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Fluffy and fabulous: Broadtail designs

Published:Thursday | June 2, 2016 | 12:00 AMKrysta Anderson
Coleen Beckford ozzes sophisticated chic in this blue swimsuit and stylish cover up blowing in the wind.
Designer Dania Beckford posing in one of her creations.
Dare to live on the wild side in red gold and green reggae jungle worn by Le'Ann Taylor.
Cutting edge multicoloured one piece worn in style.
From left: Shameka Walters in her white polyvalent pants suit, Seleisha Johnson in a reggae jungle swimsuit, Sasha-Gaye Edwards in a burgundy swimsuit, and Tauna-Shae Murray in a black, white and burgundy swimsuit are all smiles.
Tap into your inner fashionista in this black and white number, accompanied by a green and white cover up.
Donaree Muirhead boasts a big smile in her yellow and grey one piece swimsuit.
Shanica Nairne oozes confidence and sensuality in this green print polyvalent pants.
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Summer is almost here, and you know what that means fun in the sun! Many are already gearing up to bask in our tropics and are looking forward to showcasing their beach-ready bodies.

And now, full-figured beauties no longer have to worry about finding something flattering to wear to the beach. They can turn up the heat and tap into their sensual side with Broadtail Fitkinis. Flair caught up with owner, Dania Beckford, who told us more about her unique swimwear line.

She said she personally knows the struggles of being a full-figured woman who wants to look nice at the beach. "I needed to find sexy, fashionable swimwear for myself. Everything I saw in the stores in Jamaica were either frumpy or ill-fitting. So, I started to wear my mother's swimsuit from the '70s. I later started designing for myself, posting my pictures on social media of my beach days and persons started asking me where I got my trendy swimwear," she explained. And so, her very own swimwear line was born.

Beckford decided to go with the name Broadtail because, according to her, men in Jamaica usually refer to a plus size woman as 'broad', especially if she has a full derriere. Plus, she said she loves the look of a peacock's tail when it is extended. She uses the term 'fitkini' because the swimsuits are "made to 'fit' each client perfectly".

She currently offers swimsuits and cover-ups that accentuate the features of full-figured women, whether they have thick thighs, large breasts or any other plus size characteristic. "We produce pieces with asymmetrical cuts using fabrics that hug and show off the curves while masking some of the sensitive areas. We use vibrant colours and prints that bring the bodies of plus size women alive in a sexy, sophisticated way."

Beckford said that when a woman purchases a Broadtail Fitkini and wears it, she will exude confidence.

So far, business has been good, and Beckford said

she is motivated to continue in her professional pursuit to help women to love their bodies whether in a swimsuit, at a party or in a boardroom.

If you are impressed with the fresh, fun and

flirty fashion you have seen here, you can contact Broadtail on Instagram @Broadtail_Designs or on Facebook at Broadtail Fitkinis. And you can place orders via email at broadtailfitkinis@gmail. com or by calling 409-7834.