Unfiltered Confidence: Tyler Dawn On Morning Nudes & Redefining Sustainable Swimwear (Win!)

This Galentine’s Day, celebrate self-love and sustainability with Morning Nudes, a local women-led swimwear brand founded by Tyler Dawn. With nearly 90% recycled materials and a bold, confident aesthetic, Morning Nudes offers the perfect pieces for spa days or weekend getaways. We sat down with Tyler to learn about her journey from international model to sustainable swimwear pioneer. —Noa Nichol

What inspired you to create Morning Nudes, and how does it reflect your personal journey as a model and designer? 

The modelling industry is very serious and posed. You have to look perfect, and if you don’t, somebody else can make the edits to create perfection. When I visualized the standards for Morning Nudes, I wanted them to be the opposite: very real and raw, nothing posed or too serious. I wanted to share photos and content of unedited real bodies and emotions—the simplicity of effortless beauty. 

Morning Nudes debuted at Vancouver Fashion Week in 2024. How did it feel to showcase your brand on such a significant platform? 

It felt incredible! I am super fortunate I was given the opportunity. I have always noticed a common trend for swimwear on the runway just being what it is. I wanted to showcase my pieces mixed with a bit of streetwear and comfort to showcase the diversity in styles. 

Sustainability is a big part of Morning Nudes. Can you tell us about the recycled materials used in your swimwear and why this commitment is so important to you? 

We primarily use Econyl for our swimsuit fabric, a regenerated nylon made from fishing nets, plastic bottles, fashion scraps, and more. I lived in the tropics for a long time, and seeing firsthand how human pollution affects so many amazing creatures is truly life-changing. Morning Nudes uses all biodegradable and compostable packaging. I want to do as much as possible to reduce the brand’s carbon footprint, rescuing waste from our oceans and turning it into something beautiful. 

The Hermosa swimsuit and MN Bikini Hat in red are perfect for Galentine’s Day. How do these pieces embody the brand’s message of raw, unfiltered confidence? 

These pieces are bold and playful, capturing the essence of confidence and self-expression. The Hermosa suit empowers women to feel comfortable in their own skin and embrace their individuality using the swimsuit’s adjustable features. The top and bottom were created so you can feel your best self for any occasion. You can make it strapless or itty bitty for tanning but also tighten up on the clasps and straps for a 10/10 dive off the boat for afternoon snorkelling. Either way, the Hermosa swimsuit is staying on and looking great on you! 

What challenges have you faced as a women-led, sustainable swimwear brand, and how have these experiences shaped your approach to design and business? 

As a woman, the only thing that comes to mind is when I express that I have a business, men I know in the space tend to belittle the concept of my brand. Additionally, it’s hard to compete with well-known fast fashion companies, but I understand that choosing that route can be more 

affordable for the consumer. That’s why it is so important for me to provide swimwear with quality as its MAIN priority, as well as adjustable elements and sustainability so that there is a sense of consistency and impact with every suit. Competing against these fast fashion brands has given me an insight to how I need to differentiate myself from the crowd with such a unique and different approach to the swimwear business. 

Your designs have a playful yet conscious aesthetic. What inspires your unique style, and how do you balance fashion with functionality? 

I have always been such a tomboy, and since I started modelling at 16, it really has been my gateway into fashion. Now that I have that appreciation for trending colours, patterns and styles, I want to make swimwear that looks great and FEELS great during any activity. My goal is to be the “cool girl aesthetic” of swimwear. I balance fashion with functionality by creating versatile, durable, and flattering pieces for all body types, without compromising on style. 

How does Morning Nudes align with the concept of self-love, and what role do you think fashion plays in fostering confidence? 

Morning Nudes is about embracing authenticity—raw, real, and unfiltered. The playful name is an ode to self-love, encouraging people not to take themselves so seriously and embrace their natural beauty. We aim to move beyond curated, airbrushed ideals that have long-defined fashion. Our designs highlight the female figure with effortless style, proving that confidence doesn’t come from perfection but from feeling good in your own skin. Fashion can inspire confidence by offering pieces that make people feel comfortable, bold, and unapologetically themselves. 

What’s next for Morning Nudes? Are there any upcoming collections, collaborations, or events we can look forward to in 2025? 

In spring/summer, we will release more colours and introduce a few new products. We are also releasing a sweatsuit collection for the later and colder summer months for cozying up on the boat after your swim or surf. 

For someone new to the brand, what would you say sets Morning Nudes apart from other swimwear brands on the market? 

Morning Nudes stands out for its unwavering commitment to sustainability, crafting each piece with high-quality, eco-friendly materials that prioritize the health of our planet. The brand’s inclusive designs cater to diverse body types, celebrating individuality and ensuring every woman feels confident and empowered with anything they do by blending playful and timeless aesthetics. Morning Nudes is more than just a swimwear brand, it’s a lifestyle that embraces your true self. 

As a local Vancouver-based brand, how does the community influence your designs, and why is it important for you to stay rooted in your local identity? 

Growing up on the Sunshine Coast in BC and now living in Vancouver, nature and the outdoors has been a huge part of my life and the lives of many locals. I have been surrounded by breathtaking beaches, outdoor adventures, and a laid-back aesthetic when it comes to fashion. These experiences shaped my approach to design, inspiring me to create pieces that complement an outdoor lifestyle without compromising style or comfort. Staying rooted in my local identity is important because it reflects who I am and what I know. It’s the foundation of my creativity and connection to the community. 

Win! A $252 All-Red For Galentine’s Day Prize Pack From Morning Nudes!

One lucky Canadian winner will receive a $252 all-red Galentine’s Day prize pack from Morning Nudes including:

• Hermosa swimsuit in spicy, $73.00 CAD
• Hermosa bottom in spicy, $73.00 CAD
• MN Bikini Hat, $46.00 CAD
• Logo T-Shirt – Approximately $60.00 CAD and 100% cotton (available online at the end of February; as seen on the runway, this will be a chance to get the shirt first)
• 5 Morning Nude Stickers

To enter, head over to Instagram, follow @morningnudes and @vitadailymedia and make sure to fulfil all the entry rules in the caption of the corresponding contest post. Contest opens January 29, 2024 and closes February 5, 2024. Complete contest rules and regulations here. Please note: if you are the winner, you will receive a DM (direct message) in Instagram directly from @vitadailymedia. Please be wary of fake accounts, which often use similar handles with an extra or missing letter, number or symbol. We will never ask for a payment or for your credit card number, and we will never ask you to click through a link. If you are unsure whether you have been contacted, via Instagram, by us or a fake account, email us before responding.