La Isla Swimwear: Designer Bio

Enrique-Sánchez Rivera, La Isla Swimwear

Enrique Sánchez-Rivera hails from Colombia, South America. He has a background in finance and has spent 12 years designing swimwear with his sister, Ana. As a kid, Enrique spent most of his time in the water off the beautiful Pacific and Atlantic coasts of Colombia, in such places as Cartagena and San Andres. Enrique’s love for the water, surfing, and the ocean has only grown since childhood, and his passion for the sea and for design have come together seamlessly at La Isla, where he designs and creates high-quality couture swimwear and apparel. Almost all of his designs feature hand-embroidery. This not only makes for a beautiful and unique swimwear collection but also creates many jobs for women in Colombia.

His designs have been featured in Sports Illustrated on cover girl Marisa Miller, as well as in Marie Claire, Harper’s Bazaar and InStyle, among other publications. His love for the ocean does not stop at beachwear design: he wants to give back to the environment and help protect it. He also wants to help those in need. Enrique has partnered with various non-profit organizations to help achieve these goals, including Surfrider Foundation and Children of the Americas. In 2012, Enrique and La Isla will team up with Jean-Michel Cousteau’s Ocean Futures Society. Enrique currently lives between San Luis Obispo, California, and Cali, Colombia.