Carioca puts Corsica back on the Curve Paris map
Meet Sophie Tozzi, head of a family business with a sea-side fantasy.
Swimwear brand Carioca hasn’t waited for the trend to peak to take the ready-to-wear train. In Corsica, where the brand was born in 1976, the two have long been walking side by side. From the yachts of Bonicafio to the trendy stores of Porto Vecchio and the many tourists of Ajaccio, everyone agrees with its solar, shiny pieces, an endless summer vibe with a touch of wonder. One of the island’s oldest labels, Carioca is back on Curve Paris x Who’s Next to seek new international sights. At its head, Sophie Tozzi, daughter of the founder, tells us all about it.
Tell us about Carioca’s DNA.
Our DNA is about color, prints and a contrast between matte and shiny fabrics. A collection can be inspired by a movie, by an image, by a music, by a travel destination… Nothing is off-limits as long as the result makes you want to travel. Our customers can be very different from one place to another so we can really have fun with the designs.
Where is the brand sold ?
In Corsica and in the South of France, where we have an agent. We’re sold in concept stores and multi-brands, stores that combine ready-to-wear and lingerie are perfect for us. But this year we’re feeling a solid international presence, this is a perfect opportunity to expand beyond borders !
How is your positioning evolving?
We’ve always been both chic and fun, using reversible fabrics and designing swimsuits that can be worn as bodysuits. But lately our positioning has evolved to even shinier fabrics, bolder colors and, for the past two years, menswear. We sensed a real need for men’s pieces, this was an opportunity to take the brand even further.
Being back at Curve Paris x Who’s Next is also an opportunity to evolve.
It is. After speaking with some friends, we decided it was time to come back to look for inspiration, come up with new ideas and chat with other brands to have their impression on the state of the market. The season has been exhausting but we didn’t want to miss Who’s Next. Being here is mandatory to meet potential new clients that can help the brand grow even bigger.
