Besson: The Luxury Swimwear Brand Born Out of Lockdown and Built on Meaningful Impact
By: Zibah Olabode![]()
We all have a pandemic story and for many of us it changed a lot of unexpected things, some good and some bad. For Gina Besson, a Barcelona-born and-raised woman, she began to reflect a lot on her admiration for elegant, artistic, bold and high-quality fashion brands. While stranded in Canada at the time, she was inspired to create a luxury swimwear line, BESSON with a ‘now or never’ mindset to fulfill her lifelong passion.
Besson considers herself fortunate to have been born near the Mediterranean and raised by parents who taught her to appreciate things and consume moderately. She admits to feeling a strong desire to create a brand that adds value to the world.
“I started visualizing a fashion start-up grounded in sustainability, integrity, sophistication, and the less-is-more philosophy.”
This vision is evident in her design process. She uses stretchy, breathable, hyper-resistant materials with excellent coverage; they are chlorine-resistant, durable and these fabrics ensure longevity and value. Half of their materials are crafted from recycled fibers, aligning with our commitment to sustainability.
The craftsmanship is masterful; each of the swimsuits is fully lined and meticulously hand-finished by a local Toronto atelier. Advanced digital software helps maximize fabric usage and minimize cutting waste, reducing their environmental footprint.
BESSON creates limited collections, to ensure that the brand minimizes overproduction, conserves resources, and delivers true exclusivity. It was really important to demonstrate commitment to ethical practices. The production process adheres to Canadian labour standards, supporting fair practices while reducing shipping logistics and environmental impact.
Swimwear designs are heavily focused on versatility; this ensures that BESSON pieces transition effortlessly between work, events, leisure, and relaxation—suiting any moment, anytime. Eschewing trendy prints and flashy logos, the brand favours timeless and classic patterns designed to pair seamlessly and remain stylish across seasons.
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