Our Story

HI, I'M DIANDRA - FOUNDER, DESIGNER, AND THE HEART BEHIND AFATO

Fashion design has always been my great passion. I studied it and then worked in the fashion industry in Germany for over six years – in an area where fit truly trumps everything else.

During that time, I learned something that is still inherent in every AFATO piece today: The basis of good design is the cut. Only when the fit is right can everything else – color, print, details – unfold its full effect. And that's exactly what my heart beats for.

How it all began

The idea for AFATO didn't originate at a desk, but in the water. In a surf camp, amidst the waves. And there, something became clear to me that I just couldn't let go of: there is no truly good surfwear for women. Tops that slip with the first wipeout. Bottoms that are simply poorly cut. Everything looks nice – but in the water, nothing delivers on its promise.

Instead of enjoying the wave, I was constantly busy adjusting something. And at some point, I thought to myself: It can't be that hard – it has to be better. So I sat down and started developing my own cuts. Cuts that work in real swell.

What came out of it

Timeless, sporty cuts that simply hold. Styles that give you the confidence to fully concentrate on what really matters: the wave that's coming. And the next one after that.

No constant adjusting. No worries about material quality. Just you, your board, and the ocean.

Our journey to Bali

To be even closer to the surf, I emigrated to Bali with my partner Fabian. A big step – but one we haven't regretted for a second. Here, we produce in a small family business just 30 minutes from the beach. This means: I can test every new style directly in the waves before it goes on sale. And the island itself? It's full of inspiration – for new designs, colors, and ideas.

So with every AFATO style, you carry a small piece of this lifestyle – and perfectly tune into the waves of this world.

What does AFATO mean?

AFATO stands for As Free As The Ocean.

For me, this name is more than just a brand name. It describes exactly the feeling I want to create with every collection: absolute freedom in the water.

Because when your surfwear fits perfectly and nothing slips, you can focus on what really matters – the wave, the moment, and the feeling in the ocean.

WE ARE IN THE OCEAN. WE ARE INSPIRED BY THE OCEAN. WE ARE
AS FREE AS THE OCEAN