The Great Escape with Devon Windsor
From sandy beaches to global runways to the head of the table in her boardroom, darling Midwesterner turned renowned swimwear designer – Devon Windsor – is making waves in the fashion industry in the name of hard work and downright good fashion.
Left: Kimberly Top, $115 ; Eva Bottom, $85 | Right: Windsor models the Nova Full-Piece, $186
Self-proclaimed entrepreneur Devon Windsor has earned the moniker and every accolade that she has come across. Discovered at the age of fourteen, Windsor’s resumé reads like a supermodel's wish-list with top agencies, innovative fashion presentations, and coveted brand partnerships. She was a mainstay in Victoria’s Secret fashion shows for over five years and has graced hundreds of runways throughout her career. No matter how many household names she collaborates with, no matter the glitz or the glam that accompanies her life, this blonde bombshell strives to elevate essential swimwear, deciphering the styles and cuts to be relatable, affordable and dreamy for all.
Growing up with a love for the spotlight, Windsor humbly admits that she did not fully appreciate fashion and design until graced with the opportunity to travel and experience the global fashion world. An influence very obvious in her custom swimwear line, pieces are impeccably cut with an allure of both universal and broad. “Growing up, I was the least fashionable person I know,” laughed the model. Reminiscing of her travels and dreamy destinations to London, Milan, and New York, Paris reigns as the most fashion-forward. “Every person on the street you see looks incredibly chic,” admired Windsor. Season after season this swimwear vet strives to bring out as much confidence in women as possible. What else could instill more confidence than the perfect swimsuit? With barely-there tie-bottoms and flattering high-rise waistlines chiming perfectly with bold collars and statement-making sleeves, rarely do you find this much variety. Speaking fluently to its audience’s taste and body-types, Windor's pieces harmoniously lend themselves so seamlessly to almost any sun-kissed situation. Staying true to Windsor’s unwavering commitment to confidence and inspiring women to feel beautiful, such moments are achieved through intentional curation. These updated essentials can transfer effortlessly from the pool, to the beach, to the yacht and anywhere in between. With boldness in the shapes and a notable advance in design detail, Summer’s wish-list of worthy pieces blend perfectly with feminine softness, cold-shoulder sleeves and bandage cut-outs make these daring pieces feel familiar and accessible.
A scroll through this need-to-know designer with the coveted style know-how’s curated Insta feed, it is increasingly clear that Devon herself aims to make herself as accessible to those who have followed her incredible journey. Remaining authentic and genuine with her loyal followers she leaves no secrets to her success, rarely, if ever, shying away from the realities of her line of work as a model and entrepreneur. “It is not at all as glamorous as it looks,” exposed Devon. “It’s a lot of work, traveling and sleepless nights, which has gotten me where I am today!” Conquering every obstacle from a professional standpoint and building her empire on hew own terms, Windsor also finds time to share with us those quieter, more tender and breath-taking moments that help her to find balance in an unpredictable and uncertain industry. From workouts to her cuisine quests, to her immaculate marriage celebration in St. Barth, Windsor is brilliantly transparent about the moments that bring balance to her hard-working life. “Balance is probably the most important thing in maintaining a healthy and happy life for myself. My schedule is all over the place and the only way I seem to be able to handle that is if I continue to take care of my mental and physical health. Working out, having a balanced diet and sleeping at least 8-10 hours a night are my secrets,” shared the designer. It is that work ethic that has made her transition from working in front of the lens to behind it so seamless and relatable.
Windsor, right, models the Stella Full-Piece (available in both black and white), $138
Perhaps it was Windsor’s athletic prowess which primed her for the kind of sacrifice it would take to achieve such success in an industry known for being cutthroat, both as a model and designer, but she makes it seem as effortless as her style. When she’s not designing the next elevated dream in swimwear or curating content as the face of a fellow brand or sitting front row at the next big show, she professes that she simply does not wear makeup. And if she must venture out? Well then, clean skin with a sultry brown smoky eye is her go-to. Dressing for her mood, baggy jeans, and a white t-shirt are her default, a testament to her affinity for all things classic and timeless. “I don’t like to label my style, but if I had to I would describe my style as effortless, elevated and chic."
Considered young in the world of a designer, Windsor is proving time and time again that she is listening and constantly learning. Drawing inspiration from all of her travels and the impactful women all around her, she has become a student of her craft and has dedicated herself to the intricacies of design. “I find that people love our textured fabrics that feel a bit more elevated, expensive and have a bit more detail. So, fabrics similar to these will be making an appearance in our new collection.” Her diligence has also brought about a pearl of wisdom that manifests in not only her design but in her mantras. Opening up to the secrets of balance, she finds comfort in her loved ones, accepting that not everyone is going to be open to all that she has to offer. “You may be the juiciest peach in the world, but someone is still going to hate peaches,” she asserts, as she reflects on how guarded she has become as she gains status as a public figure. It is in those moments that we begin to see where she drive to uplift and encourage other women through her design stems from. She aims to give every woman the thrill of the runway with every stitch of her designs. By the looks of her distinguished and celebrated repertoire, she is going to continue to do just that.
Left: Windsor models the Aurora Full-Piece, $185 | Right: Skylar Top, $99 ; Bella Bottom, $75