Vitamin A
Founded in 2000 by California native Amahlia Stevens, Vitamin A combines feminine design with sustainable innovation. Vitamin A bikinis and bodysuits are designed and produced locally in California with exceptional attention to detail, in our signature EcoLux fabric- a technically and environmentally superior luxe fabric, made from recycled nylon. Amahlia is inspired by ‘70s beach glamour and the modern muses who collect her designs. We’re all about effortless, natural sexiness and that laid-back West Coast vibe that is in our DNA. Vitamin A gives back a portion of proceeds directly to environmental organizations who help to protect our oceans.
At Vitamin A, we believe that style and substance can coexist. Designer and Founder Amahlia Stevens grew up hiking, snowboarding and swimming in Southern California, with a love of nature in her DNA. Before launching the brand in 2000, she was worked on a design project with Yvon Chouinard, the founder of Patagonia and a pioneer in the eco movement. During that time, she learned how Yvon was redefining the outdoor industry by creating technical fabrics from recycled plastic bottles, and she decided to create something similar for swimwear.
However, when Amahlia began to research the options, she was told by fabric suppliers that there was “no market” for swimwear made from recycled fibers - so she decided to design it herself. For 3 years Amahlia worked with the top mills in Italy, Canada, and California before finally perfecting the process and introducing EcoLux, the first premium swim fabric made from recycled nylon that combines sustainability and technology, to fit like a sexy, second skin. Today, her vision is quickly becoming industry standard.
Other ways we reduce our environmental footprint are by employing waterless digital printing technology and incorporating other sustainable materials into our beachwear like Linen, organic cotton, recycled cotton, Tencel®, and polyester fiber made from recycled plastic bottles (full circle, right?). We produce our fabric and our swimwear locally, which dramatically reduces our emissions for shipping and transporting raw materials. We take the time to get to know the people who make our goods, and we are proud knowing that our manufacturing team maintains a high standard of ethics and environmental responsibility. Vitamin A also partners with and donates a percentage of sales towards environmental organizations that protect and preserve clean water - so we can all live, work and swim happy and healthy.
Vitamin A Designer and Founder Amahlia Stevens grew up on the beaches of Southern California, living in a bikini for as long as she can remember. She got her degree in Illustration from Art Center College of Design in Pasadena, and designed for top brands around the world before launching Vitamin A in 2000, combining her passion for the ocean with modern design and sustainable innovation to pioneer the perfect bikini: simple, clean, sophisticated and sexy.
The first to elevate swimwear with neutral color palettes and chic day-to-night pieces, Amahlia understands a woman’s body, and fit is always the most important element in her designs. After all, she is the originator of the ultra flattering LBB - Little Black Bikini, as well as the now-iconic “California cut”.
And if that wasn’t enough, all of her suits are made sustainably and locally, to keep you and the earth looking sexy. Basically who better to design your dream bikini? She just gets it.
Amahlia lives in Laguna Beach with her husband Julius, and twin girls, Gemma and Ruby.