Launched in 2021, New Orleans-based NOA Collective is a swimwear company that has stormed the beaches of design with an innovative approach to sustainable fashion and community engagement.
The company sells its luxury, small batch swimsuits online, (except for one recent pop-up), and promotes “bold, recognizable styles” created with “ethically sourced, sustainable materials.”
Founded by Veronica Droulia, Ben Seago and Carter Kronlage, NOA Collective is the result of the coming together of three lifelong friends to create a brand that embraces both fashion and function while still supporting their hometown — and beyond. Proceeds from the company’s line of designer swimsuits are donated to organizations that give back to environmental issues.
“New Orleans is where the heart of NOA lives,” Droulia explained. “It’s a city full of soul, resilience and vibrant creativity — and those are all values we try to infuse into everything we do.”
The NOA in NOA Collective stands for Nature’s Own Art, and the company’s emphasis on nature isn’t only apparent in its line of artfully designed swimwear but is also an integral part of its approach to creating pieces in a sustainable way, with carefully sourced fabrics and low-waste packaging — two essential parts of the equation, according to Droulia.
“NOA Collective was born out of a deep love for the ocean and a desire to redefine what luxury swimwear could look like,” she explained. “As someone who’s always been inspired by nature and driven by sustainability, I wanted to create a brand that allowed people to feel beautiful in their skin while being part of something bigger. I wanted each piece to feel like a wearable escape: timeless, elevated and ethically made.”
NOA Collective currently partners with Glass Roots, a sister program to the successful Glass Half Full nonprofit, as part of its mission to support local environmental efforts.
“Our partnership with Glass Roots means a lot to us because they’re not only focused on innovative environmental solutions like turning recycled glass into sand for coastal restoration, but also deeply invested in community education, environmental justice, and building resilience in vulnerable neighborhoods across Louisiana,” said Droulia. “We support them by donating a portion of every sale to fund these restoration projects, and we amplify their story through our platforms to raise awareness about the importance of coastal preservation.”
Droulia said the company is out to make an impact.
“We love connecting with the people here and showing that purpose-driven fashion can be born in unexpected places — not just on the coasts or in traditional fashion hubs.”
While they may be small pieces, swimwear is big business.
According to a June 2025 Fortune Business Insights report, swimwear sales continue to grow in popularity both in the U.S. and internationally as travel and visits to pools and beaches has increased post-pandemic. The report noted that the global swimwear market was valued at $21.22 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow to $22.04 billion in 2025 and reach $30.59 billion by 2032.
NOA Collective is hitting upon a trend that is rapidly becoming popular among consumers. Fortune Business Insights’ report goes on to note sustainability as a popular growing trend among both small design businesses and larger name brands.
“Sustainable and eco-friendly swimsuit products can significantly enhance the growth of the market as consumers have become more environmentally conscious about their lifestyle choices,” the report noted. “…Brands that prioritize sustainability gain a competitive edge in the market.
The report noted that in June 2022, Speedo, a popular brand of swimsuit products, launched its most sustainable swimsuit collection, manufactured with 82% recycled materials.
Designs for NOA Collective have been a team effort from the beginning with its founders, as well as local makers who brought their attention to detail to the initial line of designs.
“I lead the creative direction and design for each collection, but NOA’s roots are deeply collaborative,” said Droulia. “Ben and Carter have been the masterminds behind our unique print selections, while I sketch away on my iPad.”
NOA Collective’s first two collections were designed and manufactured in New Orleans by a team of women who specialize in costume design for Mardi Gras, noted Droulia. “Their craftsmanship, creativity and attention to detail helped bring the earliest NOA pieces to life, and we’re forever grateful for their role in shaping our foundation,” she said.
While the company’s suits’ fabrication started out based in New Orleans, it has since branched out, but still with an eye for conscious manufacturing.
“As the brand has grown, so have our operations — we now manufacture in Colombia through a woman-led studio that shares our values around ethical production and sustainability. But we’ll never forget our beginnings or the New Orleans makers who helped us get started,” Droulia said.
NOA Collective swimwear retails for $60 to $125, with options for men and women’s bathing suits. Its signature “Audubon” triangle swim top and high waisted bikini bottom designs are its current best-selling products, available direct-to-consumer via the company’s website as well as pop-ups and collaborations with local boutiques.
“We recently hosted a beautiful in-store pop-up in New Orleans in collaboration with Romney Studios and Playa Bowls,” noted Droulia. “The event consisted of Erin Romney’s signature pulse class, after-class treats from Playa Bowls, and lots of NOA merch. We’re planning to expand our retail presence through selective stockists and pop-ups that align with our values and aesthetic. We’ll be announcing a collaboration with a major marketplace later this summer.”
While NOA Collective’s design catalog is currently centered on luxury swimsuits, the company is focused on expanding its product line and reach.
“We’re just getting started,” Droulia said. “Our next steps include expanding into new product categories, growing our community events, and deepening our impact partnerships. We’re also exploring a limited-edition resort wear capsule and a small series of travel guides that pair our swimwear with curated experiences in coastal destinations. At our core, we want to continue building a brand that feels like a lifestyle — one that supports intentional living, beautiful design and collective impact.”
NOA Collective
Noathecollective.com // @noathecollective
