A Greek Australian entrepreneur has taken an Adelaide-born swimwear brand onto the international stage, securing a major deal with iconic US retailer Nordstrom.
Vacay Swimwear, founded in Adelaide by Greek Australian entrepreneur Jordy Kallios and his business partner Corey DeCandia, is now being stocked by Nordstrom as the Australian brand accelerates its expansion into the US and other international markets.
The breakthrough is particularly significant for Kallios and the Adelaide-founded business because Vacay first approached Nordstrom around four years ago.
At the time, the brand was still establishing its international presence.
The founders did not give up.
Instead, the initial setback became motivation to grow the business, expand overseas and build a stronger presence in the US.
Now, the situation has completely changed.
Rather than Vacay chasing Nordstrom, the US retail giant came looking for the Adelaide brand.
“It was pretty surreal. Nordstrom has been on our radar for years, so seeing Vacay officially launch with such an iconic US retailer was a massive full-circle moment for us,” Kallios said.
“We started the brand here in Adelaide, so to now see Vacay sitting alongside global brands on a platform like Nordstrom is something we’re incredibly proud of.”
From Adelaide to the United States
Vacay began as a men’s swimwear label before evolving into a premium men’s and women’s swimwear and resortwear brand.
The collections are inspired by European summers, beach clubs, coastal destinations and travel, with designs aimed at taking customers from the beach to lunch, dinner and drinks.
The brand has also attracted growing attention internationally, with celebrities including Mark Wahlberg and Sydney Sweeney spotted wearing Vacay.
For Kallios, that growing profile has provided powerful validation for the brand’s journey from Adelaide to international markets.
“Seeing high-profile people choosing to wear Vacay is a strong validation of how far the brand has come,” he said.
The Nordstrom deal is also bigger than a limited test run.
Vacay’s swimwear and resortwear collections are now available through Nordstrom’s online store, placing the Adelaide-founded label alongside established international brands.
Greek Australian success story
For Kallios, the deal represents more than another retail partnership.
It is the latest chapter in the growth of a business built in Adelaide that is now reaching customers around the world.
Vacay currently sends thousands of orders each month to customers across Australia and overseas, with the founders continuing to pursue further international opportunities.
“International growth is a big focus for us, and we’re currently looking at opportunities in the Middle East, as well as continuing to explore the right retail partners in other key markets,” DeCandia said.
The company’s international ambitions extend well beyond the United States, with the Middle East now emerging as another potential growth market.
For the Greek Australian community, Kallios’ journey offers another example of an entrepreneur taking an Australian-founded business onto the world stage.
What began as a swimwear brand in Adelaide has now secured a place with one of America’s most recognisable retailers.
And four years after Vacay first knocked on Nordstrom’s door, the American giant has opened it.
Vacay Swimwear
Check them out on the Nordstrom website
Or on their Vacay Swimwear website.
