On the Frankies Bikinis X Gigi Hadid collaboration, fashion model Gigi shares: "The collection was ... [+] created with friends and heart, and is a special full circle moment for me and Frank. We’ve known each other since before we ever thought dreams like this could come true copy."

Some of our fondest memories are made during summer. It is a season often associated with the first loves and coming of age. It is also the time when we make pacts and share dreams with lifelong best friends. There is so much magic surrounding summertime, which is why Its eventual end is always bittersweet. Fashion model, TV personality, mother, and red carpet icon Gigi Hadid has always spent her summers in Malibu or in her family’s idyllic countryside home. “I grew up in the countryside and as I went on to live my adult life, it became my getaway.”

Gigl also grew up and spent those precious summers with Frankies Bikinis Founder, Francesca Aiello. “Even as we went on to live our adult lives and launch our own careers, we stayed connected,” shares Gigi. While Frankie dedicated the past 10 years of her life building a widely-loved beachwear, lifestyle brand, Gigi conquered the runways and pages of glossy magazines. It took a decade before both women could finally collaborate on a sentimental and nostalgic collection for Frankies Bikinis. Francesca intimates, “Gigi is someone who is so special and so inspiring to me…Our deep rooted friendship is what really made this collection not only fun to create together, but also to shoot together.”

The Frankies Bikinis collection in collaboration with Gigi Hadid was inspired by childhood summers ... [+] spent in the countryside.

They immediately went down memory lane, looking through old photos taken during their younger years. “We wanted to create pieces that you’ll want to wear making memories you’ll hold on to for years. We also focused on adding personal elements that were authentic and genuine to our experience of summer” expressed Frankie. Americana countryside became their main inspiration, which resonated deeply with Gigi.

Patterns were key elements that immediately captured the collection’s distinctive narrative. Gigi shares, “We went through thousands upon thousands of swatches to find the perfect floral, toile or plaid prints. we were very specific about how we wanted every piece to look.” Silhouettes were also informed by the real life experiences that take place in the summertime. “We went for shapes that make you feel and look good. As we were developing designs, we asked ourselves: can I wear this and do the things I want to do?” it was a mindset that brought to life hero pieces like the bodysuits, one-piece swimsuits.

Frankies Bikinis X Gigi Hadid collection is equal parts nostalgic, feminine and sentimental.

Other elements that distinguish the collection include bows, ruffles, soft pointelle, eyelet and use of terry cloth fabrics. Frankie explains, “We wanted the collection to offer something for everyone. It’s a big collection that includes 98 styles in total, and within it, we hope that customers find their own favorites.” The Tia Top paired with Pipa bottoms are all time favorites mentioned by the brand founder and creative director.

Gigi’s motherhood journey factored greatly into the ideas she poured into the collection. “As I went through photos of my mom and I, we came up with the idea of a Mommy and Me collection.” The fashion model and icon expounds that she and Frankie worked very closely with their graphics team to come up with unique prints for the line. Results of their work saw the birth of unique prints like G & F logos as well as mommy and baby deer. “Myself a mom, I also thought about clothes that will allow me to run after my kids while at the beach,” Gigi adds.

Although the collaboration of Gigi and Frankie was made with summer in mind, every piece was crafted for keeps. If, like me, you live in a country where it’s almost summer all year long, pieces from Frankies Bikinis X Gigi Hadid make for a wise fashion investment. Not only will they work seamlessly with a wardrobe built for warm weather, they also add a layer of nostalgia to dressing even after the sunny season is over.

Gigi Hadid and Francesca Aiello serve up Summer Forever vibes with their first collaboration for ... [+] Frankies Bikinis

During a phone conversation with Gigi, the multitasking mother emphasizes, “With good quality comes pieces that will last for years, and in that sense it makes dressing for this season more sustainable.” Frankie affirms that pieces from the collection are meant to be held on to–just like prized moments and memories. Gigi ends, “We designed this collection with so much love, and I believe that shines through in the details within the fabrics, prints and styles we chose to use. The collection was created with friends and heart, and is a special full circle moment for me and Frank. We’ve known each other since before we ever thought dreams like this could come true. We hope you love it!” says Gigi.