Funoas was born from saltwater, memory and a love for creating art.

The founder and designer, Sumii Haleem is a self-taught textile designer who grew up in the Maldives, surrounded by ocean.

She learned to sew from her aunt, a seamstress and taught herself to draw experimenting with ink, fabric scraps and whatever materials at hand. Her textile work blends hand drawn and painted elements with digital design, often layered and textured like the reef systems she scuba dives in.

Every Funoas design begins at sea. The shapes, patterns and colours are inspired by the coral reefs and sea creatures that form the backbone of Maldivian life and identity.

As a Dhivehi woman, she draws not only from the ocean but from the deep well of Maldivian culture, reinterpreting her identity through a modern wearable lens.

Maldives is on the frontline of sea-level rise, so naturally her work is grounded in a commitment to sustainability and cultural preservation.

Funoas isn’t just about swimwear. It’s a space for storytelling, slow fashion, circular economy and climate advocacy.

Each piece is made to honour the beauty of island culture and to remind us that what we protect, protects us in return.