Naava Swim: KCFW Q&A

Swimwear designed to inspire all women and “increase confidence, beauty, and strength” is the mission behind Justin Houpe’s Naava Swim line. As a United States Army Veteran who served a tour in Iraq during “Operation Iraqi Freedom,” Houpe found fashion and design as a way to cope with war. He’s a father, too, and his three daughters are another reason he ventured into designing swimwear. While his brand was only established in 2017, this isn’t his first year having his designs at Kansas City Fashion Week. We spoke with Houpe before Naava Swim’s appearance on Friday.

Naava Swim was designed to “inspire women of all shapes and sizes.” What started your focus on body positivity in your line?

I have three daughters and I want to do my part in making the world a place that my little girls can grow up being respected and treated equally. I see so many unrealistic standards placed on women that constantly makes them feel inadequate or less than. I want to try my best to combat that and remind women their value is not measured by social standards. You are beautiful period.

As a US Army Veteran, did you find any inspiration for your line from your time served in Iraq?

Yes, in my time spent fighting in Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom I realize life is short and a lot of people fail to chase their dreams or purpose in life. Designing and inspiring women has had an extreme positive effect on dealing with anxiety from my time at war. It is the most fulfilling thing in the world when women come up to me saying how us including all women makes them feel appreciated. 

What lead you to design women’s swimwear?

Actually my daughter Aaliyah loves swimming and always wants new swimsuits. I decided to learn how to make them to save money and it turned into starting a business that she will one day take over and run. I never knew that pursuing something that seemed so simple to me would turn out to have such an impact. I’m grateful that God blessed me with this platform and I want to use it in a positive way.

Naava means “beautiful” in Hebrew. How did you decide on that name?

“What makes you different is what makes you beautiful” is our motto for the Naava Swim brand. I came across the name Naava in my research and it just resonated with our message.

What swim trends and statements should our readers be on the lookout for with S/S 19 swimwear?

2019 will be a very sexy year with a mix of crisscrossing bikinis and deep plunging and cut out one pieces. The triangle bikini is making a comeback this season and we have done some cool things with ours. We are staying true to creating styles both slim and curvy women can feel comfortable and confident in. We will be sticking to bright solid colors for this season.

What do you have planned next for Naava?

Well so far for 2019 we will be launching Naava Underwear and Naava Athletics. We will be in the Ft. Lauderdale Macy’s in the Galleria Mall. Also we have been invited to showcase at London Fashion Week and invited back to Miami Swim Week.

Where can our readers find your swimwear?

Your readers can find us at www.naavaswim.com and follow us on Instagram at @naavaswim

Naava Swim
Friday Night Runway Show
September 28 at 7:30 p.m.

Union Station
30 West Pershing Road, Kansas City, MO 64108