could miss their first class. The young duo would wake each other up and go for bagels and smoothies and if time allowed they would drive to their favorite beach for a morning swim, the name of that beach is Flagpole.
At first they had doubts about naming their company after their youthful happy place. They received mixed feedback but decided to go with their gut. Flagpole is an iconic symbol that carries memories of school, camp, baseball which is perfectly suited with their all American construction and made in America philosophy.
“From the moment we met, we hit it off. We would study together, dream together, and collaborate on outfits together. It was as if were laying the foundation for a future partnership without even knowing it. It was very organic,”
In 2012, the concept for Flagpole was born. From the beginning they had a very clear vision of the bathing suits and branding that they wanted to create. “We were steadfast in believing that the world needed a luxury line of swimwear devoted to the needs of the American woman.” Those needs include coverage, support, quality construction, style, color and fit.
European luxury bathing suits are super tiny and skimpy. They are typically one thin layer of material which is antithetical to the desires of the American woman. “We had a whole world of revolutionary, artful swimwear in our heads and we had to get it out there.” says Jaime. They also knew they had to convince an investor that although they were a no-name brand, and young “nobodies” as per Jaime’s description, that they could make swimwear better than anyone else, and that the world needed their collection. At this time, they were living in Fort Green and sleeping on bunk beds.
“We had a whole world of revolutionary, artful swimwear in our heads and we had to get it out there.”
When the opportunity to meet with an investment angel presented itself, Megan and Jaime revved into high gear. They called in favors from high school friends. They included a photographer, a graphic designer and their friend Danielle, now their COO. The presentation was a smashing success and Flagpole got their first well deserved break. Their customer roster soon included Barney’s, Net-a-Porter, Saks, Bloomingdales, Anthropologie and Nordstrom’s. However, they are currently focusing on branding and marketing through their own website. flagpolenyc.com.
I finally got up the nerve to ask Jaime and Megan a question that many women ponder. Why do bathing suits costs so much money when they require such small amounts of fabric? Flagpole suits run between $350.00-$450.00. Here are their answers:
1- Flagpole uses only high quality, performance grade Italian fabric
2- Fabric is non-pill, spf 50, anti-microbial with 4-way stretch
3- The construction of a Flagpole suit is literally 2 suits sewn together, giving the suits an extra Spanxx effect.
4- Their manufacturing method is a hybrid between leotard and luxury lingerie construction and it has to get wet.
5- Their detailing and seaming is highly complex.
6- Flagpole is a made in America brand. Designed in Brooklyn and manufactured in Manhattan where the seamstresses and pattern makers, marker and graders, cutters, and trim vendors earn a decent wage.
8- Flagpole suits are sustainable. They will last for many, many summers.
Next time you are in West Palm Beach visit Flagpole in your Flagpole suit, the water feels great and you’ll look terrific. Danielle, Megan and Jaime recommend going to Publix for subs and their iced black tea.
Flagpole also offers resort wear, accessories and a men’s line and are offering a special -15% off to DUMBO DIRECT readers by entering 20JaySplash when you purchase from Flagopolenyc.com this summer
If you are in Dumbo and want to take a swim locally, Here are some options.
Dumbo House 55 Water Street – A private member’s club for Brooklyn’s creative community
Eastern Athletic Club 43 Clark Street -Brooklyn Heights
Eastern Athletic Club 17 Eastern Parkway – Prospect Heights
2018 was the last year for the Brooklyn Bridge Park Pop-Up Pool. However there are plans to construct a permanent pool in Squibb Park at the entrance of the pedestrian bridge in Brooklyn Heights. The pool is scheduled to open in the Summer of 2020.
2018 was the last year for the Brooklyn Bridge Park Pop-Up Pool. However there are plans to construct a permanent pool in Squibb Park at the entrance of the pedestrian bridge in Brooklyn Heights. The pool is scheduled to open in the Summer of 2020.