The TA-BOU Designers

TA-BOU stands for the individuality of women. Defined by exceptional craftsmanship, versatile functionality, and impeccable fit, TA-BOU beachwear meets the highest standards. Each piece is handmade, with many designs produced in limited editions.

The importance of swimwear is often underestimated. Yet, feminine beachwear – crafted with sophisticated design and the finest materials – has the power to enhance personality, express individuality, and highlight the female form at its finest.

Ingrid De Nicola-Haverkate and Valeria De Nicola lead the design of TA-BOU beachwear. Both studied – though a generation apart – at the prestigious Istituto Marangoni.

With passion, innovation, and precision, they create distinctive and contemporary pieces. The GLAM® collection, featuring swimsuits embellished with thousands of Swarovski crystals, is one example of the exclusivity that defines TA-BOU.”

This Chinese sign for crisis… (pronounced wej ji)

wēijī

often described as a combination of two meanings: danger and opportunity. It reminds us that, even in moments of uncertainty, the direction we take remains our choice. 
In times of greatest difficulty, we chose to focus on the opportunity within the crisis.

In 2020, due to COVID, we were forced to close our large boutique in Zurich. Some of our customers stood in front of the store, deeply emotional, wondering where they would find their beachwear in the future.
At that moment, we ourselves did not yet know what would lay ahead of us.

For months, we reflected on what this unexpected situation could mean. Eventually, we came to a clear conclusion: our previous strategy was no longer sustainable – neither economically nor environmentally.

Offering more than 25,000 items across 260 m², with ten fitting rooms, came with significant costs and excessive production demands. This way of operating no longer aligned with how we believe fashion should exist today.

We made a conscious decision to take a different direction – away from the fast pace of today’s consumer world, and towards a more thoughtful and sustainable approach.

We found a small boutique of just 34 m² and used it as the starting point for this new concept. Today, we offer a curated selection of around 4,000 items available for immediate purchase. In addition, clients can choose from a wider collection of over 220 designs, try their preferred styles, and order their piece in the desired color, print, and size. Each item is then produced individually and delivered within four to six weeks – brand new, unworn, and created specifically for them.

This approach allows us to move away from overproduction – creating only what is truly desired, with intention and purpose.

At the time, we could not know how this change would be received. Yet the loyalty and trust built over decades proved stronger than any uncertainty. Our long-standing clients understood and embraced this new approach – and many new customers have since discovered us.

Today, we have also brought TA-BOU online – a long-held vision that allows us to share our collections with the world. Zurich remains at the heart of our story, and our boutique continues to be the only store worldwide where TA-BOU is available all-year-round – a gesture of gratitude to the city where it all began. Thank you Zurich!

As always, we prioritize quality over quantity. Our small team in Apuly/Southern Italy works with dedication and care, and production remains limited. We will continue to share updates on our website regarding availability and production capacity.

Because for us, every piece matters.