Meet a Brand We Love: Q&A with Bri O’Shea, Founder & Designer at Label B, A Sustainable Swim Brand

Finding amazing small businesses is basically our side hustle over here at Entwine Living! We’re so excited to introduce you to an incredible swimwear brand we discovered recently, Label B! We had the opportunity to connect with Bri O’Shea founder and designer at Label B to ask her how she got started in the industry and to learn more about her company.

Here’s the rundown:

Label B sources only dead stock material (other people's leftovers) and material made from recycled plastic bottles to produce their swimwear.
All pieces are reversible, so you get two unique designs in one, which encourages consumers to buy less.
The company releases a few, small batches of swimwear each season—so there’s no overproduction, just enough to cover the demand and keep fresh, new styles coming your way!

From thoughtful, eco-conscious sourcing of materials to her favorite way to spend a day off, keep reading to learn more about Bri and how this fashion-forward business got started.

Q: When did you first become interested in sustainability?

A: After working in the corporate market and seeing the reality of mass production I felt there had to be a better way. That experience led me into sustainability within the fashion industry and eventually to Label B.

Q: Why did you start Label B?

A: I started Label B as a passion project fueled from a desire to create meaningful products where quality over quantity and sustainability were at the forefront. The idea to use only dead-stock (old, surplus or leftover/overruns) fabric from other companies was a way for me to use what was already out there instead of creating more waste. In addition, making every suit reversible or multi-functional allows the customer to really get the most out of their purchase and in turn, the hope is they will wear it more and buy less.

Q: Can you tell us about your design process, fabric sourcing and production?

A: This is one of my favorite parts of my job. I am constantly pulling inspiration from Instagram, stores, the beach, etc. of interesting back details, necklines, fabrics, etc. I edit them down and then design into each style until I love it. I then source fabric from my vendors and design mini "capsules" each season. Instead of doing one spring collection or a summer collection I try to have little "drops" throughout the year to keep it fresh and new. I pattern every suit myself and create the samples to fit on models. Once we have the fit right I send to factory and they cut and sew. Our factory is woman owned and operated here in the US and everyone is paid a living wage.

Q: What bathing suit do you hope never goes out of style?

A: Oooh I would I have to say the typical triangle top and side tie bottom. This one is classic and my go-to whenever I want minimal tan lines!

Q: What’s one of your favorite ways to spend your free time?

A: Beach days with my friends and no plans.

Q: What are three of your favorite sustainable fashion brands?

A: Patagonia, Mate the Label, RE/ DONE

Q: In another life if you weren’t running Label B, what might your job be?

A: I love this question! I have always been interested in the hospitality industry. Creating a space for people to relax, let loose and enjoy themselves. In another life (or maybe later on this one) I would love to be a part of creating an entertainment space with live music, good food and drinks, maybe a boutique hotel? Who knows what's ahead but I will say I am doing my dream right now and I will continue on this path as long as it's fueling me!

Q: Are there any resources (podcasts, documentaries, books, etc.) you would recommend for someone who wants to learn more about sustainability?

A: Let My People Go Surfing- Book by Yvon Chouinard (Founder of Patagonia)
How I Built This- Podcast
Follow #WhoMadeMyClothes
The True Cost- Film

Q: Entwine is a lifestyle + retail-focused Commercial Real Estate Company. Our jam is to make authentic connections + undo the ordinary. What are some specific ways you strive to “undo the ordinary”?

A: Ahh this motto is it! I strive to "undo the ordinary" by doing my part to try and change the mindset of how we as consumers buy things. I think simplicity is the key to a fulfilled life and less is always more. Creating products that are multi-use, educating customers on buying quality that will last vs. buying quantity that won't, etc. are a few ways I am trying to "undo the ordinary".

Q: How can our community find you? Share all social handles and retailers that sell your brand.

A: Labelb.com
@_labelb - Instagram