As runways lit up in Austin, Miami, Ibiza, and New York City this season, one swimwear brand stood out for more than its radiant colors and luxe silhouettes. Origin of Oceans, the brainchild of designer Kathleen Bily, delivered a runway-to-retail moment defined by purpose, craftsmanship, and beauty inspired by the Earth itself.
This year’s international showcase marks the fourth consecutive year Bily has brought her handmade, sustainable creations to the runway, but 2025 has become something of a turning point. “From the desert to the sea, every collection is a love letter to the natural world,” Kathleen explains. “Everything I design has intention… from the fabrics we choose to the beading that tells a story.”
Kathleen started her Runway Tour for 2025 in May showcasing her collection at Austin Fashion Week. Two weeks later she was in Miami for Miami Swim Week, followed by Ibiza Swim Week in June. The finale of the four shows, New York Swim Week happened on July 26th where Kathleen presented 13 looks to a sold out New York Swim Week Show founded by Evita Scoccia. 22 other designers presented that day as well, with Origin of Oceans being one of the 22.
Sustainability Meets Storytelling
What sets Origin of Oceans apart isn’t just aesthetic even though the ethereal beadwork and flowing silhouettes leave a lasting impression but it’s the purpose behind every stitch. Each garment is handmade, hand-beaded, and hand-embroidered, using intricate techniques and waterproof embellishments that can withstand fresh or saltwater.
“Every piece is a keepsake,” says Kathleen. “They’re wearable memories that make you feel confident, powerful, and connected to the environment.” Her collections are released in small batches, ensuring exclusivity while minimizing waste. Once a piece is sold out, it’s rarely reproduced.
From dawn-inspired pastels to bold midday brights and starlit dusk hues, Kathleen’s work mimics the daily rhythm of natural environments. “I build each collection like a day in nature with gradations of color and emotion,” she shares. It’s a design philosophy rooted in her travels and her deep connection to the Earth’s landscapes.
From Texas to the World Stage
Kathleen, who splits her time between New York and Texas, is no stranger to the fashion world. With dual degrees in Fashion Design and Journalism from the University of Texas at Austin, she built a decade-plus career in New York designing for fashion powerhouses including Marc Jacobs, Givenchy, Kate Spade, and Tory Burch.
“I started Origin of Oceans during COVID,” she explains. “It had been my dream for years to create a swimwear brand that felt luxurious but intentional. I’ve always been happiest near water, and I wanted to create something that reflected that joy.”
That joy translates to every corner of her brand from the hand-sourced textiles to the way each design comes to life. “Seeing my pieces go down the runway is surreal,” she says. “It starts as a sketch, and then, suddenly, it’s a real garment that people wear and love. That feeling never gets old.”
Where to Shop the Collection
The latest Origin of Oceans runway collection is exclusively available now at www.originofoceans.com, with pieces featured at recent swim weeks already live and ready for purchase. Since all items are handmade in limited quantities, shoppers are encouraged to act quickly before styles sell out.
The Vision Behind the Brand
Kathleen Bily’s long-term goals for Origin of Oceans go beyond beautiful swimwear. “The runway has become a place not just for showcasing fashion but for sharing our story, our mission, and our values,” she says. “We want to grow globally, connect with more creatives, and keep our commitment to craftsmanship and sustainability.”
Origin of Oceans has already been tapped for international fashion weeks in Italy, Dubai, and France, giving the brand momentum to expand its reach and its purpose on a global scale.
Final Word from the Designer
When asked about her proudest moment, Kathleen reflects not on accolades but on growth. “I’m proud every time I take a risk that pays off. Every time someone wears my design and feels powerful. That’s the magic.”
With each bead, each thread, and each intentional design, Origin of Oceans is redefining what it means to create swimwear not just something you wear, but something you remember. And when you remember the moment you wore her garments and swimwear you also remember that beautiful place in the world you were in. The people you were with and moments you shared with those around you. That is the power of her brand. Moments, memories and remembering.
AUTHOR/EDITOR: Brit Olivia (@onceuponatimebrit)
