From Bali Beaches to Global Biz: How Akoia Swim Made Sustainability Sexy

The Dreamy, Hand-Crocheted Bikini Brand Built by Three Besties—And How They Turned Their Ethos Into a Scalable Empire

Let’s rewind to 2014—Instagram was popping off, VSCO filters were a personality trait, and three teen besties in Bali were about to stitch their way into the sustainable fashion conversation before most brands could even spell "eco-conscious." Enter Akoia Swim, a hand-crocheted swimwear label co-founded by Reo Palmer, Inka Williams, and Frances Elliott. What started as a dreamy side hustle became a slow fashion icon, now worn by global it-girls, featured in high-fashion editorials, and praised for its commitment to ethical production.

But make no mistake: Akoia Swim isn't just pretty bikinis and aesthetic beach shoots (though there’s plenty of that, too). It’s a case study in how values-driven fashion—when built right—can scale without selling out. This is a brand that carved its own lane in the crowded swimwear market, all while staying handcrafted, sustainable, and fiercely authentic.

So how’d they do it? And more importantly, how did they scale from island-made suits to international cult status? Let’s break it down.