Modeled by Sabina Gonzalez. Photograph by Jo Ann Bitangcol.
The collection features fun and functional pieces that fit different body types.
“Very wearable, not restrictive,” is how Tweetie De Leon Gonzalez describes her new swimwear collection in collaboration with The Shape Shop. “You know how some suits can be very sexy, but sometimes you just can’t be active in them.” During the production process, Tweetie would keep trying on the pieces until she got the right cut and level of comfort. She says this was because they didn’t have the budget for a fitting model, but she is in fact the perfect person to fit and model the suits, being very sportif and a mom of four who, in her 50s, rocks an enviable body that is a result of a healthy and active lifestyle. Tweetie is often at the beach, doing yoga or sailing, when not working the reformer or smashing squash balls.
Her first collection with The Shape Shop came out in 2018, but the pandemic delayed her follow-up collection until this year when she decided to put something out in time for summer. The six styles—three one-piece suits and three two-piece suits—come in solid colors, with a few styles embellished with semi-precious stones. “That’s in keeping with the signature trademark of TdLG,” Tweetie says. “The stones make them a little special, something of a collectible treasure.”
A veteran model and actress, Tweetie has been designing jewelry and accessories for over 20 years, boldly injecting color in easy-to-wear fashion accessories. “The whole idea of TdLG was conceptualized because I love color. It’s my way of introducing to women how fun it can be, and just find joy in wearing colorful pieces,” she says. Since the pandemic, the designer has moved her office to her home and this has turned out in her favor, having all her stones on hand and ready to be pulled out whenever she comes up with a design. “It takes a long time for me to put the pieces together, because I need to be able to perfect the balance. I like asymmetry in my pieces.”
The same process is applied to her swimwear, which will debut at the Rhett Eala store in Greenbelt 5 on March 25. “It may seem basic in terms of cuts, but there are a few surprises here and there that you will find as design elements,” she says. “There’s always a twist to it.”
Another surprise Tweetie has in store is the launch of a “swimware” line, a term she coined for jewelry you can swim with. “They’re fun jewelry that’s safe to swim with, meaning there’s no hardware involved. You can wear them the whole day, and don’t have to take them off if you decide to take a dip in the ocean or the pool.” Or if you forget to take them off after a few too many pina coladas.
The TdLG x The Shape Shop Swim 2023 collection will be available on March 25 at Rhett Eala Store, Greenbelt 5, Makati.
