The moment I saw this print, designed by Terrance Williams, I knew I had to have it. Inspired by his trip to Brazil, the collection immediately transported me there. As someone who has had the opportunity to visit Brazil myself, I instantly connected with the feeling behind the design. The flowing curves, earthy greens, warm golden tones, and sense of movement capture the vibrant energy that makes Brazil so unforgettable. It’s one of those fabrics that tells a story before you even cut into it.

Because the print already had such a strong point of view, I knew I wanted to lean fully into a resort-inspired look. Rather than treating it as just another swimsuit fabric, I wanted to create an entire moment—something that felt glamorous enough for a luxury beach resort while still celebrating the beauty of the print itself. I requested the Athletic Gloss fabric for the swimsuit because I loved the subtle sheen it gives, and paired it with the coordinating chiffon so I could create a dramatic cover-up that would really allow the design to move.

Finding the right swimsuit silhouette actually took longer than making it. I spent hours scrolling through Pinterest because I knew I didn’t want to settle for a style I’d made before. Eventually, I realized the answer was sitting in my own drawer. One of my favorite bikinis had the perfect balance of interesting lines and flattering proportions, so I used it as inspiration to create my own version. The wraparound ties and the long tassels felt like the perfect complement to such a bold print without competing with it.

The biggest challenge—and honestly my favorite part of this project—was the cape.

At first, I thought about making a traditional duster-style cover-up, but the more I looked at inspiration photos, the more I realized I wanted something with even more movement and drama. I wanted every breeze to bring the fabric to life. So instead of reaching for a pattern, I decided to draft my own.

I traced the general shape of a similar cape I already had in my wardrobe, adjusted the proportions until they felt right, and hoped for the best. Thankfully, it came together exactly how I’d envisioned. The lightweight chiffon floats beautifully and gives the entire outfit that effortless vacation glamour I was chasing from the beginning. Every time it catches the wind, it reminds me why sometimes taking the risk is absolutely worth it.

To finish everything off, I added gold end caps to each of the tassels. It’s a small detail, but I genuinely think it’s what makes the swimsuit feel polished and luxurious. Those little finishing touches are often my favorite part of sewing because they’re what transform a handmade garment into something that feels truly custom.

Looking back, I couldn’t be more proud of this project. From self-drafting the cape to creating my own take on a favorite bikini silhouette, this look pushed me creatively in so many ways. More than anything, though, I’m grateful for a fabric that sparked so much inspiration from the moment I saw it. It reminded me that sometimes the best projects begin with simply falling in love with a print and trusting it to lead the way.