Category: Guest Post

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Bikini Connectors-Lisa White Blog Post

Connector“Every year I search high and low through the Vandella Costumes website to come up with figure bikini ideas. I can’t help myself. Then I call Kira and she comes up with an entirely new idea for my bikini. It is completely custom, and unique. Her designs include material, and rhinestone designs, and connectors.Connectors? On my figure bikini? I didn’t realize my figure bikini could have connectors, or that she offers an enormous selection of connectors. I had no idea what the possibilities were!
I assumed the connectors were basic, rhinestone strands. Of course, that’s what I get for assuming. I could not have been more wrong. There is a plethora of bikini connectors to choose from.What did I get myself into? S-connectors, marquis connectors, moon connectors, square connectors. The list goes on and on.

Accentuating my personality, physique  and style

Custom Suit by Vandella CostumesIn the past, I was only concerned with rhinestone work on the front and back of the bikini. However, my views on bikinies have changed. Now I look at every single facet, including types of connectors. Actually, the connectors are as important to me as the rest of the bikini because some aren’t a good fit for my build, or even my personality.Some accentuate my build better than others. For example, I love extremely bold connectors on the hips of bikini bottoms, but I have a wide waist. Although the connectors would look beautiful on; it would accentuate my wider waist. Instead, I opt for thinner, smaller connectors.I ran into this issue when I asked Vandella Costumes to make a bikini with HUGE connectors on my triangle top.After looking at the connectors, the suit I wanted, and my photos, Kira suggested another route because the connectors would make me look out of proportion.

She chose something smaller, but one that would suit my personality. Guess what? She was right. It was a perfect fit. ”

Lisa White- It’s Your Fit stop
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Graham Ervin Competitor post:

http://www.grahamervin.com/blog/meet-the-team-kira-jones-ownerdesigner-of-vandella-costumes

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“In a studio lined wall-to-wall with a rainbow of fabrics, designer Kira Jones cuts, sews, and decorates fitness competition suits for athletes all over the world.

In 1997, Kira founded Vandella Costumes and began creating custom posing suits and costumes for amateur and professional bodybuilding, physique, fitness, figure, and bikini athletes. But this career path is no surprise because she has been sewing since the age of seven. Previously she had specialized in exotic dancewear, but made the transition into the fitness industry after connecting with NPC judge Terri Moore.

Kira makes hundreds of suits per year and has worked with a long list of IFBB professionals over the past 17 years and even a WWF wrestling PRO. “In 2009, I was surprised to see several of my designs on an E! Channelspecial called ‘Female Bodybuilders’ with clients Mary Bell and Tracy Beckham,” she said.

Each suit is handcrafted and takes many hours to construct with prices ranging from $200 to $1,500 depending on the complexity of the design.

“My goal is for each athlete to feel confident and poised in their suit on stage. I want competitors to have a suit they are proud to put on to show off their hard work at the gym,” said Kira.

The design process begins by visiting Kira’s studio in Swansea, South Carolina. Measurements are taken, then athletes choose from hundreds of fabric colors, rhinestones, and connectors to create a unique one-of-a-kind suit.

Kira attended the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) for fashion design. In her free time, she enjoys gardening and raising money for pet rescue foundations.

For more information about Kira Jones and Vandella Costumes, visit vandellacostumes.com or follow her onFacebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.

Check out the two suits she designed for me Ziggy andThe Peacock.”

Contact:
Vandella Costumes
671 Athens School Road
Swansea, SC 29160
803.926.9154