Welcome to an exciting and ‘revealing’ interview with Octavio Quintana, the Executive Vice President for North America behind the success of Leonisa – a family-owned company dedicated to sustainable high-tech wizardry in the realm of intimate apparel, shapewear, and swimwear.
Octavio Quintana, the Executive Vice President for North America at Leonisa
Octavio is here to share his insights on style, design techniques, and secrets behind the success of Leonisa.
Let’s dive in!
At Leonisa, we believe that true empowerment starts from within. The Premium collection is the perfect combination of cutting-edge technology and luxurious aesthetics,
Octavio Quintana, Executive Vice President.
Describe the design style 0f Leonisa in three words.
Octavio: High tech masterpieces.
Who are your style icons?
Octavio: Our style icons are the women who wear the pieces we make. We design shapewear, lingerie, and swimwear for everyday style icons who want to bring out the best of every look.
What’s your wardrobe MVP?
Octavio: Both of our brands, Leonisa and LEO, are our MVPs! They offer a wide range of options for every occasion, ensuring our customers feel confident and stylish.
Octavio, what is your life philosophy?
Octavio: When you look great, you feel great. When you feel great, you can do anything and everything. It’s all about embracing your best self and unleashing your full potential.
What’s the one thing you would never wear?
Octavio: We would never wear shapewear that doesn’t actually get the job done, underwear that’s uncomfortable, bras that aren’t supportive, or swimwear that doesn’t highlight our curves. We believe in delivering quality, comfort, and style in every piece.
Now, let’s dig into the details behind the success of Leonisa with some more in-depth questions!
Leonisa swimwear – always stylish and flattering!
Spill the tea! Are there any secret design techniques or unique elements that you’ve sprinkled into your collections that are exclusive to Leonisa?
Octavio: Of course! We love to add luxurious details to our lingerie by incorporating a dash of our signature SmartLace®. This exquisite lace is specially designed to accentuate and highlight curves, making you feel confident and embracing your sensuality.
How do you achieve the perfect balance in crafting lingerie and swimwear that not only prioritizes comfort but also embraces the allure?
Octavio: At Leonisa, we understand that comfort is essential, but we also believe in maintaining the sizzle factor. Our trademark fabrics are soft, light, and comfortable, offering effective shaping without compromising on style. Our swimwear strikes the perfect balance, featuring built-in benefits that enhance your confidence and highlight your curves.
Hi tech engineering lingerie by Leonisa
What inspired you to start your lingerie and swimwear label?
Octavio: Our journey began when our founder was just 12 years old. He inspired his family to open a store in a small town in Colombia, selling imported bras. After consistently selling out, the family decided to start producing their own bras, which became the first-ever bras made in Colombia. Since then, we’ve expanded globally, but we proudly remain a family-owned Colombian company, dedicated to creating exceptional lingerie and swimwear.
WE SHAPE OUR BRAND AND COMPANY PROJECTS IN A RESPONSIBLE MANNER, CARING FOR THE PLANET AND PEOPLE. AT LEONISA WE PROMOTE CONSCIOUS FASHION FROM LOVE.“
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Could you reveal the secret to designing swimwear and lingerie that accentuates and complements various body types?
Octavio: With 65 years of experience, we’ve closely paid attention to what women truly desire from their underwear. Every year, we develop new products based on customer feedback, including expanding our range of sizes. Our focus is on highlighting curves and bringing out the best in every body type, ensuring that everyone feels confident and beautiful.
Do you have a signature design feature that really sets your lingerie or swimwear apart from the rest?
Octavio: Absolutely! Leonisa utilizes our trademark fabric technology to create pieces you won’t find anywhere else. We also offer four scientifically tested levels of compression, setting us apart from other brands in the lingerie and swimwear industry.
In terms of size inclusivity, how does your brand ensure that all individuals feel represented and celebrated?
Octavio: We understand the importance of size inclusivity, and our range of sizes depends on the product. In general, we make bras from A cup up to DD and panties from XS up to 4XL, striving to offer options that cater to diverse body types.
Share with us the latest trends in the realm of lingerie and swimwear design. Which styles are captivating everyone’s interest and gaining significant attention?
Octavio: For swimwear, we love textured and differentiated materials that provide a unique touch. It’s all about finding styles that feel cool, look great, and stand out, such as those featuring a touch of shine or ribbing. In the lingerie realm, the trend is centered around light, soft fabrics that prioritize comfort. Our underwear goes beyond comfort; many of our styles include different compression levels to highlight curves, ensuring they are both durable and effective.
What sources of inspiration influence your lingerie or swimwear designs?
Octavio: Our ultimate source of inspiration has always been women. We aim to create products that empower women to feel confident in their own skin and make them feel heard in terms of their desires and needs.
Any exciting collaborations or upcoming projects you can tease us with? What can we expect from your brand in the near future?
Octavio: We’re thrilled about expanding our partnership with Victoria’s Secret. Currently, a selection of Leonisa’s products is available on the Victoria’s Secret website, and we’re even testing products in 10 Victoria’s Secret stores. We’re looking forward to increasing that number in the future, so stay tuned for exciting developments!
As a designer, how do you stay ahead of the curve and anticipate upcoming fashion trends?
Octavio: Staying ahead of the trends requires constant listening to customer feedback, closely following the market, and attending trade shows. By keeping our finger on the pulse, we ensure that our designs remain fresh, innovative, and in tune with what our customers desire.
What’s the biggest no-no in swimwear or lingerie design and manufacturing?
Octavio: Our biggest no-no is creating something uncomfortable. At Leonisa, we possess the technology to make lingerie that not only looks great but also feels great. We prioritize delivering exceptional comfort to make our customers feel amazing in their lingerie and swimwear.
Speaking of sustainability, can you share some pro-tips for caring for lingerie or swimwear to make them last longer?
Octavio: At Leonisa, we’re committed to slow fashion, creating pieces built to last. However, if you want to extend the longevity of our products, consider washing them by hand or using the delicate setting on your washing machine. Additionally, using lingerie washing bags can help protect delicate fabrics. Remember, the most sustainable choice is to invest in lingerie designed to last forever!
Thank you, Octavio Quintana, for taking us on this interesting glimpse into the world of Leonisa, where high-tech masterpieces, comfort, and confidence converge. We look forward to witnessing your brand’s future collaborations and celebrating the continued success of Leonisa in the world of swim and lingerie fashion.
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