A Norwegian designer has turned her teenage passion for bikini design into a thriving swimwear brand.
What began as doodles during high school has blossomed into https://www.islaxbikini.com/, a swimwear brand created by 25-year-old Malin Hansen. Based near Oslo, Malin’s journey to establishing her own business has been as colourful and exciting as her designs.
After graduating in 2018, Malin’s father, Joachim Hansen, encouraged her to pursue her love for bikini design. Together, they found a manufacturing partner in China—a bold move that proved to be the perfect choice. “We got lucky because the manufacturer we visited turned out to be the perfect fit,” Malin recalls. With production underway, Isla Bikini was born.
Inspired by her lifelong love for the ocean and the challenge of finding swimwear that was both fashionable and functional, Malin crafted Isla Bikini with an emphasis on comfort, quality, and striking prints. Designed to flatter all body types, the brand’s EU size range (XS to L) helps women feel confident, whether they’re surfing or relaxing by the sea.
The journey wasn’t without its setbacks. In 2019, after a short stint at ESMOD Fashion School in Oslo, Malin realised that traditional fashion education wasn’t the right fit for her. “I didn’t fit in at fashion school, which is ironic,” she says, reflecting on her decision to drop out and focus fully on Isla Bikini. A trip to Bali shortly after proved transformative, inspiring her as she observed other entrepreneurs turning their dreams into successful ventures. With renewed determination, Malin returned to Norway to build her brand.
Malin and her father invested between $30,000 and $40,000 into the business, and her commitment to success is unwavering. “There’s no plan B,” she admits. Isla Bikini is already gaining traction, with over 7,000 visitors to the website in its first months and growing attention across Instagram and other social platforms.
With her father managing the business’s operational aspects, Malin focuses on her designs, drawing inspiration from her travels and her homeland’s natural beauty. “Every bikini I design is inspired by my travels, from the white sands of remote islands to the vibrant colours of a sunset. I want every woman who wears an Isla Bikini to feel that same sense of escape and adventure.”
As Isla Bikini continues to grow, Malin is looking ahead with plans to expand her product line and explore opportunities in Scandinavian and international markets. “This is only the beginning, and I’m excited for what the future holds.”
Discover the Isla Bikini collection at www.islaxbikini.com and follow the brand on Instagram @islaxbikini.