designed in LA

The Journey

Alexandra Vakhteev

Designer, Creative Producer, Founder

"I create swimwear for women who choose themselves"

Scroll to begin the journey

Early Years

01The Dreamer

Since childhood, I dreamed of creating my own clothing.

I used to fill notebooks with dresses, shapes, and ideas, imagining entire collections long before I even knew what "fashion design" really meant.

Early design sketches exploring silhouettes

Notebook filled with dress designs and ideas

Before Los Angeles

02The Foundation

Structural Thinking

Life took me in another direction first — I studied civil engineering.

It wasn't fashion, but it taught me the beauty of structure, precision, and blueprints. Something I still use every day as a designer.

The Big Move

03The Turning Point

Everything changed when my family and I moved to Los Angeles.

There, I finally allowed myself to return to my true passion.

"I finally allowed myself to return to my true passion"

Santa Monica College

04The Student

Creative Freedom

I studied Fashion Design and Art at Santa Monica College, exploring color, textiles, sculpture, ceramics, experimental dyeing techniques like ebru and bleach art, and even performance art.

It was the first time I felt fully free creatively — and that freedom shaped the DNA of MeshaSwims.

Material experimentation with ebru technique

Color exploration on textiles

Bleach art and dyeing experiments

Textile color palette development

Material and color studies

Fashion illustration with color notes

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Alexis Monsanto Atelier

05The Apprentice

LA Fashion Week

At Alexis Monsanto Atelier, I was a designer assistant and stylist, creating headpieces, embellishing gowns with feathers, crystals, and flowers.

I coordinated fashion shows and even modeled at LA Fashion Week.

Working with mentors in the atelier

Creative teamwork

Learning alongside other designers

Rufcut Denim Atelier

06The Craftsman

Master of Construction

At Rufcut Denim Atelier, I learned traditional denim craftsmanship.

It taught me about durability, construction, and deep respect for the craft.

The designer's creative workspace

Traditional construction techniques

The tools of the trade

Precision pattern work

Material preparation process

Putting pieces together

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Building Creative Spaces

07The Creative Producer

Flip Market Producer

I produced exhibitions, markets, and creative events — like Flip Market, which gathered 17 vendors, live music, a photo booth, and kids' entertainment.

I love building creative spaces, and that energy naturally became part of MeshaSwims.

Community gathering at Flip Market

Building creative spaces

Showcasing work at creative events

Birth of MeshaSwims

08The Revelation

First Collection

One day I realized I couldn't find a swimsuit that felt like me — unique, comfortable, stylish, not overly revealing, something I could wear not only to the beach but to a festival, gallery opening, rooftop party, or pool event.

So I made one. That first swimsuit changed everything.

Professional product photography showcasing bold designs

Handcrafted embellishment work

Delicate craftsmanship details

Artistic finishing touches

Close-up of finished piece

A Personal Tribute

09The Name

The name MeshaSwims was born from something very personal to me. My beloved grandfather — who meant the world to me — was an Aries. And in Sanskrit, Mesha means "Aries".

He loved fishing, water, and being outdoors. Some of my happiest childhood memories are connected to him — the quiet moments near the water, watching him fish, feeling calm and safe.

"MeshaSwims is my tribute to him — and to everything he gave me"

Now

10The Designer Today

12 Original DesignsAsian Beauty BestsellerArtist Collaborations

Today, I have 12 original designs and several one-of-a-kind artistic pieces inspired by countryside aesthetics, corsetry, and collaborations with artists like my graffiti set.

My best-selling design, Asian Beauty, has sold 16 pieces. I love combining patterns, textures, silhouettes, and unexpected details — this is the soul of my designs.