NATHAN GILBERT ON REDEFINING LUXURY SWIMWEAR:Inside SHAN's Bold Vision
HIGHLIGHTING SUCCESS: BRAND SPOTLIGHT No. 3
Nathan Gilbert, the Creative Director of SHAN, is redefining modern luxury with bold, innovative collections that stand out in the world of swimwear and resort fashion. As the visionary behind SHAN’s Cruise 2025 and Spring/Summer 2025 collections, Nathan's designs embody a futuristic aesthetic infused with vibrant colors and cutting-edge trends. “For the 2025 collection, I was very inspired by some of the futuristic trends I saw,” Nathan shares. “We had access to bright, bold fabrics from our suppliers, and it all started with a simple idea that we built upon—a colorful, futuristic vibe.” He likens the process to storytelling, where each piece contributes to a larger narrative, transporting SHAN's customers into a world of elegance and modernity.
Despite his love for pushing boundaries in his designs, Nathan’s personal style is a study in minimalism. “I basically always wear black,” he says with a smile, describing it as his personal uniform. This simplicity in his wardrobe contrasts with SHAN's collections, which often feature bright colors and prints, especially in swimwear and resort wear. Nathan’s designs for SHAN are a celebration of boldness and sophistication, while his personal style remains grounded in comfort and minimalism.
Behind the scenes at SHAN’s recent runway show at the PARAISO tent, Nathan recalls one of his favorite moments: “At the end of the show, we took a picture with all the models and the team. SHAN is a family-owned business, and for a moment, it felt like everyone was part of that family.” This sense of camaraderie and inclusivity is at the heart of SHAN’s brand identity.
Sustainability has always been a cornerstone for SHAN, long before it became a buzzword in the industry. Nathan is committed to eco-friendly practices, from sourcing sustainable fabrics to managing every aspect of production in SHAN’s factory in Canada. “We work with some of the best suppliers in the world who respect the environment and the people behind the making of those fabrics,” he explains. “It’s part of who we are, and no matter how much we expand, I don’t see us doing things differently.”
As a key market for SHAN, Miami’s vibrant fashion scene plays a significant role in shaping the brand’s collections. “Miami is one of the world’s top tropical destinations for the high-end crowd,” Nathan notes. “We travel to Miami often, and the energy of the city inspires us a lot when creating our collections.” The blend of luxury and tropical style in Miami perfectly aligns with SHAN’s swimwear and resort wear ethos.
Travel has also been a significant source of inspiration for Nathan, with Japan holding a special place in his heart. “If I had to pick a favorite, it would have to be Japan,” he reveals. “The aesthetics, the cuisine, the culture—it impacted me in so many ways. The attention to detail, the beauty of simplicity, and a high level of perfectionism—it’s something that has become part of my work now.”
When asked about a dream collaboration, Nathan’s admiration for the late Karl Lagerfeld shines through. “I’ve always admired what he did with Chanel and Fendi. His ability to transform brands and maintain their legacy is something I aspire to.”
Looking ahead, Nathan is excited about SHAN’s plans for expansion. “We’re currently working on opening a store in Dubai, and the luxury market in Asia is very strong, so expanding our wholesale network there is definitely on the horizon,” he says. “There’s also still so much potential in the U.S. market.” With a clear vision for the future, Nathan Gilbert is set to take SHAN to new heights, staying true to the brand’s heritage while embracing innovation and sustainability.
"Designing a collection to me is a bit like telling a story. It often starts with something as simple as an idea, and then we build around that concept to create a vibrant universe."
—Nathan Gilbert, Creative Director at SHAN
