Vilebrequin launches a limited-edition collection inspired by the nature of Abu Dhabi

From the pristine shores of Saadiyat Island to its rich underwater world, the natural beauty of Abu Dhabi was an inevitable source of inspiration for Vilebrequin. Dedicated to refining beach style since 1971, and known for its signature blend of playfulness and elegance, the luxury swimwear brand is launching a limited capsule line paying homage to the region’s marine life and ecosystems.

Available online and in selected stores, the collection brings together swimsuits and ready-to-wear pieces adorned with fluid patterns and sun-washed tones that evoke the movement of the sea, and featuring a reinterpretation of Vilebrequin’s classic turtle motif. At the heart of this visual language is Save The Tides, an initiative centred on ocean preservation. As part of the project, university students across Abu Dhabi were invited to imagine a future in which fashion and marine conservation could work together. Twenty-two students took part in the competition, with the winning design by Isley Bayar of New York University Abu Dhabi becoming the foundation for the capsule collection. Titled ‘Swimming in the Stars’, his design depicts coral reefs, pearls, mangrove roots and leaves, and Hawksbill turtles, presenting the rich biodiversity of Abu Dhabi’s waters within a dreamlike celestial landscape.

‘The art in this design began on a quiet night by the sea in Abu Dhabi,’ Bayar said. ‘The sky was so clear, and as I looked at the ocean, I saw stars reflected on the surface. It felt like the turtles weren’t just swimming in water, they were swimming through constellations. That moment of stillness, of sea and sky mirroring each other, became the soul of my design.’

The partnership draws its sense of purpose from this exchange between craftsmanship and emerging creativity, whimsy and social responsibility. ‘What truly marks this collection is our work alongside the local youth,’ said Roland Herlory, CEO of Vilebrequin. ‘Investing in university students through the Save The Tides initiative is essential to us; it is about transmission, sharing our savoir-faire, and empowering the next generation to shape a sustainable future for both fashion and ocean conservation.’

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