Lisa Marie Fernandez
ROUTINES:
LISA MARIE FERNANDEZ
The jet-setting designer shares her morning routine and the secret to a perfect swimsuit.
- Written By
- JAYME CYK
Stylist-turned-swimwear empresario Lisa Marie Fernandez knows that fit is the most important element in designing a swimsuit. “You can’t disguise it,” she says. “If your pants don’t fit well, you can put on a sweater and cover the waistband, but bathing suits have to be able to perform.” In the search for her own perfect suit, Fernandez launched her eponymous line seven years ago with a collection of neoprene bikinis. It was only a matter of time before she began pushing the parameters of beachwear and experimenting with unusual fabrics, like velvet and denim; attracting the attention of fans like Rihanna and Beyoncé; and, most recently, launching chic chaise-to-dinner coverups. Her newest favorite piece is the Leandra swimsuit, a ’70s-inspired off-the-shoulder bikini. “It doubles as a crop top,” she enthuses.
As it turns out, the jet-setting designer has just as sharp an eye for beauty as she does for perfectly cut bikini tops. Below, she shares her morning rituals with The Violet Files.
BEAUTY DU JOUR
I love a good scrub, so in the morning I switch between Dr. Hauschka Cleansing Cream and the Clarins One-Step Gentle Exfoliating Cleanser. I wash my face only once a day because I don’t think it’s good to constantly rub your skin. I’m also a fan of oils, so I use Dr. Alkaitis Organic Nourishing Treatment Oil. For my body I’ll apply organic jojoba oil (I try to keep my products natural) or Clarins Contour Body Treatment Oil, and then slip on one of my terry cloth robes and let it soak in while I send my emails. When it’s really cold, I use La Mer moisturizer on my face because I feel like my skin needs the hydration. I’m also a big fan of face masks. I just got a detoxing one called Liquid Gold Radical C Mask from my facialist, Mary Schook. I switch my products a lot because I believe my skin gets tired of routines. I don’t wear too much makeup—I like my skin to be bare. I do love the James Read Self Tan Mask for a bit of color. For sunblock, I use La Roche Posay Anthelios or Clarins. But I do use oils in the sun, which I know horrifies people.
WAKE-UP TIME?
The average is probably 6 a.m., but I wake up at 3 or 4 or 5 too. Lately I’ve been getting up at 3.
FIRST ORDER OF BUSINESS?
The first thing I do in the morning is get in the bath and wrap my hair in a towel if I’m not washing it. If it’s cold, sometimes I take baths twice a day, and I throw in some Cowshed bath salts.
COFFEE, TEA, OR JUICE?
I always drink orange juice. I squeeze the oranges myself.
WHAT DO YOU THINK WHEN YOU LOOK IN THE MIRROR?
I think I look better when I wake up, even if I am a little puffy. Also, I don’t take off my eye makeup at night, so it gets really smudgy by morning. It tends to scare people that I don’t remove my makeup before I go to bed, but usually I’m not wearing much in the first place
AT FIRST SIGHT?
The first thing I look at is my iPhone. I have a lot of friends around the globe, and I like to see who’s been texting or calling me—people in Europe are up way before I am. I’m also obsessed with Snapchat and Instagram.
MORNING JAM?
There is always music playing in my apartment. From the moment I get up, it goes on. I’m super into Pandora, and I like to listen to Erykah Badu or Amy Winehouse. I also love Drake radio. I like a lot of hip-hop.
BREAKFAST OR OUT THE DOOR?
I usually drink my breakfast. I have smoothies delivered to me from Blueprint. First I drink one with caffeine to wake me up, and then I have one that has cashew, vanilla, cinnamon, and agave.
LOOK OF THE DAY?
I definitely don’t pick out my outfits in advance; I’m super spontaneous. That sounds funny, being in fashion, but there are a lot of factors to consider before I get dressed.
HANDBAG MUST-HAVES
I don’t switch up my bag so much for day, but in the evening I might. I have a lot of handbags and I get stuck on one for a while, and then I move on. Currently I am using a small trunk bag by Mark Cross. It’s just the right size to hold my credit cards, iPhone, and the travel-size Portrait of a Lady scent by Frederic Malle.
WHEN DO YOU GET YOUR BEST IDEAS?
You know that time before you wake up, but you’re not quite awake yet? It’s right before I become very conscious that I get my brilliant ideas.
BEAUTY ICON?
I don’t really have a beauty icon. I don’t really look to the past. I always look to the future.