88% matchJuan de Dios
Colombian craft-rooted printed swim, reversible suits
What changes: Smaller range, less embroidery-heavy, more unisex/men's
Brand profile
Aqua Bendita
Agua Bendita is a Medellín-based swim and resort label known for hand-embroidered, artisan-made bikinis, cover-ups and boldly printed dresses.
MedellínOrigin
WomenswearFocus
Minimalist / ContemporaryStyle
$$$Price
4 brands like Aqua Bendita like Juan de Dios, Akoia Swim, Camilla →
What to know about Aqua Bendita
Handwork is the product
Swimwear, cover-ups and printed dresses are hand-embroidered or hand-crocheted through networks of local female artisans in Colombia, which is what the price reflects.
Two lines, two price points
The main label sits at upper-mid pricing, while Agua by Agua Bendita, added in 2018, sits above it; distribution now spans more than 70 countries.
Scrap fabric to Gucci Vault
Founded in Medellin in 2003 by two women stitching bikinis from factory scraps, it now runs capsules with Gucci Vault, Target and Alexandre Birman, plus a resale programme.
If you like Aqua Bendita
88% match
84% matchAkoia Swim
Hand-crocheted bikinis made by women artisans
What changes: Bali cotton crochet only, tinier range and lower price
80% matchCamilla
Hand-drawn print house with heavy embellishment
What changes: Silk kaftans and dresses lead; swim is secondary
76% matchZimmermann
Printed, lace-trimmed resort dressing at a higher price
What changes: Full luxury RTW brand, less artisan handwork narrative
Brand facts
Agua Bendita is a Colombian swim and resort label founded in Medellín in 2003 by Catalina Álvarez and Mariana Hinestroza, who began stitching bikinis from factory fabric scraps. Collections centre on hand-embroidered and hand-crocheted swimwear, cover-ups and printed dresses produced with networks of local female artisans. A higher-priced line, Agua by Agua Bendita, launched in 2018 and sells in 70-plus countries. Recent work includes a Gucci Vault capsule, a Target collection, the Ciclos resale programme, Zacapa rum packaging and an Alexandre Birman resort 2026 footwear capsule.
- Founded
- 2003
- Origin
- Medellín, Colombia
- Made in
- Colombia
- Price
- $$$
- Focus
- Womenswear
- Facts checked
- August 2026
- Styles
- Minimalist / Contemporary, Quiet luxury