Nicole Hanriot-Tinkess wears The Aspen in the desert.

The Trailblazer Times: Nicole Hanriot-Tinkess

We can confidently say we’d let Nicole Hanriot-Tinkess pack for our next vacation. As the founder and designer of Beach Riot, the brand redefining beach-to-street fashion and vacation wear, she knows a thing or two about a perfect travel wardrobe. From full-length dresses to swimwear, activewear, and everything in between, Beach Riot is a one-stop-shop.


We sat down with Nicole to discuss her roots, the influence travel has on her brand, as well as her favorite upcoming trends for festival season.


Nicole Hanriot-Tinkess wears The Aspen. 

"I wanted people to be able to style their pieces from the Beach to the Street."

Here at CITY Boots, we definitely lean into our traditional Texas roots. What specific California influences can you see within Beach Riot? 

Fun fact, I was born in Lufkin Texas! I am a southern girl at heart but I love mixing that style with my current California lifestyle! I would say the surf culture I'm surrounded by living in California is a big influence in Beach Riot! 


Beach Riot’s tagline is “Riot on the Beach, party in the Street” and all of your pieces are extremely functional. What was your initial vision when starting this brand? 

When I started Beach Riot, I wanted to fill a void in the industry making fun fashionable swimwear that could be worn as more than just a swimsuit. I wanted to make swimwear that was bold and something that would make a statement. 


Beach Riot swimwear is paired with The Beverly. 

"I'm loving crochet and textures for Spring!"



I'm also pretty fixated on Butter Yellow right now, it's such a happy warm weather color. Our textured pieces are extremely functional, and we've some really fun crochet pieces perfect for festival season!


A Beach Riot set and some CITY Boots in the desert. 

What has been the most rewarding moment of your career? 

That's a tough one because there have been so many wonderful memories, but the most recent one would be launching a children's line and having my daughter be a part of it, from modeling to helping design!


So many of the pieces you design are vacation and travel centered, what is one destination you’ve always dreamed of visiting? 

I've never been to italy, hopefully we will make it this summer! 


Festival season is upon us! What Beach Riot pieces would you recommend for long days in the desert?!

We love festival season here at Beach Riot! While so many of our pieces can be styled for Coachella or Stagecoach, we are especially excited about this maxi dress and this intricate mini!




Some Beach Riot and CITY Boots festival pairings.