Luxury one-size-fits-all swimwear is popping up in River Oaks District

Statuesque and impeccably styled, Colombian designer Maygel Coronel is the best model of her eponymous swimwear brand. At the grand opening celebration of her pop-up shop in River Oaks District, she wore the Tirso rose jersey maxi dress ($570) in terracotta. Her manicure, pedicure and flat sandals matched in an equally rusty shade. Even Coronel’s earrings, from Venezuelan-born, Houston-based jewelry Susana Vega, sparkled in an understated bronze.

Shop staff walked around the space – previously occupied by the Conservatory – in similar bodycon outfits. Some were small, others rounder. The twist here? Every woman was exactly the same size.

As the fashion industry struggles to become more inclusive, Coronel has seemingly found a solution: one size fits all.

To clarify, the designer is not suggesting that all bodies are created equal. Or that her client needs to be tall and slim to slip into her brand’s ultra-tight swimsuits and bathrobes (more on that later). Instead, Coronel has constructed most of its products with built-in support and shape-retaining silhouettes and fabrics.

Many pieces have Spanx or SKIMS style bodysuits attached to them. No more hassle with underwear. And these swimsuits, separates and dresses come with a capital ‘F’ – but not in a ‘can’t sit’ way, more in an ‘all goods are safe’ way.

“The decision we’ve made to make these one size, using Lycra, gives us the opportunity to embrace wider body types. To address other body types and shapes. It’s really important to ensure that all women feeling comfortable in her skin,” Coronel told the Chronicle.

Small and extended sizes are also offered. Earlier this year, the winner of the Latin American Fashion Summit for emerging talent introduced velvet to the collection. She is teased that another substance will debut during high summer. Just don’t expect fast printing.

“We are staying very close to the original aesthetic with solid colors and will not be making patterns for a while,” said Coronel.

Far from a lofty basic, her moderately priced line ($200 to $630) offers significant value and versatility. The solid colors have a timeless quality and are ideal for mixing and matching, especially on holiday. And the Lycra material is suitable for both swimming and sunset cocktails. Almost everything, including the maxi and mini dresses, can withstand a dip in the ocean or pool – without losing their shape.

“It is possible to take everything with you, from the beach to the city,” Coronel explains. “The bottom part is lined, so women feel more comfortable and confident.”

She designed with general body insecurities in mind. Chest, waist and hip areas are fitted, and then some.

The local Latin American community is the main reason she chose Houston for her first U.S. brick-and-mortar store. When Coronel first created the brand in 2017, she didn’t expect Bayou City to become one of her most lucrative markets.

“What consumers like here is very elegant,” she says. “They like colors. That’s what I see when I’m in the United States, a lot of blue, orange and green. The woman from Houston sometimes chooses black, but also takes a lot of risks and buys pretty strong colors.”

For the time being, her pop-up location in River Oaks District is open until June 2024. After that, Coronel will determine whether Houston is permanently suitable.