Lila Brunadet, journalist at Actu.fr , tested a Bikunu model and the result is clear.
It all starts with an observation: sunbathing in a swimsuit leaves marks. Logical so far, but unpleasant nonetheless.
Luc Dessauvages and his wife, Alexandra, both from Cannes, decided to remedy this with their brand of tan-through swimsuits : Bikunu.
"My little deer"
It's 2015. Luc and Alexandra regularly organize Polynesian pirogue excursions to the Lérins Islands, opposite Cannes (Alpes-Maritimes) . Hours exposed to the sun, in swimsuits.
“We were dealing with tan lines,” Luc explains. “I was white in my swim shorts , and my wife was white in her bikini. So I started calling him my little deer, in reference to the white triangle that these animals have on their buttocks.”
From this nickname was born the desire to find swimsuits that would not leave any marks. After much research, inconclusive, the couple decided to create their own tan-through model, in their image.
Patented technology
The Bikunu project, because "when we wear our swimsuit, it's like we're 'ass' naked ", was born in September 2021. The first collections were launched in May 2022. But then, how do these tan-through swimsuits work?
It is the fiber of the fabric that selects the UV rays that will pass through the swimsuit. Only UV A and B are selected, which are the least harmful rays for us. With these two rays, the melanogenesis mechanism is triggered, and therefore, we can tan while being protected from the sun.
Luc Dessauvages Creator of the Bikunu brand
The swimsuit corresponds to a UV protection index of 30 (to avoid burns, it is better not to forget your sunscreen). A technology patented by the Dutch company SUNSELECT, with 100% French production.
A French production
“Production is carried out exclusively in France and with the participation of workshops employing people with disabilities, in order to promote inclusion,” says its creator.
"We work with a workshop in Nice , one in Vence (Alpes-Maritimes) and one near Nantes (Loire-Atlantique). We plan to open others, notably on Reunion Island or in Polynesia, to be able to produce and sell directly on site once the brand is exported."
Polynesian and Azurean inspirations
Originally from the North, Luc discovered the Côte d’Azur during his military service and fell in love with the region.
When we launched the project, we wanted a common thread with the Côte d'Azur. So, in our first collections, we find the blue of the chairs of Nice, the yellow of Menton, the orange of the bell tower of Saint-Tropez and finally, the Palme d'Or of Cannes.
Luc Dessauvages
Another inspiration: Polynesia. Hibiscus, tiare flowers, or even bird of paradise, the floral patterns are taken from Tahitian flora: "I took a beautiful trip to Polynesia, I was inspired by it."
In total, four collections and six different product types (bikinis, bandeaus, swim shorts, pareos, women's shorts and dresses) are available on the Bikunu website.
Patterns that have an effect. The first collections are almost out of stock after only two months on the market. "We have an average of twenty orders per day . It's huge, we didn't expect such enthusiasm so quickly. It makes us want to continue and even go further, even faster."
Ecology at the heart of the brand
Another particularly important value for Luc and Alexandre: the ecological impact of their products: "We want to be as eco-responsible as possible." As a result, "the fabrics used and the printing process are Oeko-tex certified, the packaging is made from recycled and reusable materials, and deliveries are made via Colissimo services, which have been carbon neutral since 2012."
These choices of 100% French and eco-responsible production explain the price of the collections, ranging from 40 euros for a pareo, up to 95 € for a bikini . "We sell our brand to people who share our convictions and who decide to invest in a good quality product."
From jersey to polo shirt
Although swimwear remains their flagship product, Luc and Alexandra are not closing any doors. Polo shirts and Bermuda shorts will soon be available for sale to professionals. "We are targeting campsites, hotels, beach clubs, cruises, etc."
Outdoor sportswear collections (cycling, running, hiking, etc.) are also on the program. "We really want to create a dynamic whose possibilities are enormous." The Bikunu adventure is only just beginning.
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