Wrapping up the hiTechMODA New York Fashion Week shows, Hard Rock Hotel was the place to be for a Rock n' Roll themed after party. Light bites were passed and we enjoyed seeing rocker-chic looks as we congratulated the designers on a successful season. What I didn't expect was another pop-up show to end the shows with a bang. MLC Swimwear owned the runway with a grand finale showing of their latest eco-friendly swimwear collection. I loved every piece in the collection and couldn't wait to speak to the designer, Marta Eliza.
Marta was born into a family of artists and has a profound appreciation for the merge of fashion and art. It's evident in her pieces how art plays a prominent role. Behind your typical designs, Marta's deeply rooted passion for fashion lies in her sustainable approach to create eco chic designs. She intends to collaborate with more artists with her collections as she branches internationally. Marta has a strong vision for a sustainable future with an environmental passion to follow suit.
Let's go Behind the Seams with MLC Swimwear.
Congratulations on a successful show with New York Fashion Week, where did you find inspiration for this year’s collection?
Thank you! This year’s collection drew inspiration from the juxtaposition of urban landscapes and nature’s resilience. Living in a city like New York, I’m constantly surrounded by industrial architecture, but I also see nature reclaiming its space, with vines growing over concrete and trees sprouting in unexpected places. I wanted to capture that tension and harmony between nature and human-made environments.
Tell us about your journey in becoming a designer, when did you first begin?
My journey started at a very young age. I’ve always been passionate about art and creativity, but fashion really caught my attention in my teenage years. I remember customizing my own clothes and sketching outfits in high school. That passion grew stronger over the years, leading me to formally study fashion design and eventually launch my own brand.
How long have you been designing and where is the brand based out of?
I’ve been designing professionally for about 2 years, but the creative process started long before that. My brand is based out of NY but I find inspiration from travels and different cultures, which definitely reflects in my work.
What do you love about working in fashion, and what needs to change in the industry?
What I love most is the ability to express stories and emotions through fabric, color, and form. Fashion is a medium that allows you to communicate without words. That said, I think the industry still needs to work on sustainability and inclusivity. There has been progress, but there’s still a long way to go in making fashion more environmentally friendly and ensuring that every body type, race, and gender feels represented and included.
What continues to keep you inspired?
Inspiration is everywhere for me. Whether it’s traveling, seeing art, or even everyday interactions, I’m always finding new sources of creativity. I think staying curious and open to the world around you is key. I’m also very inspired by my clients and their personal stories—creating something meaningful for them drives me to keep innovating.
What is next for the future?
I’m excited to keep pushing the boundaries of my designs. I’m working on expanding the brand internationally and experimenting with new sustainable materials and techniques. I also want to collaborate more with artists from different fields to create cross-disciplinary projects. The future is all about growth and creating pieces that have a lasting impact both aesthetically and ethically.
You can follow MLC Swimwear at @MLCSwimwear on Instagram and https://mlcswimwear.com/
Comments