In a time where a vast number of swim trunks are available for water enthusiasts, there is an upcoming Italian brand that is not only stylish and functional at the same time. A brand that channels the elegance of times past and blends it with modernity using the highest quality materials available with an Italian touch. May I introduce, XARIFA.
Launched in 2013, XARIFA is the result of Tomaso Musini’s quest for a one of a kind swim trunks, and the values entrusted to him by his grandfather.
For him the perfection of swimwear doesn’t rely only on the visual aspect, his designs express the wearer’s personality with a unique, elegant, and vibrant yet subtle design; but also on the technical-functional aspect. A fabric must be comfortable and have a quick drying time. All of XARIFA’s components are 100% Italian, from the polyester to the cotton string. Another thing that sets his swim trunks apart is the rear fold-in pouch pocket.
What a better way to know more about XARIFA than with a brief interview with Tomaso Musini.
What’s the story behind XARIFA?
The idea came from a pair of 1970‘s swimming trunks that I unofficially “borrowed” from my father. I loved wearing them, and I wore those trunks until they were too worn. I then started looking for a new pair of swimming trunks and realized that there was a huge gap in the market. Not only was the market in the hands of very few players, but also they were all alike: impersonal, lacking of charm and poetry; making everyone look the same. I did not like any of them.
I wanted to make a product that was elegant without being boring. A product that somehow brought the past and the future together: nostalgia of times past with hope for the future.
XARIFA’s swimming trunks’ components are all made in Italy. Each and every one of them has been carefully researched and selected; telling a story of an artisan or of an industrial reality that nowadays competes with the much cheaper, mostly Asian competition.
My swim trunks are possible because of many players, and each one tells a beautiful story. XARIFA uses modern fabrics which dry very fast without feeling too synthetic.
What does XARIFA stand for?
XARIFA was the name of my grandfather’s sailing boat. It derives from Sharifa (feminine of Sharif), which means noble, respected, elegant, virtuous, honored and admirable.
This ancient word is rooted in early Islamic civilization, where Sunnis reserved the term Sharif or Sharifa for descendants of the prophet Muhamed. Through centuries, this word was also used to convey respect to members of the noble class in the Arab world.
A Sharifa is someone who enjoys an elevated and regal status in society. Someone truly deserving of her title because she treats everyone regardless of their background with the same dignity, respect, and admiration that has been bestowed upon her. She embodies grace, elegance, virtue, and dignity.
I called my brand XARIFA in honor of my grandfather, an old school, ethical, and respectful entrepreneur who achieved great things in life. XARIFA, the boat, was one of them. He always referred to it (her) as one of the important women of his life along with his mother, wife and daughters. He told me to always believe in things.
I want XARIFA to be the same with me, a sort of protector, guardian motherly angel. Every man needs one; that is why I like that a men’s swimming suit brand is called with a feminine name.
Describe the inspiration for your designs.
Everything can be inspiring. We do not exclude anything that we like and do not include anything which does not have to do with XARIFA 's atmospheres. It is not a specific element or time period. In fact, it can be anything- anywhere, but in the right aesthetical frame and content.
For example, Oasis and 1228 are linked to the special atmospheres and ancient romance which identifies India and the Far East. The print elements can also be linked with an imaginative world evoking values of beauty, pride and harmony.
In your opinion, how have swim trunks evolved in the last 40 years?
In terms of fabrics used, massively. Cotton was pretty much the only fabric available for swimming trunks. Some used linen as a diversification but cotton was definitely THE fabric for swimming trunks. The problem with it was that it never dried. People would take at least two pairs with them each time so they could change it every time they took a dip.
Some colors didn’t stay and actually stained. Therefore cotton, as fascinating as it is, is today a thing of the past. However, some still use it today. As a matter of fact we are working on a model that will be made in cotton, which will dry faster due to an innovative technique to treat the fabric. Stay tuned!
As for style, in the last 40 years, it hasn’t changed much. Of course some years were a little crazy but generally speaking style has pretty much been the same. Today we still see very short trunks, and I believe as in everything in fashion, everything has already been seen before and it is retaken from the past.As for prints floral motifs have always been in vogue.
Considering 50s-90s cinema, who would you have liked to wear XARIFA?
Anyone starring in 60s Italian films by Pasolini, Visconti, and De Sica.
How is XARIFA different?
XARIFA is a brand born out of passion, a love for life, and aesthetics. You can see all of this in the product itself, and how every component has been meticulously selected from the best Italian suppliers. It’s a way to keep quality high and help to sustain our local economy.
For further information visit: http://www.xarifa.it or write to: info@xarifa.it
In case you’re in the NYC area on July 22nd and 23rd, 2013 stop by CAPSULE NY to live the XARIFA experience.
XARIFA: Nostalgia for times past ->Hope for the future. Inspired by the past, driven by the future.
Photos: XARIFA
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