Vitamin A is a representation of designer Amahlia Stevens’ minimalist modern sensibility and bohemian personal style—a combination of her SoCal roots and global travels. The result is a fresh, modern and ultra-luxe line of swim and resort wear that reexamines the West Coast aesthetic through a highly glamorous lens.

Amahlia’s designs are influenced by the iconic styles of her childhood in ’70s and ’80s-era Los Angeles. She earned her degree in illustration from the Art Center College of Design in Pasadena. Prior to founding Vitamin A, her client roster included DC shoes, Patagonia, Stussy, Levi Strauss & Company and Pacific Sunwear of California. She was also selected by Abercrombie & Fitch in 2000 to co-create and launch its youthful, California-inspired brand The Hollister Co., as well as its first female collections.

Her obsession with creating the perfect bikini was first born during a visit to her tailor one afternoon in Laguna Beach. If clothing could be improved exponentially by tweaking and editing, then why not swimwear? It seemed senseless that she was unable to find a bikini that she cherished as much as a beloved Little Black Dress. What she wore by the pool or at the beach should feel like a natural extension of the rest of her wardrobe: chic, sexy and flattering. She reasoned that a woman can never have too many little black dresses or little black bikinis, if they’re just right—which is why for her first collection, she designed just a perfect few….

Apparently she wasn’t the only one who felt this way, because in 2000, Vitamin A launched to rave reviews. Barneys New York, Fred Segal Los Angles and the original Calypso boutique in St. Barths all ordered the line immediately. Since then, a devoted following of Hollywood starlets, New York fashion editors, and international “It” girls has followed suit.

Amahlia currently lives in a mid-century bungalow in Laguna Beach with her partner, Norwegian actor Julius Morck. Her ’70s-era design studio overlooks the Pacific Ocean, a daily source of inspiration.