From a Lima Basement to Global Shores: The Rise of Aguaclara’s Distinctive Resort Aesthetic

This season introduces a fresh wave of swimwear and resort-wear designs that highlight precise cuts, thoughtful construction, and a modern approach to beach dressing. New silhouettes focus on clean lines, light textures, and well-balanced proportions, offering pieces that function smoothly from poolside to evening settings. Designers present refined one-piece suits, structured bikinis, fluid kaftans, coordinated sets, and lightweight dresses created for warm destinations.

by L’Officiel Monaco

The variety of colors and fabrics gives every woman the possibility to express her personal style, whether she prefers minimalism, expressive prints, or understated luxury. L’Officiel Monaco continues its mission to showcase notable trends and strong creative work, guiding readers toward pieces that stand out for quality, design clarity, and relevance for the coming season. Our editors carefully review each collection to recommend items that not only photograph beautifully but also perform well in real travel settings, ensuring that the wardrobe feels current, comfortable, and confidently composed.

Aguaclara’s story begins far from today’s resort boutiques and glossy editorials. In 1987, in the basement of a family home in Lima, two siblings—Liliana and Jorge Villalobos—assembled their earliest creations on a simple ping-pong table. What started as a modest experiment gradually evolved into a label that speaks to a confident, polished woman with a taste for refined holiday dressing.

Collections are imagined in Peru, shaped by a lifetime of travel and cultural encounters, then executed with carefully selected Italian materials handled by skilled artisans. Each piece is crafted with precision and a clear sense of identity, offering a modern wardrobe that transitions naturally throughout the day—from swimwear designed for social moments on the water to silk looks suited for evening plans.

The brand works exclusively with high-quality natural fibers such as pure linen, silk, and silk chiffon. These fabrics give the garments a light structure and make them easy to pair, layer, fold, and carry—ideal for travellers who curate a compact but versatile suitcase.

Aguaclara has since grown far beyond its home city. Its collections are now shipped to over 30 countries, found in respected boutiques and prominent resort destinations. The company produces more than 5,000 pieces each month, supports over 150 employees, and operates several boutiques in Peru, while its franchise network continues to expand across regions including Panama, Punta Cana, and Martinique.

The Founders Behind the House

The brand’s development cannot be separated from the paths of its two creators. Jorge Villalobos, General Manager of Applauzi S.A., oversees the business operations behind Aguaclara. Born in 1959 and raised in a large family, he spent his early years between Lima, Rio de Janeiro, Cusco, Madrid, Miami, Venezuela, and Brazil—an upbringing that exposed him to multiple cultures and work environments. By the late 1980s, an unstable job market in Peru pushed him to shift careers entirely. In 1989, he joined forces with his sister Liliana to build a company from the ground up. His leadership shaped Applauzi into a major player in Peru’s swimwear industry, with responsibility for administration, finance, and long-term strategy.

Continuous training has been an essential part of his work, culminating in programs such as the Business Owners course at the University of Piura in 2008. Under his direction, Aguaclara introduced its franchise model in 2015, leading to the opening of new stores in Punta Cana (2016) and Martinique (2019). Liliana Villalobos, born in Lima in 1964, brings the artistic and conceptual foundation on which the brand stands. Her upbringing across Lima, Rio de Janeiro, and Cuzco immersed her in rich cultural environments, while her athletic background showed her the discipline and determination that would later shape her entrepreneurial pursuits. After her studies in fine arts at the University of Lima and an influential period in Miami, she returned home in 1988 with the ambition to enter the garment industry despite strict import limitations.

Alongside Jorge, she co-founded Applauzi and established a creative direction anchored in Latin influences, craftsmanship, and refined detailing. Her leadership extends beyond the brand, with contributions to national industry committees and seminars where she shares her experience with emerging professionals. In 2021, she introduced Aguaclara’s first international collection from South Africa, underscoring her ongoing interest in global cultural dialogues and contemporary style.

The brand sets its purpose around creating distinctive attire shaped by a globally influenced sensibility and envisioned for varied destinations. Each garment, fashioned from refined Italian textiles and crafted by highly trained specialists, reflects a firm dedication to originality, meticulous workmanship, and thoughtful creation. The label’s philosophy places honest production at the forefront, fostering an environment in which artisans receive the knowledge and support needed to advance confidently as independent professionals.

A central ambition extends beyond commercial growth: the continuation and transmission of Peru’s rich artisanal tradition. Preserving this cultural and technical heritage forms a key part of the brand’s long-term vision. At the same time, the company strives to move steadily toward more responsible practices. The transition will take time and consistent effort, yet the path is open to anyone wishing to accompany the brand as it pursues a future defined by greater awareness and mindful choices.

WEB: www.aguaclara-swimwear.com