Well Bikini Queens, our fearless Founder turns 38 years old tomorrow. What is time?! It feels like it was yesterday when she was 27 years old, without kids, prancing through the streets of LA's fashion district for the first time and fumbling through her first sewing project in her kitchen.
For those who don't know, Sam started Gemini Mountain Swimwear in 2015 with nothing more than 20$ worth of cheap nylon swim fabric, an old spool of thread, a child's sewing machine she bought off eBay for 30$, a whole lot of passion, curiosity and YouTube.
She taught herself every piece of the design and apparel making process, with zero sewing or fashion experience. She spent countless hours watching videos in her kitchen, trying to replicate what she was seeing, she called manufacturers and pattern makers begging for their time and mentorship. And she shared every step of the way on social media, gathering feedback and iterating her designs until she was finally ready to debut our first collection, in April 2016, less than 1 year after learning how to sew.
And the rest is history, our first collection in April 2016 sold out within hours, and over the next 11 years Sam would design over 80 styles, release those designs in over 30 different colors, and ultimately make 10's of thousands of bikinis right here in Missoula, Montana. And right here with a completely self taught Founder, who still uses a pencil and piece of paper when designing new styles today, she refuses to go digital, she believes pattern making is an art in itself.
So for the first time in 11 years, we're going to share the inspiration behind her all time favorite styles, colors and pieces so you can shop the designs you're more than likely to find her wearing while she's out soaking up sun and adventuring with her children in the mountains, lakes and rivers.
Starting with our AURORA top and GIA bottom.
- The AURORA top is a super classic, and timeless cami pull overs style of swim top, this top offers adjustable slide straps to help ensure proper support and fitting so you can be as a active, supportive and cute as you want.
- The GIA bottom is one of Sam's personal favorites, its the all time classic low rise bikini bottom with a cheeky booty cut. This style is timeless and a must for our classic bikini lovers.
- This color SUNSET has been with us since 2018 when we launched our first sustainable fabric collection, we have ordered the most rolls of any color, she is the perfect shade of terracotta, offering notes of warmth, pink and orange, making it the most flattering color on almost every skin tone.
Next we have, the EMMA top and LOUIE bottom.
- The EMMA top is one of my all time favorite tops for being active! Because I can customize the straps to support exactly where I need, I can literally do any activity. The high neck also helps when my chest has had too much sun and needs a little repreve, you will not find my bikini bag without this style on any given day.
- The LOUIE bottom, named after my first born Louis Wilder. This bottom hits in all the right places, it is the most flattering high waisted bottom you ever did meet. With it's high leg cuts and high waisted style are ultra flattering on literally any and every body shape.
- And this color, COBALT, is one of my all time favorite blues. It is bright, bold, but also subtly earthy. It can be paired with my bright bold palettes, soft pastels and then don't get me started on my jewel tones. This color goes with everything.
Next, we have our GIADA top and the BELLA bottom
- The GIADA top has been one of Sam's all time favorite tops since she designed it in 2019. It is the most minimal, yet supportive of all her pull on tops. She loves the open back so she can soak up the sun, and the sweetheart front offers the perfect amount of coverage so can be as active as she wants in this top. Another style, you will not find her without.
- The BELLA bottom has been a best seller since she debuted in the original collection in April 2016. This bottom is the perfect midrise bottom, with a flattering leg cut and modest coverage.
- The color FOREST is one of the most classic greens we've carried, it's deep in it's green and sold out...
Next we have our JENNA top and CINDY bottom (don't get your hopes up on the green color though...)
- The JENNA top is our version of the classic, scoop neck pull over bra top. This top goes with me everywhere, she's extra versatile, you can be as active as you want, yet her scoop neck and skinny adjustable slide straps make her extra cute.
- The CINDY bottom is one of our original 2016 styles, this bottom offers the most flattering, cheeky, high leg cut. The cheeky bottom of your dreams truly.
- The color SAGE sadly sold out in 2025, and she is currently unmatched in the bold light earthy green department but we offer over 10 different color options so you're sure to find a consolation color
- However the color STONE, is one of Sam's all time favorite colors, and she is absolutely in stock
Next we have our LUCIA top and LOUIE bottom (and you can get your hopes up over this color..)
- The LUCIA top is one of our all time best selling tops, not only is this top insanely flattering on an array of body types, but she is ultra functional. She offers 1/2" straps with sewn in elastic, along with a sweetheart silhouette making her absolute stunner, you will not packing your bikini bag without this one.
- The LOUIE bottom, named before, because she is THAT GOOD.
- The color SUNSET, you already know, and yes you do need her.
Next is Sam's all time favorite bottom... the MAHINA
- The MAHINA bottom is our most minimal bottom, offering the least amount of coverage with adjust side slide straps, this bottom can be worn higher on the hips or lower rise depending on the side strap length. You will not find Sam without this bottom in her bag or on.
- The MARLOW top is pictured here from the back, she offers an ample amount of support with her thicker back straps and extra flattering and feminine front cut with a center knot.
- The color COBALT will forever be one of Sam's favorite blue hues.
Next we have our stunner of a top paired with Sam's favorite bottoms, the VERA and MAHINA
- The VERA top is undoubtedly our prettiest swim top with her plunging V neck and open back design. She teeters on the edge of fashion verse function, but you cannot miss this style in your bikini basket, she is the one you take from the water to a night out.
- The MAHINA bottom, do we need to say more?
Last, but certainly not least, Sam will never be found without LOUNGEWEAR to pop on after a day in the sun, or to pair with her favorite swim pieces. We offer an array of colors and styles, you will not regret stocking your baskets with these buttery soft basics
Enjoy 20-25% off the entire website to celebrate 11 years of bikini making and 38 years of life. Thank you endlessly for being here, supporting, stocking your bikin baskets and being the most incredible group of bikini lovers we could have ever dreamed of.
I am, and forever will be, honored to be your bikini maker.
In Darkness & In Light,
Sam xx
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