Kiini
Kiini is a swimwear brand founded by Turkish American designer Ipek Irgit, known for hand-crocheted bikinis. Launched in the early 2010s, it combines crochet with elastic and technical fabrics.
| Founder | Ipek Irgit |
|---|---|
| Trademark | 2013 |
| Signature | Hand-crocheted bikini |
| Construction | Crochet with elastic and technical fabrics |
| Website | kiini.com |
What is Kiini?
Kiini is a swimwear label created by Ipek Irgit, a Turkish American designer who previously worked for New York design companies including Max Mara. The name combines her initials with the word bikini. Her first collection appeared in 2012 and the brand trades under the Kiini trademark registered in 2013.
Products and positioning
The signature product is a hand-crocheted bikini that pairs crochet with elastic and high-tech fabrics. The reimagined triangle top is made without clasps or ties. The range includes triangle, scoop and one-shoulder tops, classic, boyshort and high-waisted bottoms, one-piece maillots, a Mini Kiini line and accessories, offered in many named colourways.
Distribution
Early stockists included Miss Lily's, Surf Bazaar and The Webster, and the first pieces sold out quickly. By 2014 the brand was shipping internationally. Kiini now sells through its own online store, and an exclusive colour collaboration has been sold by Kith.
Why it matters
Kiini became one of the defining resort swimwear looks of the 2010s, worn and shared by fashion figures on social media, and it is often cited in discussions of design protection for crochet swimwear.
Frequently asked questions
Who founded Kiini?
Kiini was founded by Ipek Irgit, a Turkish American designer who previously worked for New York design companies.
What is a Kiini bikini?
A Kiini bikini is a hand-crocheted swimsuit combining crochet with elastic and technical fabrics, with a triangle top made without clasps or ties.