giejo

Just in time for bikini season, we came across Giejo, a new swimwear line created by Gabby Sabharwal. "The idea to create a swimsuit came about really as something that was initially just for me," said the supertalented 26-year-old, who also leads a double-duty life as a PR girl at BCBG Max Azria. "I was looking to purchase a new swimsuit for my upcoming vacation with my girlfriends. We were going to St. Thomas to celebrate my 25th birthday and of course I wanted to look fabulous." That said, Giejo — the name stems from a childhoood nickname — was born in Spring '11 and has already garnered a cult following from stylish girls looking for a unique twist on swimwear. When we say unique, we really mean it; Gabby uses deadstock textiles so only a certain amount of pieces can be made in a collection. In fact, Barneys loved her line so much that it asked Gabby to design an exclusive collection (available now in stores and online). Want to learn more about Gabby? Just read below for the 411, then click the slideshow to see her Summer '12 lookbook.

FabSugar: Where do you draw your inspiration from?
Gabby Sabharwal: Everyone in New York City. I could spend hours people watching. They are the real people wearing fashion. I always dreamed of moving to this city and I am grateful every day to wake up and experience what surrounds me.

FS: How would you describe the Giejo girl?
GS: The Giejo girl is me, but she is all of my girlfriends, too. She's fashion forward and wants to stand out. She is aware of the trends but is also price conscious, and she is a bit sick of hitting the sales. She wants an affordable line that is fashion forward and not mass market. She is a smart packer and smart shopper who is always on the go and trying to think of ways to simplify her wardrobe without sacrificing style.

FS: How do you balance being a designer and a BCBG PR girl?
GS: With a lot of organization and coffee! I work from the time I wake up to the time I go to bed! I usually wake up around 6 a.m. to start getting together the orders for Giejo, answer emails, run errands, pick up samples/fabric. Then, I'm in the office from 8:45 a.m. until 6:30 p.m. Then, I go home to finish everything that I didn't get to during the day and start preparing for the next day. Every day there is a new challenge!

FS: Favorite food?
GS: French fries and ice cream.

FS: First memorable fashion purchase?
GS: For making national honor society in high school, my father bought me a Louis Vuitton purse — it was the one that everyone had — the mini wallet on a chain. I was obsessed!

Swimwear line Giejo may be just a few months old, but already it's garnered quite the following. In fact, it seems everyone — from The New York Times to The Zoe Report to W — has recently sung its praises. And no wonder: in flattering cuts, clever color combos, and quirky prints, these bikini separates are not just chic, they're also the ultimate in mix-and-match wearability. "The Giejo girl is fashion-forward, ready to make a statement, and isn't afraid of trying new things," designer Gabby Sabharwal explains. "She just wants to have fun."

Now, thanks to an exclusive collaboration with Barneys, there is even more statement-making fun to be had. In stores and online now, the capsule comprises five tops and five bottoms in a bevy of eye-catching, Barneys-only prints. There's a vaguely '80s coral-hued "Aztec" print, a delicate chartreuse mini floral, a neon lace overlay, and — for the classicists — a crisp black and white stripe. "I cannot believe that now when I walk into Barneys my collection is listed on the directory," Sabharwal says. "It is truly an honor and one that I will cherish for the rest of my life."

A peek at the entire capsule, priced from $95 to $120, in the slideshow.