Italians do it better! Latest proof is a swimming kit by Fendi and Arena.
He says:
Ok, the bad news first: The Fendi x Arena swimming kit is not only a limited edition, but also limited to a few countries and Fendi stores. If you are a Swiss swimmer, you will not find this ultimate show off for pool fashionistas in our country. What a shame!
She says:
Let’s face it: Swiss swimmers are no real fashionistas, so this choice does make sense.
He says:
If @gadgetgubi gets a no from the Swiss distributor, he says: “Challenge accepted!” A week later a mille grazie to Arena Italy and Fendi PR the swimming kit is in my hands and soon after on my head. So cool! I wonder what Beatrice will say about this?!
She says:
I was impressed indeed, but I know you have some Italian connection – I am even started to get scared…
He says:
When two brands collaborate, the result is not always a winner. Lots of collabs are only about money and nothing else. Not this time. I have to admit, I am a huge fan of Arena swimwear. I cannot get enough of their race proven briefs, shorts and jammers. My bald head doesn’t need a swim cap, so I will leave it to Beatrice and keep the goggles for myself. These were actually not made by Arena but by Thélios which belongs to LVMH.
She says:
I love Arena too and didn’t wear it for this photo shooting because…because I made a mistake! I have two Arena swimming suits at home that look lovely. Ok, shall we wait for the next snow storm and do another shooting?
He says:
Now, let’s go try this stylish swimming kit out. But where? An indoor pool is boring! I know a much better place; Türlersee. I wonder what Beatrice will think about it. Of course she is only used to show off her Fendi stuff on catwalks. This time will be just a bit different….
She says:
I first wanted to kill you. January in Switzerland is not exactly mild. The day of our appointment you were not available at lunch time either (it would have been warmer), so I wanted to kill you a second time. But beggars are no chooser, and I did want to wear the kit. Plus I am vain and wanted good pictures badly. An indoor pool has a bad light and isn’t particularly original. When I arrived at the lake, saw the low fog and the sun peeping through the trees, I was in awe. The lake was frozen and the light magic. It was totally worth sparing your life.
He says:
Ok I have done a few winter swims and a couple of ice baths. What a fantastic way of enjoying my stylish outfit. I love having beautiful objects just for my own pleasure. No need to show off everything in front of a big crowd. But I am pretty sure the female monster thinks different.
She says:
It’s not about the audience; it’s about the temperature. Getting my clothes off wasn’t that tragic. But walking on the cold earth! Mamma mia, that was out of my comfort zone. I dipped one millimetre of my foot into the ice and thought ok, I’ll swim next time.
He says:
Now my question is: Who will buy this kit? Collectors? Fashion victims? Swimmers? Serious swimmers will have to be brave to show up to their weekly training in this outfit and they better have the necessary skills to justify having paid about ten times more than for a regular set of goggles and swim cap. I wish I could have kept this cool goggle pouch as well as the really comfortable goggles. The iconic FF logos are such a great eye catcher and this on the swim deck and not at the Bahnhofstrasse.
She says:
I think this kit is a bit like a catwalk creation: a statement piece you can’t avoid noticing, but more of an artistic interpretation of a swimmer, than a real, bankable product. Sure, some Asians or Russians or Italian logo lovers might be interested. But wearing such a kit at the pool unfortunately suggests a clear message: “I can’t swim properly”. I would hide it in my bag, if I went training. But I would totally show it off on a fancy beach or at the Yacht Club Punta Ala, which is basically where I come from, and where everything elegant is allowed.
My verdict? I’d love to be a real tough sporty person who says no to it. But I have to admit I loved it – it really gave me a smile and made me feel like a (frozen) diva!
