W Barcelona taps William Tempest to design limited edition swimwear collection

The iconic W Barcelona is collaborating with young, emerging British fashion designer, William Tempest, to create a limited-edition men’s and women’s swimwear collection. Featuring a women's bikini and men's swim trunks, the swimwear is inspired by the buzzing energy and vibrant colours of the coastal Barceloneta district, home to the landmark hotel. “I'm thrilled to be involved in this project and to have the opportunity to work with a ground-breaking hotel with such a forward-looking focus on design and fashion,” said Tempest. “I was inspired by the dynamic spirit and incredible location of W Barcelona, right next to the beach. I wanted to design an original pattern that reflects the energy as well as the fresh, playful, avant-garde and lively personality of W Barcelona, whilst evoking its bold style and effortless glamour, all the things my red carpet creations are well-known for.” In recent years Tempest has taken the fashion world by storm with his unique prints and striking shapes since the label was launched in 2009. William Tempest has been worn by celebrity fans including Kate Moss, Rihanna, Victoria Beckham and Emma Watson. Taking its cue from Barceloneta’s vibrant Mediterranean vibe and cool seaside culture, the swimwear comes in a striking blue-white geometric print, accentuated with gold trimmings and nautical-inspired ribbons. The William Tempest swimwear line for W Hotels will be unveiled this May at W Barcelona coinciding with the debut of the hotel’s new SUN DECK, a second pool designed to meet the growing demand of summer sun revellers at this buzzing beachfront destination. The limited edition bathing suits will be available for purchase online at www.w-barcelona.com/in/store for 195€ per item, as well as a complimentary perk for guests staying in an Extreme WOW (W brand’s take on the Presidential Suite) in W Barcelona. Since its launch in New York City in 1998, W Hotels has built a strong foundation in the fashion world, offering its jet-setting guests what’s new and next in this ever-changing industry. This is the second collaboration between a W Hotel and Tempest which first took shape in 2013 with the designer creating a bespoke nightwear collection inspired by the “two sides of a Brit” for W London - Leicester Square. “W has always played an integral role in fashion, be it collaborating with global fashion houses or the Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) in support of emerging talent,” said Jenni Benzaquen, Vice President Luxury Brands, Starwood Hotels & Resorts – Europe, Africa & the Middle East. “W Hotels and William Tempest have a shared passion for what’s new and next in fashion and design. As one of Britain’s hottest young designers and a rising star in fashion, William represents the future forward approach that our guests and loyalists have come to expect from W.” Since W Barcelona opened its doors in 2009, it has been one of the most distinctive landmarks along the Barcelona coast. Regularly hosting fashion events as well as high profile designers and models, the hotel has made a bold impression on the Spanish fashion and party scene. For more information, visit www.w-barcelona.com/fashion.