🌞 Spring'25 Drop 2: Permanent Vacation Available Now 🌞
🌞 Spring'25 Drop 2: Permanent Vacation Available Now 🌞
by Charlotta Linder April 12, 2025 3 min read
From spontaneous surf trips to designing the perfect surf suits, this is how two like-minded women came together to make something special. Join in for a quick chat with Erika & Nat, the two women behind the SEPTEMBER x Alaia Mentawai collaboration.
Q: Hey Nat, can you share a bit about your background and how you came to be involved with Alaia Mentawai?
I was working as a surf guide/photographer at another resort for 6 seasons with my partner. When we started thinking about our future, we just couldn’t imagine life without Mentawai. I’d say everything just naturally happened.
Q: Erika, how did you first connect with Nat, and what drew you to collaborate with Alaia?
This collab started last April while I was staying at Alaia. Nat and I go way back—we’ve been friends since our first surf trip there during Covid. We’ve always connected over women’s surfing, design, and of course… bikinis. She’s insanely creative, and over time, the idea just clicked: why not create something together? So we did—a surf suit and print designed by two like-minded women, made to handle even the Mentawai beatings.
Q: Nat, why did you choose to collaborate with SEPTEMBER?
We love sharing ideas and working on new things with creative, core surf industry people. As SEPTEMBER’s swimwear is packed with many of Erika’s ideas, I was thrilled to be able to make surf suits with them!
Q: Erika, what do you think makes the Alaia collaboration fit into the essence of SEPTEMBER?
For me, it’s about creating suits that are tough enough for the ocean but still look great. Alaia and SEPTEMBER both value adventure, freedom, and the strong friendships that come from the ocean. It just made total sense for us to bring those values together in this collaboration.
Q: What inspired this collaboration between Alaia and SEPTEMBER, Nat?
When Erika came to visit us at Alaia last year, we talked a lot about swimwear for surfing. We had so many ideas, and it felt like the perfect time to collaborate. So, we decided to create a bikini filled with each other’s ideas!
Q: Erika, what piece from the collaboration are you particularly excited about?
The Alaia Surf Suit is a new, fresh piece—it sits perfectly in the collection and works beautifully for those long sessions in the ocean.
Q: Nat, what inspires you, personally or professionally?
Alaia’s guests! Each and every one of them, who have chosen to visit our little surf resort from different parts of the world, always give us new discoveries and ideas.
Q: What’s your favorite part of the day outside of surfing, Nat?
It’s hard to choose, but maybe sunset time. I’ve been living in Mentawai full time for over 10 years now, and every single sunset is never the same. It always reminds me how lucky I am to be here.
Q: Erika, when do you plan to head back to Alaia to surf next?
I’ll probably be heading there whenever really, spontaneously, but nothing planned just yet. I have so many favorite places in this world so it's a challenge to have time to visit all, regularly.
Q: Nat, do you have any fun trips planned this year—surfing or non-surfing?
Unfortunately, I don’t have any plans to visit anywhere else just yet, as we’re pretty much fully booked for the whole season (which we’re so stoked about, and very thankful for!). But once the season is over, we’ll be busy preparing for next season. It’s all good though, because we get to meet so many amazing surfers here at Alaia. I really love my job!
Check out the new SEPTEMBER x Alaia Mentawai collaboration.
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by Charlotta Linder January 24, 2025 2 min read 1 Comment
Discover why winter waves are always worth it—our top tips for staying warm, making every chilly surf session unforgettable, and enjoying those post-surf moments. 🍵
by Charlotta Linder October 07, 2024 1 min read
by Erika Togashi September 16, 2024 2 min read 1 Comment
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This bikini supports good and stays in place while surfing this was exactly what I needed! I can not believe how comfortable with this bottom, highly recommend 🙌🙌🙌
This is one of my favorite one pieces to surf in! The material is soooo silky smooth and it fits snug but comfy. The back detail is cute and it doesn’t move around even in big surf! If it’s a sunny day I like to throw a cropped rash guard over it.
I’m 5’3” and am wearing XS (My usual size AU6) it fits me perfect. The print and color is super cute and standing out in the water. This suit is also so comfortable and You don't need to worry anything while surfing. Defiantly recommend!!
I purchased this item few months ago, I enjoyed it very much.
I believe this is the prettiest bikini I ever had. The fit is very flattering, the fabric is simply beautiful and really well made. I'm in awe. Needed to exchange for a different size (only the top) and the whole process was easy. I cannot wait for my second purchase!
Great colour and design
Love how the material feels and the color!
Great piece
Love this green and white pattern and the easy fit!
The Scorpion top is fantastic! I love the high neck and long sleeves for sun protection. The ribbed texture is a nice touch, and the quality is amazing. It feels so luxurious and super comfy. It pairs wonderfully with either the Lucky or Eros bottom. Definitely a great addition to my swimwear collection!
I recently picked up the Eros bottom, and it’s my new favorite for surfing this season. It’s cheekier than the Lucky, which I like, and the high waist is super flattering. Plus, it stays put, even in big waves. The quality is top-notch and totally luxury. Definitely my go-to for the recent summer swells.
I just got the Topanga surf top, and it's awesome! It's like a sports bra, super comfy, and it stays put. The quality is great, really sturdy and holds up well in the water. Plus, it fits perfectly true to size. Definitely a solid choice for any surf day!
The Eros Bikini Bottom is a game-changer! Its sleek, minimalistic design accentuates all the right curves while staying comfortably in place—definitely my top pick for effortless beach days and soaking up the sun with confidence.
The Topanga Top is my new favorite bikini top! It not only looks stunning with its flattering design but also feels incredibly comfortable. All my friends want to get one
I've always been a little hesitant about surfing in leggings but after my legs got so sunburnt after a trip Costa Rica, I bought these from SEPTEMBER and have never looked back. They sit high enough on the waist so they don't roll down when I fall and they are snug that they don't bunch up at the knees or thighs when they are wet. Couldn't recommend them enough.