Meet the Sister Duo Behind This Summer’s Best Minimalist Swimsuits
Selina and Sibel Patiño have been best friends since they were babies. The half Turkish, half Bolivian sisters are the duo behind Miné Mediterranean, a new resort line launched last year—and is a minimalist’s dream. Think perfectly crafted one-shoulder maillots in black, chic triangle bikini tops, and a collection of après-swim made from the finest Turkish fabrics, inspired by the many different cultures the sisters were exposed to growing up. Selina was born in Madrid and Sibel in New York, but they spent part of their childhood in Istanbul, and summers on the Mediterranean coast, in a small town in the south of Turkey. Miné Mediterranean was born from their cherished time spent in this area, on what is know as the Turquoise Coast.
“Our days spent by the Mediterranean were definitely the catalyst to the creation of our brand,” explained Sibel. “Working together is an absolute dream and so much fun!” Unsurprisingly, Selina echoed the same sentiment. “We are basically an extension of one another, we feel so proud of one another and what we have accomplished together. Miné is a brand very close to our hearts and has been a journey of love and family and a part of who we are and our roots.” And they should be proud, as their swim is some of the most covetable this summer season, and their caftans—created closely with a family of Turkish artisans from a small village between the Aegean and Mediterranean Sea —will certainly be worn as more that just a cover-up.
Here, the designers chat about the best beaches to visit, how to wear swim from day to night, and why Gwyneth Paltrow in The Talented Mr. Ripley and Romy Schneider in La Piscine are the ultimate summer swimwear inspiration.
Pool vs. beach:
Beach always!
Favorite vacation destination:
Selina: Anywhere near the Mediterranean coastline, specifically the more quiet and hidden towns.
Sibel: We love experiencing new places each vacation since the region has so much to offer. The Côte d´Azur and its surrounding areas like Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, Mougins and Cassis, or going to the Aeolian islands and spending time discovering the small coves around Panarea.
Beach must-haves:
A good SPF, hairbrush, waterand always a pestemal.
Favorite vacation memory:
Spending our summers in the Turkish Riviera with family.
Favorite swimsuit inspiration:
So many – Slim Aarons at Hotel Il Pellicano, Gwyneth Paltrow in The Talented Mr. Ripley, Jackie O in a black and white bikini, Romy Schneider in La Piscine, and the book “Costa Smeralda: 50 Years of Dolce Vita” in Sardinia.
Favorite cover-up:
Sibel: Mara Kaftan; it is such an easy piece to wear and the cotton is so gentle to the skin.
Selina: Our silk pure silk pestemal, a delicate piece that can be styled in so many different ways; tie the ends around the neck for a cover-up or knot it around the waist for an elegant pareo. When the sun goes down it also serves as a scarf or shawl for an evening stroll.
Swimsuit style you would never wear:
Selina: We are not keen on the cut-out trend.
Best sun protection:
Sibel: Marie Veronique, Everyday Coverage Tinted Sunscreen SPF 30. Clarins sunscreen for body gives the best Mediterranean sun kissed skin. Post sun, Pure Radiance Body Oil from True Botanicals is divine.
Lunch on the beach should include:
Sibel: Rosé and lots of lemon.
Selina: Cold white wine and anything with fresh, aromatic summer herbs.
What are you reading this summer:
Sibel: “Birds Without Wings” by Louis de Bernières
Selina: “Tender Is The Night”by F. Scott Fitzgerald
What is your essential summer playlist?
Selina: We are currently in love with Rhye, HONNE, Nicolas Jaar, Angus and Julia Stone, RY X, and LANY.
Day to Night:
Sibel: A one piece serves best as the foundation piece for a day to night outfit. Our Luna Maillot pairs beautifully with our Aella wrap skirt and easily transitions from poolside coverup to a chic ensemble for a sundown event.
Favorite poolside drink:
Selina: Rosé. Very cold.
Sibel: Lemon infused water.
Best beach bag:
Sibel: The classic Goyard tote is so practical from plane to beach.
Selina: A canvas tote.
