interview
Designer Joan Loluo and the Birth of Sulis Swimwear
When the world slowed down during the pandemic, some discovered new hobbies, while others—like Joan Loluo—discovered an entirely new purpose. A Taiwanese model turned designer, Joan had already spent years traversing the globe, soaking in diverse cultures and landscapes. But it was in stillness that Sulis Swimwear was born: a brand that marries freedom, elegance, and the enduring connection between women and nature.
From Model to Visionary
Joan’s transition from modeling to design wasn’t merely career evolution—it was a personal awakening. Observing the rise of modern, independent women working remotely and living nomadic lifestyles, Joan saw fashion’s next frontier: clothing that celebrates confidence, practicality, and wanderlust. Sulis was created for this new wave of women—those who live boldly, chase sunsets, and move fluidly across borders with a laptop in hand.
The Goddess Behind the Name
The name Sulis draws from the Roman goddess of water and healing, symbolizing the eternal bond between women and nature. It’s more than mythology; it’s the heartbeat of the brand. Each Sulis piece is designed not just as swimwear, but as a timeless companion—celebrating beauty while embracing sustainability and authenticity.
This season, the brand’s aesthetic journey flows from classic black sophistication to denim-inspired textures and bold leopard prints. At New York Swim Week, Sulis unveiled two dazzling runway looks, stitched in sequins that shimmered like fish scales—a poetic nod to nature’s artistry and the brand’s devotion to craftsmanship.
Slow Fashion with Depth
While much of the fashion industry races to churn out fast trends, Sulis proudly slows the pace. With small-batch production and sustainable materials, the brand ensures that every piece is meaningful, durable, and environmentally conscious. Most swimsuits are crafted from recycled PET fabrics, while artisans in a small Bali workshop bring them to life with meticulous care. This partnership not only preserves traditional techniques but also uplifts local communities.
Standout designs, like their eco-friendly lace leopard print, showcase Sulis’s belief that sustainability is not a marketing tagline but a promise—to women, to the planet, and to future generations.
Celebrating Every Woman
In a world still struggling with rigid beauty standards, Sulis stands firm on inclusivity. Joan designs with diverse body shapes in mind, incorporating adjustable straps, belts, and ties so each woman can find her ideal fit. The brand rejects the pressure of appearance anxiety, instead encouraging women to embrace individuality—whether in skin tone, size, or age.
“Wearing Sulis,” Joan explains, “isn’t just about a swimsuit—it’s about identity. It’s about celebrating strength, self-expression, and the beauty that comes from within.”
Swimwear Beyond the Beach
Today’s woman doesn’t confine her swimwear to the shoreline, and neither does Sulis. Each piece is designed with the versatility to transition from beach to street—styled effortlessly with jeans, wide-leg pants, or cover-ups. Built on timeless design, Sulis swimwear becomes a wardrobe staple rather than a fleeting purchase, reflecting the lifestyle of women who are both adventurous and grounded in self-confidence.
The Sulis Statement
From its goddess-inspired name to its artisan-crafted designs, Sulis Swimwear is more than fashion—it’s philosophy stitched into fabric. Joan Loluo has created not just a brand, but a movement: one where women, nature, and sustainability intertwine, and where every swimsuit tells a story of empowerment.
As the tides of fashion change, Sulis stands as a reminder that true style doesn’t just follow trends—it transcends them.
