Growing up in Redlands, California Krista McPhail looked forward to family outings in Palm Springs. As a young girl she was drawn to the classic Hollywood glamour and heritage of the city, “I would go through my grandmother’s photo albums and adored the garments”. Her designs are heavily influenced by modern styling seen from the 1920’s through the 1970’s captured in poolside photographs of the de
sert oasis. Over the course of those decades, new materials and available fabric technology substantially changed the silhouette and size of swimwear from bulky wool garments to sleek, figure-hugging suits. “For the time, it was somewhat feminist to embrace your sensuality, and to be actively involved in athletics and sporting.” Designing swim attire came quite naturally to McPhail. Having spent every summer in Palm Springs for as long as she can recall, Krista enjoyed splashing in the pool and crafting bathing suits for her Barbie dolls. As the child of a single mother, she spent a great deal of time in the care of her grandparents. My grandfather was from the Northern English town of Berwick-Upon-Tweed, hence the moniker K. Berwick.”
