Bath Collab by Z SUPPLY x Slowtide

Last month, we launched The Cabo Dream Collab with ALOHA Collection and Slowtide, a new collaborative collection of resort essentials featuring colorful, lush botanicals, and a vacation state of mind. This month, we are excited to announce the launch of another summer-inspired collaboration with Slowtide.

As friends (and fans!) of Slowtide, teaming up with them to create a collection of bath towels has been a dream come true. Since its inception in 2015, Slowtide has been producing unique, sustainable beach towels that are loved by many, including our team. By focusing on design, functionality, and premium fabrics, they’ve mastered the art of drying off. 

From your home to the beach, our latest collaboration with Slowtide features beautiful, luxurious towels that will transform your relaxation routine. When we embarked on this home and bath collaboration, we combined our devotion to feel-good fabrics with Slowtide's love of the beach and commitment to sustainability to bring paradise home with towels crafted from sustainably sourced cotton, certified free of any harsh chemicals. 

The story behind this collaboration starts with the designers themselves, longtime friends Wylie Von Tempsky, Co-founder of Slowtide, and Kristy Michaels, Design Director of Z SUPPLY. We sat down with them to learn more about their design background, friendship, and inspiration for the collection. 

Wylie Von Tempsky

Co-founder of Slowtide

How were you first introduced to design?

I was first introduced to design in high school when I was working at my local surf shop, Hi-Tech Surf Sports in Maui. From there, I went on to study graphic design in college.

Where did you first meet?

We first met at Billabong. I was applying for an entry-level graphic design job for the women's line, and Kristy was one of the lead cut and sew designers in the department. We always laugh about what I was wearing that day. I had on a vintage puffy vest, long-sleeve shirt, and beanie in the middle of summer. I looked like a soggy Marty McFly in Back to the Future.

What was the inspiration behind this collaboration?

Kristy and I were sitting in her mom's mid-century modern kitchen in Costa Mesa talking about color, fabrics, our homes, traveling, and some of our favorite design elements, and it kind of just clicked together very seamlessly. We both had a couple things that we already knew would be in our line assortment, and we could come together with a couple simple elements to make something that we wanted to use in our own homes. One thing was for certain; I knew it was going to have fringe, because Kristy is the "Queen of Fringe".

Do you have any advice for younger designers considering collaborating with someone?

Yeah, work with people that pull out the best in you, people that create space for each other to share their ideas and creativity in an effort to amplify each other's strengths. In that, you'll find the process to be really fun, educational, and much more well-rounded.

Kristy Michaels

Design Director of Z SUPPLY

How were you first introduced to design?

I was first introduced to design while working in the retail store for Paul Frank. I was working part-time and going to school to pursue nursing ironically. Ryan Heuser, the Co-owner presented me with an opportunity within the Design Department assisting the Lead Women's Designer, Erika Marini. Becasuse I had no design experience or education, he, without hesitiation, said it would be fine and got me a tutor to come teach me how to use Illustrator. From that moment onward, my focus shifted from nursing to design, and I never looked back.  

Where did you first meet?

I first met Wylie through a friend while I was working for Billabong Women's. Wylie came in for an interview, which I'll never forget. It was the hottest month of the year, and Wylie showed up wearing a puffer vest and briefcase. It was amazing!!! He, of course, got the job, and our friendship continued to grow over the years, and he is still one of my closest friends.

What was the inspiration behind this collaboration?

The inspiration behind this collaboration started with friendship. It was a natural fit for the both of us. Our mutual love for design and the creative process allowed this collaboration to happen organically and came together very seamlessly. Launching our summer collection with new pieces that can be worn on and off the beach or poolside led the conversation to a towel collaboration together.

Do you have any advice for younger designers considering collaborating with someone?

My advice would be to partner with like-minded brands that offer something that resonates with your brand but is a product you don't currently produce. A lot of brands try to be everything to everyone, and that can be difficult. It is always nice to see a collaboration come to life that makes sense for both brands.

Upgrade your bathroom essentials and shop this limited-edition collaboration.