Major campaign images for Alicia.
Alicia Rountree signed to Models 1 at the age of 17. She wrote a travel book about her home country of Mauritius and recently launched her own eco-conscious swimwear brand. For Alicia’s original idea, she wore many bikinis as a model, but never found the right shape or print. Roundtree saw a gap in the market for something durable, stylish and comfortable. What she wears but also her mother, sister and niece.
What makes a great swimsuit? I believe you should always feel good and confident in your own skin, and that great swimsuit should feel like a second skin. Two things that should not be compromised are appearance and comfort, which can be achieved by using high-quality fabrics and timeless design. That’s all I wanted for Alicia’s swim, and I’m thrilled to say that we made it happen.
How has your experience as a model informed your current work as a designer?You get to work in the fashion industry and learn from different professionals, it’s like school. I didn’t study to be a fashion designer, but I lived and saw how everything works behind the scenes. As a model, I tried on thousands of different swimwear and noticed which cuts were the most comfortable and flattering. I also learned what fine details lie between a good-looking suit and a dress. And It feels good.
How do you design your prints and source your fabrics? I paint all of our signature prints with watercolors. Mauritius is my main source of inspiration, so naturally most of our prints came to life when I visited my birthplace. At Alicia Swim, we source high-quality recycled Italian fabrics reclaimed from fishing nets washed ashore. Our resort accessories are made from a cotton and silk blend and use 50 percent less water in the printing process. Mauritian craftsmanship is an important part of our brand identity, so we use a local production team and local artisans.
The Sage Collection by Alicia Main.
I think the man has traveled a lot – where are some of your favorite hidden gems? I’ve traveled a lot and been to some of the most amazing places in the world, but being from Mauritius – nothing beats home. The only place where I really feel the same connection is Menorca. The fact that only seven percent of the island is built is very rare, so you will feel disconnected from the rest of the world!
You did a collaboration with LUX*… how did that come about and tell me about the partnership? LUX* started stocking my collection in their hotel and found it so popular that they asked me if I would do a special print for the opening of LUX* Grand Baie, Mauritius. This collaboration is close to my heart as I have known Paul Jones (CEO of LUX*) since I was born!
Alicia Rountree-Zannier works on designs.
What’s on your mood board right now? Bright colors! Next summer we will have some bright colors and some new designs. We are also working on a new collaboration to create some mother-daughter looks, which are so fun to dream about. The first idea behind Alicia Main was to create a collection for all the women in the family: from grandmothers, from mothers to daughters.
How does sustainability feed into what you do? Growing up on an island surrounded by wildlife and ocean, you respect Mother Nature. Sustainable brand management has always been a part of who I am, and I know no different. This is about my lifestyle, Alicia Main and the projects I’m working on. I only work with brands that share my ideals and want to work towards the same mission.
Grandma’s Bazaar in Menorca.
Arnaud Zanier, founder of the Zanier Hotels Group, opened Nona Bazar in a farmhouse surrounded by typical Menorcan architecture and 400 hectares of farmland. His motivation? Childhood memories of family gatherings for hearty meals around long tables overlooking the Mediterranean Sea in southern France. The name “Nona” evokes the spirit of family, stories, memories and recipes of ancestors, while “Bazaar” refers to the souks and markets that bring life to every village in the Mediterranean.
Why did you choose Menorca to launch Nona Bazaar? I’ve been visiting Menorca for about 10 years, and I’ve been exploring places around the island to create a hotel that I absolutely love. When I spent a lot of time there, I realized that there was a need for a new and modern restaurant concept based not only on the area but also on the Mediterranean culture. A rural lifestyle, agricultural holdings and the Mediterranean Sea have helped us.
How did your experience in the hotel industry inform Nona Bazaar?Naturally, having been in hospitality for 10 years and having opened six hotels on three different continents, I have gained a lot of experience and knowledge.
What makes a perfect meal? For me, what makes a perfect meal is a relaxing atmosphere, so I can sit back and spend time with close friends or family. I appreciate basic, simple and honest food with friendly but professional service alongside good entertainment and a beautiful setting.
I’ve read that you have an “instinctive attention to detail” and how that is reflected in Nona Bazaar? I believe that the details are what sets a product apart. While renovating the farm where Nona Bazaar sits, we had to be careful not to spoil the energy and soul of the place. I made sure to keep as much patina, flooring and old doors as possible.
Casual Mediterranean dining at Nona Bazar.
What is your favorite dish on the menu and why? I really love the specialty “Cochinillo Asado” from our farm where my team focuses on raising the best pigs on the island. I also really like Moroccan Pastilla; It reminds me of my childhood when we travel to Marrakesh every year.
You’ve said you have to be passionate about being successful in a business—why are you so passionate about these projects? Yes, I’m always excited about all the projects I start, otherwise I don’t. I love creating concepts and finding places that others can enjoy.
