Kristin Frazer: Designing Trefle, a Swimwear Line Born from the Caribbean and Africa

Born and raised on Tortola in the British Virgin Islands, Kristin Frazer studied fashion design at the International Academy of Design & Technology and interned at Carolina Herrera and BCBG Max Azria before launching Trefle — a timeless women's swimwear line named for her late grandmother. Premier Guide Miami sat down to find out what that means — and what comes next.

Born and raised on the beautiful island of Tortola, British Virgin Islands, Kristin Frazer has gained years of experience in the use of fabrics and textures through her studies at the International Academy of Design & Technology, where she received her Bachelor's degree in Fashion Design & Marketing, and through internships at Carolina Herrera and BCBG Max Azria in New York City.

Through her love of travel and exploring new places she discovered the exciting, entertaining, and inspiring beauty of other cultures. The assimilation of those sights and sounds prompted her to develop Trefle — a timeless and elegant line of women's swimwear with a futuristic vision. With sultry sunsets as her backdrop and her Caribbean lifestyle as her inspiration, Kristin creates each piece by combining eclecticism, romance, luxury, and practicality.

PGM: How long have you been designing?

Kristin Frazer: I've been a designer for almost three years now.

PGM: You recently showed your collection at Miami International Fashion Week. What was the theme?

Kristin Frazer: This collection was inspired by Mother Africa — from the soil to the gold to the African choirs and beautiful animals like zebras. This combination along with bold color blocking created a collection of richness and luxury. The name of my collection is Signature::L.U.X.

PGM: What inspired you to put together this collection, and the name Trefle?

Kristin Frazer: As a Black woman and a British Virgin Islands native, I'm proud to know that my history goes further than my Caribbean roots. Africa is a place of rich history, culture, fashion, and art, and I wanted to symbolize that through my designs. The name Trefle is actually French and it means "clover," which is a significant name as it represents my late grandmother Ruth Clover Anthony, who I credit highly for her passion, dedication, style, and favor. She's done a lot for me and for many people in my community. I had to continue her work, and by starting my own company in her name, it will always hold a place in my heart. To be creative is in my genes, and I embrace it with style.

PGM: Has your experience interning at Carolina Herrera and BCBG Max Azria influenced your designs?

Kristin Frazer: Definitely. Both internships were great and both companies have two completely different design aesthetics. Since Carolina Herrera was my design internship, I spent most of my time with the designers there and learned much more than I would in that year. I'm a simple person but will do simple things with major effect — and that's how I see the designs of Carolina Herrera. The quality and creativity in each garment is always carefully analyzed and finished with detail that's beyond fashion. It becomes art, and I love that.

PGM: What is your favorite piece from the collection?

Kristin Frazer: I love all my designs, but if I must choose, I will say the "rays of sun" black zebra print and green swimsuit is a beautiful piece that hugs the body in all the right places. It tells you that it's just not another one-piece — it's art.

PGM: Summer is just around the corner. What is your best pick for summer beach style?

Kristin Frazer: To own a bikini is always a good thing, but to fit yourself in a one-piece with style is another thing. My pick would be a one-piece!

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