From a Chance Conversation at 35,000 Feet to My New Favourite Bikini

One of the things I love most about travelling is the people you meet along the way. Sometimes, the most memorable connections happen when you least expect them.

On a recent flight, I found myself sitting next to British swimwear designer Samantha Sage. We got chatting because she admitted she was a nervous flyer, and before long, the conversation had taken her mind off the journey. We chatted about travel, family, work and, of course, fashion. By the time we landed, it felt as though we’d known each other for years.

As we talked, Samantha shared the story behind her luxury swimwear brand. As someone who’s lucky enough to spend a lot of time in warmer climates for both work and holidays, I’m always looking for swimwear that’s stylish, comfortable and made to last. But if I’m honest, finding swimwear that fits well has always been a struggle. Like so many women, I’ve spent years trying on bikinis where the top fits but the bottoms don’t, or vice versa. You often end up compromising somewhere, and that’s hardly the confidence boost you’re looking for before heading to the beach.

Listening to Samantha talk about designing swimwear around the woman, rather than expecting the woman to fit the swimwear, really resonated with me. Her passion wasn’t simply about creating beautiful bikinis, it was about helping women feel comfortable, confident and completely themselves.

A few weeks later, I received the most wonderful surprise. Samantha had created bespoke bikinis for both me and Tahlia.

There’s something incredibly special about wearing swimwear that’s been designed specifically for you. Every detail, from the fit to the fabric, reflects the care and craftsmanship that has gone into creating it. For someone who has always struggled to find swimwear that fits properly, wearing a bikini that was actually made for me was a real revelation. There was no compromising on fit, no wondering whether I should size up or down, it simply fitted exactly as it should. It made me feel comfortable, confident and completely at ease, which is exactly how swimwear should make every woman feel.

What I admire just as much is Samantha’s commitment to British craftsmanship. In a world where so much fashion is mass-produced, she’s proudly designing and creating beautiful pieces with quality, longevity and attention to detail at the heart of everything she does.

It’s funny to think that if Samantha hadn’t mentioned she was a nervous flyer, we might never have started talking. That one conversation led to a lovely friendship and introduced me to a talented British designer whose passion shines through in every piece she creates.

Sometimes the best discoveries aren’t planned at all, they happen through genuine human connection.

If you’re looking for beautifully crafted swimwear that’s elegant, flattering and thoughtfully designed, I’d definitely recommend taking a look at Samantha Sage. For me, this wasn’t just about finding another bikini; it was about discovering a designer who understands that when swimwear fits perfectly, it gives you something far more valuable than style, it gives you confidence.

And to think, it all started with a conversation at 35,000 feet.