handmade

HANDMADE

At the start of every spring/summer season I am filled with a unique kind of warmth, the kind that comes from creating something with my own hands. 

This isn’t just about fabric and thread. It’s about crafting pieces that are as unique as the individuals who wear them. It’s about moving away from mass-produced, disposable fashion and embracing sustainability. Each swimsuit is made with care, using materials that respect our planet, because we know the ocean we love deserves our protection.

But it’s more than just environmental consciousness. It’s about celebrating every body. It’s about designing swimwear that empowers, that makes you feel confident and comfortable in your own skin. Because beauty isn’t a size, it’s a feeling.

From his atelier in Barcelona, the owner and founder of Lyctus shares his pride about creating not only a brand, but a lifestyle. You can feel the satisfaction that resonates within him, a feeling born from countless hours of dedication and a deep-seated belief in the power of conscious handmade creation.

Take a minute to learn more about what it takes to wear unique! 

 

“I’m often asked how I manage it all – sewing, photoshootings, social media, marketing, sales, etc.. To be honest, sometimes I wonder myself. But the truth is, it’s not just a job; it’s a passion, a calling. It’s about seeing a vision through from the initial spark of inspiration to the moment a customer slips on a piece and radiates confidenceand happiness.

The journey began with a simple desire: to create swimwear that was both beautiful and sustainable. I wanted to move away from the fast-fashion model, the endless cycle of consumption and waste. I envisioned a circular production system, where every scrap of fabric was valued, where offcuts became accessories, and where discarded pieces could be repurposed.

Locally sourced materials became the cornerstone of my work. I sought out small, family-run textile businesses, artisans who understood the importance of quality and craftsmanship. It was about supporting my community, about building relationships, and about ensuring that every piece carried a story, a connection to the place it was created.

The creative process itself is a dance, a constant interplay between inspiration and execution. Sometimes, it’s a flash of color in a sunset that ignites an idea. Other times, it’s the texture of a seashell or the rhythmic sway of seaweed that guides my hand. I sketch, I drape, I experiment, pushing the boundaries of traditional swimwear design.

Artisan work is at the heart of what I do. Each stitch, each seam, is a testament to the skill and dedication that goes into creating a handmade garment. It’s about slowing down, about paying attention to detail, about infusing each piece with a sense of care and craftsmanship.

Fashion, for me, is more than just trends. It’s a form of self-expression, a way to celebrate individuality. My designs are inspired by Greek mythology, by the vibrant colors of the ocean, and by the diverse shapes and sizes of the human body. I want to create swimwear that empowers, that makes people feel comfortable and confident in their own skin.

But it’s not just about the product; it’s about the people. I’ve been fortunate to collaborate with other small businesses, to give work to talented seamstresses and artisans in my community. It’s about building a network of support, about creating opportunities for others to thrive.

Looking back, I’m filled with a sense of pride. I’ve built something from the ground up, something that reflects my values and my passion. I’ve created swimwear that is not only beautiful and unique but also sustainable and ethical. I’ve given work to my community, and I’ve empowered others to feel confident and beautiful.

It’s been a long journey, filled with challenges and triumphs, but the reward is immeasurable. Knowing that we are making a difference, however small, is what keep us going. 

The feeling of seeing someone puts on one of our pieces, and knowing that they feel good about themselves and the impact their purchase has made, its a feeling that makes all the hard work worth it. And that feeling, that’s what we are most proud of.”

 

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LYCTUS