Fellow island blogger Hapahale beat me to the punch on this. I had first seen this swimwear line on Maui four months ago when I was shopping for swimsuits for my young daughter. I loved Letarte's lush lines and sultry cuts that seemed as French as the name of the designer (one of two sisters) and as unfettered as the wind and waves on the North Shore where these togs are designed. Lisa Letarte, the designer, is the wife of Pete Cabrinha, a standout tow-in surfer and windsurfer. He runs with Laird and his Jawz crowd. But I digress. This line made it to the cover of SI's prestigious swimwear issue and with good reason. It's one of a growing number of Hawaii-centered fashion brands that are making inroads in the East Coast bastions of U.S. couture. Natch, you can only find these in the islands on Maui -- Maui Girl in Paia is probably the best place for Letarte suits and Nuage Bleu (also on the North Shore) for coverups and casuals.

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—Alex, 02/22/07