Bikini bandits

MANILA, Philippines - If you’ve managed to take your eyes off of Maggie Wilson and Sandra Seifert long enough to realize that there’s a reason why they’re on this page posing nonchalantly in their bikinis, other than the fact that they’ve earned the right to because they’re, you know, hotter than average humans, it’s because they’d like a few words with you. These beauty queens figured out right away that there’s more to life than being really, really good-looking and that not everybody has perfect, chiseled abs. And that’s why they’re here. People, they’ve come to our rescue. Well, for women, at least. The photos here are more like consolation prizes to the guys still reading this article because things are about to get really girly. No, seriously.

“Coco Chanel once said “Every woman should own a little black dress,” (and) we believe every woman should own that basic solid and perfect-fitted swimsuit,” Sandra says when asked about the idea behind the Basics Line of Solara, the online swimsuit brand that she and Maggie launched recently. Although their first collection was conceptualized primarily to cater to the different body types of Filipino women, it elicited rave reviews from various members of the fashion industry for the current color-blocking and ’40s and ’50s retro trends incorporated into the line. “(Although, I’ve always been a fan of the ’40s and ’50s), when we designed the Basics Line, I wanted to make sure that the cuts we chose would suit different types of women. As for the color choice for the collection, we wanted to use colors that look good on all types of skin color. I guess, we we’re just lucky that when we came out with the line, we hit the trend right on the dot!” Maggie shares.

So far, their most popular pieces happen to be their personal favorites. For Sandra, it’s the Twist Bikini, one of their best-selling cuts. “From the twisted bandeau top alone, the central lines of fabric turn into a heart-shaped bikini top, while the two rings of fabric wrapped around the belted fabric located right at the pelvic bone scream nothing but safe and sexy!” she says. Maggie, on the other hand, favors their high-waist suits in malachite and sapphire, which was created to the celebration of women with stretch marks, pregnancy scars, and ever-stubborn pusons. “You can also wear the bottom in two ways: as a high waist or you can pull it down into a bikini bottom. It’ll look like a bikini bottom with a belt!” she suggests.

Is it hot in here or is it just them? Maggie Wilson and Sandra Seifert in the malachite and sapphire high-waist suits from Solara

Their heroic deeds don’t end there because for every purchase of a Solara swimsuit, five percent goes to a charity of their choice. For the Basics Line and soon, the Sparkle Collection, Solara will be supporting Childhaus, a temporary facility for children who travel to Manila to be treated for various types of cancer. “In line with our mission to give back to society, we have decided to choose a different charity for each collection. The very first charity to receive five percent of the Solara proceeds is Childhaus. This charity is very dear to me. I was first introduced to Childhaus during my (reign) as Miss Earth. I developed a good relationship with the staff and the children there and love helping them out because they both need the aid and genuinely appreciate it,” Sandra shares.

New collections for Solara will be released every six months, but eventually Sarah and Maggie hope to expand the line to include a full-range resort wear and to make waves internationally, like many other successful Filipino designers before them. “Our aim is to establish Solara internationally as a proudly Filipino brand. We already have contacts in other countries for getting our brand out there. We’re only a month old, and before we decide to start making our move, I want to be ready! Our target is within the next six to 12 months. People should also know that (Sandra and I) like to do things big,” Maggie reveals. And that’s how Maggie and Sarah will save the world. One bikini at a time.

* * *

The Limited Edition Sparkle Collection of Solara will be launched on May 18, Wednesday at 10 p.m. at Members Only. View the Solara Basics Line at www.solaraswimwear.com.