Date: c. 2010s
Origin: United States
Fabric: Nylon spandex blend
Brand: Chromat
A top and brief set of nylon spandex blend fabric with mesh details. The top features integrated padded underwired demi-cut cups with a t-shirt style overlay and mesh raglan sleeves, and enamelled hook fastening at the back. The briefs feature side panels of mesh, with a main body and trim of opaque nylon spandex blend. The top originally retailed at $219 and the briefs at $107. Although this set is intended as swimwear, the Chromat brand began life as a primarily lingerie focused label, and many of its designs blur the boundary between clothing genres.
Chromat was founded in 2010 in New York by Becca McCharen-Tran. The designer’s background in architecture has a clear influence on the brand’s designs. The brand has become renowned for its boundary pushing and inclusive runway shows, using models of different body types and gender identities. The brand philosophy is one of inclusivity, ethical manufacturing and sustainability (with nylon based garments using fibres from recycled fishing nets and plastic bottles). Although the label now largely focuses on swimwear and sportswear, it began life as a primarily lingerie label.
From the collection of Karolina Laskowska
