Behind-the-Seams: Catherine Simms, Founder & CEO of Svviaa Swim

When we found out a swimwear fashion show was coming to Pittsburgh, we were thrilled to have one of our favorite Miami staples in our own city. Swimwear is not something that's seen too much around here, especially when a brand is locally owned. This luxury, high-fashion swimwear line is all about empowerment. And, not just the Victoria Secret-build, the brand was created to empower all bodies, all genders, of all sizes, colors, and backgrounds. This year's show was held at the Carnegie Museum of Pittsburgh and coverage is live on our site and will be showcased in our summer issue hitting print. We were fortunate to go "behind-the-seams" with the CEO, Catherine Simms.

ABOUT THE BRAND: SVVIAA was founded on the idea that luxurious, high fashion swimwear shouldn't come with a high price tag. Our bikinis are influenced by the latest fashion trends, yet classic enough that they won't go out of style any time soon. We aim to inspire our customers to be the best version of themselves and to be confident in their own skin - and of course, their bikinis! Our vision is to provide you with elegant, classic, and trendy swimwear, and we guarantee that all of our products reflect these ideals. We invite you to browse our site to find just what you have been looking for.

On April 11th, Svviaa Swim held a runway show at Carnegie Musuem, why did you choose this iconic venue in Pittsburgh?

We chose the Carnegie Museum because it’s one of the most historic and art-driven spaces in Pittsburgh, and it perfectly aligned with the vision for our show. The entire runway experience was centered around the theme of artwork—each model represented a different piece you’d find in a museum, from paintings to sculptures to fossils and gemstones. We wanted the setting to reflect and elevate that concept. Svviaa Swim is about self-love, confidence, and empowerment. Hosting the show in an actual museum added depth and symbolism to our message: that women are not just wearing art—they are the art. It was the perfect environment to celebrate creativity and self-expression in a truly immersive way.

Every single look evidently displayed not just a clothing design, but each model was made into a work of art, what was the vision behind this?

The runway show was designed to be an immersive experience where fashion and art collided. Each model embodied a piece of art you might find in a museum—because our belief is that women are art. I’ve always had a deep love for art, and I had never seen anything like this done before in the fashion space, especially in Pittsburgh. I wanted to bring something bold, original, and meaningful to life—something that made people feel something. We created a living gallery where every look told a story of strength, creativity, and transformation.

For those who haven't heard of the brand, tell us about how you began designing and how the brand was founded?

Svviaa Swim was born out of a personal need. I was searching for swimwear that made me feel confident, supported, and beautiful—and I couldn't find it, so I created it. I started designing swimsuits focusing on real bodies, real women, and real confidence. Over time, that evolved into a brand that stands for empowerment, inclusivity, and body positivity. 

How many years have you been in business now? Where did the idea strike?

We’ve been in business since May 2021 so 4 years now. Growing up, I watched my dad run his own business, and that always inspired me—I knew I wanted to be an entrepreneur, I just wasn’t sure in what. Over time, I realized how much I love swimwear and how powerful it can be when a woman puts on a swimsuit and actually feels confident in it. That’s where the idea sparked. I wanted to create something that made women feel strong, beautiful, and truly seen. Combining my passion for fashion with the desire to empower others is what made Svviaa come to life.

What is next for the brand? Any projects or goals?

Right now, the focus is on continuing to grow—reaching more women, expanding our product offerings, and building on the momentum we’ve created. I’m excited to release new collections that push creative boundaries while staying true to our core message of empowerment. We’re also planning more events that bring our community together—whether it’s through pop-ups, workshops, or creative experiences. The long term goal is to continue growing organically to a larger scale while still holding onto the authenticity and community that Svviaa was built on.

What do you see for the future of Svviaa Swim?

The future of Svviaa is rooted in growth—without ever losing our purpose. We see ourselves continuing to expand, collaborating with models, creatives, and photographers across the United States, and pushing the boundaries of what fashion can be. At the heart of it all, our mission remains the same: to make women feel seen, heard, and celebrated through every piece we create.

Pittsburgh can be a difficult city for designers starting out, do you have any advice for those beginning?

Yes—start with your why. Pittsburgh may not be the fashion capital of the world, but there’s so much talent and passion here if you know where to look. The key is seeking out the creative community. Pittsburgh is small but mighty, and the opportunities are there if you're open to collaboration and building relationships. Community is everything—don’t be afraid to lean into it, support others, and be open to new ideas. And always remember, don’t wait for validation. Create what you believe in, and the people who resonate with it will find you.

What can you say about the fashion industry in Pittsburgh? 

The fashion scene in Pittsburgh is emerging—and it’s exciting to be a part of that growth. There’s a lot of untapped creativity here. What makes it special is the sense of community and the hunger for something fresh. It’s not oversaturated, so there’s real room for individuality and innovation. I think we’re at the beginning of something great in this city.