Designer Q&A: Guess model Tori Praver's new swimwear collection

Guess model and Vogue cover girl Tori Praver’s burgeoning swimwear line is taking off nearly as fast as her meteoric modeling career. The Maui native shares about her new SS13 collection, her favorite Island activities and her upcoming ready-to-wear debut.

Sonoma side-tie one-piece swimsuit.

Tori's Faves:

Honolulu hot spot: I love to explore Chinatown and try all of its yummy food.

Shave ice: Matsumoto Shave Ice in Haleiwa.

Island designers: Hula Hoops Maui for gorgeous jewelry and Samudra for cute bags.

Oahu activity: I surf on the North Shore when it’s not too big and spend lots of time on the beach.

How often to do you return to the Islands?
We get home a few times a year but try to go as much as possible, splitting time between Hanalei on Kauai, Maui, and the North Shore of Oahu.

Congrats on the new addition to your family! How old is your daughter now and how has it been juggling everything?
Thank you! She is almost two months old and I have never been so in love! Life is a lot busier and I get a lot less sleep, but I wouldn't change it for the world.

Your new SS13 Tori Praver Swimwear collection looks amazing! What were its inspirations?
The collection is titled Ventus Scopis, which means “wind swept” in Latin. The name is based on my life, which includes lots of traveling and wandering at the loving mercy of the open road. It features rich earth tones, such as deep purple, sandy brown and sea glass.

And the gorgeous patterns?
The prints are photographs my fiancé took of beaches in the night, which we silk-screened onto the suits.

We love all the little details you work in. Any favorites?
My suits have always been minimal with little or no hardware, but for the 2013 collection I added charms, which I loved and thought was fun.

As a surfer, you know how important it is for a swimsuit to stay put. How did you ensure that your pieces had a great fit?
It’s all about versatility, and being able to surf and sunbathe in the same suit. My ruching technique allows the suits to hug in all of the right places and gives them an amazing fit!

What’s next for your line?
My 2014 collection will debut my first ready-to-wear line, which will include easy pieces to throw over your bikini, such as a great kimono top, harem pants, a flowy maxi skirt and a crop top. They'll be offered in a solid, neutral color and two of the prints from my swim collection. It’s something I've been working on for a while and am very excited about!