Did a blur of bright color just flash down an aggressive line as you paddled out? Was that a surfer or a superhero? Odds are it was fashion designer Thaddeus O'Neil in one of his customized surf suits. Thaddeus dresses to surf as a devote worshiper might adorn himself to enter a sacred space. We invited this fascinating man to share his connection with costume and the water. A journey that that began with a Bruce Weber shoot at the age of 5 to present day Vogue Features shows at New York Fashion Week.

Music credit: Symho Nick by Skoz