by Erika Togashi May 14, 2024 3 min read 1 Comment
She’s the talented artist behind our Sun Ray print ─Lauryn Alvarez is known for her soulful artworks inspired by Southern California's landscapes.
Lauryn she shares insights into her artistic process, the inspiration behind her designs, and how her surroundings influence her artwork.
Can you share with us what initially sparked your passion for art and led you on the journey to becoming a professional artist?
My interest in art began as early as I can remember. Creating art has always been apart of who I am. I knew from a young age I always wanted to be an artist, whatever that looked like. I dabbled in various forms of creative expression as a child. I made drawings, painted, sculpted, sewed, filmed videos, took photos, wrote stories.
Being a professional artist really came natural to me. I would share my work on social media and people were interested in it and wanted more. It took a leap of faith pursuing art full time and it’s not always easy but I’m very grateful for this journey I’m on.
Describe a typical day in your life, from your creative process to how you find moments of inspiration?
I then try and get out in the early afternoon to catch some sunshine and enjoy nature.
I find it so crucial to my creative process and well-being in general to prioritize being outside as much as possible.
Share three things you love about living in Southern California?
Are you into surfing or other outdoor activities? Share your favorites with us!
Surfing and hiking are my go to outdoor activities! These both bring me so much joy and peace and are also such great bonding moments doing these things with people I love.
Is there a travel destination where you always head to recharge?
I love spending time in Santa Barbara. It’s not too far and it’s so beautiful.
What advice would you give to aspiring artists who are looking to establish themselves in the art world?
Comments will be approved before showing up.
by Charlotta Linder September 01, 2025 2 min read
Most swimwear lasts one summer. SEPTEMBER suits are different — designed for longevity, made with recycled Italian fabric, and trusted by surfers for over 3 years (and counting). Discover why timeless swimwear is the smartest, most sustainable choice you can make.
by Charlotta Linder June 19, 2025 1 min read
A short Q&A with Dana Hamann—surfer, retreat host, and co-creator of DanceLightly Surf & Awareness Retreats. We chat about what inspired her journey, life in Lombok, and her deep connection to the ocean.
by Charlotta Linder May 20, 2025 3 min read
Erika and Nat discuss the SEPTEMBER x Alaia Mentawai collaboration, sharing their creative journey and what inspired the collection.
You can add a content block like this to your blog article sidebar, and use it for more details about blog authors, for example.
Sign up to get the latest on sales, new releases and more …
I have this in basically every color. It's my ride or die bottom for coverage, protection and comfort.
My chest is always the first thing to burn on my body. I've been so good about protecting my face and not as vigilant about my chest and neck-- until now. This top is so cute and also very functional. I put it on sometimes mid-beach day when I feel the sun is cooking me most. I also like how it has the thumb hooks so you can protect your hands, too. I have this in multiple colors. I really like the fabric of the "Olive Eco Rib" color most. It's the most durable. I've taken it to Mexico in pretty solid surf and it stays put. It's nice to throw in your surf bag for travel incase of jellyfish or sea-lice since it will protect your arms, neck and hands while paddling.
This suit has quickly become a favorite. The coverage is perfect--secure, flattering and comfortable. The material is nice and thick too, so no worries about it being see-through. Comfortable, durable, and stylish for long surf sessions. I had been looking for a white surf suit for a while, since it is such a nice color to film and photograph, but I was concerned I wouldn't find one that offered the right coverage. This suit is up top the task!
I love how it feels and wear. The only thing is it runs small even if it by the size chart in USA measurements. I always wear a size a Medium but when ordering Medium here it runs a bit small so will need to order the next size up
Stumbled across this suit at the Xanadu surf shop on Lombok and loved the green bean print! But ahh the fit is amazing. Truly one of the first surf bikinis that I feel confident wont fly off if I get hit by a big wave. I bought the same style in red too! So cute and *actually functional!
Ahh I'm obsessed. Truly one of the first surf bikinis that I can feel confident wont fly off! I have the matching top and bottom and cannot stop wearing them. I bought the same style in red too! So cute and functional!
The made of this bottom is just perfect…fabric felt soft and smooth while hugging the body perfectly. It’s a modest coverage but still had me feeling free and not restricted in the hips area while surfing! Love love love this:)
The cutting of the top is flattering and felt so secured during my surf session. The print is just perfect. 10/10
If you are extremely fair like me but spend hours in the sun this is your top for no more burns. Covering neck,chest and hands has been a game changer for me in the water. I even wear this top mountain biking! Highly recommend if you want a cute and flattering top but want to take care of your skin.
Amazing surf suit bottom that stays snug if you’re spending hours in the water- I’m always skeptical of lighter prints being see through but this pattern is not at all, it’s a thick material but feels light on the skin. Super happy with these bottoms and have already taken them in three surf trips!
i originally bought this because i had burned my bum pretty badly & not only did it prevent this from ever happening again but it stays on perfectly and doesn’t leave a hard tan line. big fan😍😍
heya guys, i recently bought this bikini and IM LOVING IT😍😍 i have a hard time finding a bikini that keeps everything inside the top, in general but especially for surfing and im sooo impressed with how safe the top is despite being super comfortable and light! thanks so much for making these 🫶🏼🫶🏼
This is officially my favorite suit to surf in! The Alaia Surf Suit keeps everything perfectly in place so I can focus on surfing without worrying about adjusting anything. I usually pair it with the Scorpion Rashguard, and together they make the perfect set functional, comfortable, and stylish.
I also love wearing it to the beach with my daughter. We can run around, play, and still feel super cute. The material is amazing you can really tell that Erika and the team at September know exactly what they’re doing when it comes to both performance and design.
This is now my summer staple. Feels very cool with the heat when it’s wet.
I’ve recently been surfing in this top and honestly can’t believe how comfortable a rashguard can be. I’m a redhead, so sun protection is super important and this top nails it. The thumb holes offer extra coverage on the backs of my hands, and the higher neckline gives great protection without feeling restrictive.
What really surprised me is how soft it is. So many rashguards feel rough or end up causing more of a rash, but this one is buttery soft and gentle on the skin, even after long sessions in the water. September really got everything right with this piece functional, protective, and super comfortable.
Eileen
April 10, 2025
This interview is wonderful. It’s so honest, tender and happens to resonate with me, a woman who is young at heart. Thank you!!