Everyone knows that only the best are imitated, and the founders of the enigmatic Eau Noir Swim (OH-NWAHR) are no exception to the rule. We chatted with the dynamic duo behind the viral “Flower Bomb” bikini to discover how they navigate the whirlwind fashion industry amidst chaos and controversy.
The fast friends founded Eau Noir in 2019 after an organic meeting at their college African Diaspora pageant. Monica was there showcasing her designs and Caitlin was cast as a model.
Inspired by her grandmother’s immaculate seamstress work, Monica felt called to follow in her footsteps. She went to fashion school before starting her own label during her college years.
Caitlin’s college venture into freelance modeling ignited her interest in fashion design, encouraging her to pursue the industry alongside her nursing career.
Caitlin showed Monica a few sketches she was working on and their design collaboration has continued ever since, creating several viral moments and nearly a thousand bikinis sold to date.
The daring pair is determined to do things on their own terms and will no doubt soon be standing on a Black fashion empire due to their tenacity and passion for the craft.
Check out Eau Noir’s full list of standout styles on their website to be the best dressed babe on the beach this summer.
Dive into our conversation full of gems below.
HOW DOES YOUR PERSONAL STYLE INFLUENCE THE EAU NOIR AESTHETIC?
Caitlin:
My style on a day to day is very basic due to my nursing career but when I travel I like to make a bold statement. I think you can see my travel style reflected a lot in the brand style.
Monica:
My style is very unconventional. Day to day I’m in my mom gear but when I dress up and go out I like to add shock-value. When I was in school people would always tell me, “only you would get away with something like that on.”
I like to go for something daring that you don’t really see people wear often whether it’s just adding an extra bow to my ankle or any way to express my bubbly personality.
EAU NOIR SWIM IS 100% HANDMADE IN GEORGIA, CAN YOU TALK ABOUT THE DECISION TO DO HANDMADE PRODUCTION VERSUS A MANUFACTURER OVERSEAS?
Monica:
You can feel when something is handmade. Even if there's little errors or a missed stitch, when something is handmade it has a different feeling.
When clothes are mass produced, it's like a disconnect. The energy is different, the clothing even seems to fall differently — it’s just about quality for us.
HOW DID IT FEEL WHEN SAWEETIE POPPED OUT IN THE BUTTERFLY TOP IN 2021?
Caitlin:
We actually sent that to her team as a gift a few months before she wore it, so we had no idea she was going to be styled in our work. It was a huge surprise and was a turning point in our career.
Our designs are not conventional and her being the first big celebrity to wear it and have it go viral was incredibly validating.
IF YOU COULD PICK ANY CELEBRITY, WHO WOULD YOU LOVE TO DO AN EAU NOIR CAMPAIGN?
Monica:
I want Nicki to wear one of our styles!
Caitlin:
Rihanna, I’m putting it in the air.
WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO ASPIRING ENTREPRENEURS?
Caitlin and Monica:
Everything is not going to be perfect when you start, so just do it, you can fix it along the way.
Starting is the hardest part and after that, maintaining it. People don’t really talk about how hard it is to maintain your brand when you have other projects, a family or career outside of it.
Just believe in yourself.
There’s so many times me and Mo doubted our creative ability and then we see people wearing our designs and copying them and realize we do have something special.
Don't be scared to ask for help.
Nowadays people want to be able to say they’re self made, but all of these big brands have teams. It’s impossible to do it alone. Also don’t wait for a milestone to start a team, build your community early.
Set your price and stand on it. Don't change your prices for anyone.
WHAT CAN WE DO AS BOTH MEMBERS AND CUSTOMERS OF THE FASHION INDUSTRY TO PREVENT STEALING IDEAS FROM BEING SUCH A COMMON PROBLEM?
Caitlin:
I think it’s really about mindset. Right is right and wrong is wrong.
I think the industry could change if stricter copyright regulations were put in place, but then that would create monopolies on designs and stifle creativity in the industry. It’s honestly disheartening because you work so hard. The Flower Bomb took us two years before we even launched it.
Monica:
I don’t mind being copied if you tweak it and make it your own. Don’t just straight up copy. When big brands steal, while it’s obvious that it’s inspired by small designers, they do alter the designs.
I know a lot of creatives who are afraid of putting something out there and having their design stolen. They feel like they don’t have the traction or audience to extend to the full potential of their creativity.
I also believe in holding people accountable, especially when it’s someone so close to home. It’s different when a company you had no relationship with because it’s hard to prove. But when you have a previously established business, it’s hard to deny.
WHAT’S NEXT FOR EAU NOIR?
Monica:
We don’t feel pressured from the recent spotlight to announce our big moves right now.
We’ve been working very diligently on our next phase and going at our own pace to remain true to who we are.
Caitlin:
There’s a surprise on the way! Make sure you sign up for our email updates and check back with Peerless to be the first to know.
WHAT HAS THE JOURNEY OF EAU NOIR MEANT TO YOU?
Caitlin:
One of the things I like about me and Mo is that we grew together. Mo came from fashion, I came from a nursing background and we knew nothing about the business side. We learned so much and going through these highs and lows together really made a difference.
I can’t imagine how I would’ve felt dealing with some of the things we went through alone. I really feel like if I went through it alone I really would’ve quit.
Monica:
I have this thing with being anxious and trying to get everything perfect. This journey has taught me to do it while you’re scared. Do it while you’re nervous. You will figure it out. Follow your heart and be true to who you are.
Fashion to me is a language. Express yourself in your work.Sometimes everyone wants to just look the same and sound the same, but when you have something that's unique stick to it. Don’t give up.
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