VUE

A esthetic and quality are what influence Balch and Barker when producing these luxury swimsuits for their customers. Balch and Barker work hands-on with artisan tailors in the heart of New York City's Fashion District to perfect the fit and function of each collection. "We are constantly trying to be on the development side of our designs to stay ahead of the aesthetic curve. There are not many brands that can compete with us on quality." Flagpole is also created to integrate into all aspects of a woman's wardrobe by featuring the latest trends while also being casual and practical. "We both have the same taste and vision of what we want our woman to look like. We have always been drawn to minimalism and colors, with the idea that fashion should not only be beautiful, but also functional and comfortable. These are the leading principles that we start designing every season with," they said. The Summer 2017 collection features a trendy balance of sophistication and fun, bright colors. The use of strong architectural lines, bold color palettes, and strategically placed cutouts help to inspire confidence and sophistication. "Megan has always been obsessed with watermelon and we loved the challenge of creating an entire line that subtly and sophisticatedly played off this very whimsical and very summery color palette," said Barker. American-made goods are hard to come by these days, and Flagpole's 'Made in New York' certification is something the girls are most proud of. "Being able to support an industry where we can see not only how our product is handled but are able to interact with and build relationships with the women who are sewing our swimwear is important to us. And in return what we are able to provide to our customers is one of the most well- made suits we know they have ever worn." J O E L L E N $ 4 0 5 . 0 0 U S . VUE ON FASHION V U E N J . C O M 22

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