Get some insight from the very best in the homeware, fashion and lifestyle industries in our series, An Interview With. From Founders and Creatives to Buying Directors and Marketing Experts, we’ll be speaking to business insiders about their lifestyles, likes, dislikes, careers – and how they got to their resounding success.
This month we interviewed the iconic American swim and resortwear designer, Melissa Odabash. Purveyor of luxury swimwear, there’s no doubt at least one of her pieces have been on your wish list at some point.
After starting out as a model, a role which took her all over the world, Melissa noticed a real gap in the market for beautiful, elegant swimwear – one that she was determined to fill. She went on to launch her own brand in 1999, creating pieces that she actually wanted to wear – and which plenty of other women across the globe felt the same about.
What makes them most unique, however? Melissa’s pieces are crafted with each and every body type in mind, sculpting and enhancing your desired silhouette – swim and resortwear that is truly empowering. Here’s what Melissa had to say to us about her brand, travel, and her everyday essentials.
Talk us through your morning routine, what are your go-to products?
Every day, I wake up at 7am and start my day with 10 minutes of meditation. Following this I get started on my skincare routine. My must-have products are Dr Barbara Sturm’s face wash and cream, followed by Dr Rita Rakus’ sunblock.
Before I start my morning workout, the first thing I’ll consume is some warm weather and lemon. After a fifteen-minute (max!) video exercise, I’ll cycle over to work with a protein shake.
How did you get to where you are now?
It’s all down to hard work, determination and, – most importantly never giving up!
How do you think the pandemic has impacted fashion as a whole?
Online presence has really shown its prevalence – it’s a bit of a disaster for smaller companies that don’t have an online set up or are not well known.
As well as this, it’s been a tough year for everyone as most stores around the world were all shut at the same time. To make matters worse, there’s been no holidays, no tourists and on top of that – Brexit!
What’s your essential wardrobe item?
I love the versatility of a kaftan. They’re great for wearing on the beach, but also thrown on for a shopping trip. It’s got a multitude of uses.
Congratulations on being recently awarded an MBE, what have been some other significant milestones you’ve been proud of?
This is definitely a huge one as I’m American and not too many Americans have received this award but, most of all, it’s for my philanthropy – I believe you’re only as good as what you give back.
How do you stay motivated in difficult times both mentally and physically, particularly over the past year?
During the first lockdown I made sure to take my bike out every day, discovering a new place I hadn’t seen before. This drove a huge audience as many of my followers were foreigners and I love to show off the beauty of the UK.
I actually loved the first lockdown as I didn’t need to work as hard and travel, so I was fine. The second lockdown was really hard as I was alone in the office trying to make a new collection!
Many of your lines are named after influential women in your life, who would you say is number one?
It will always be my mother and daughters.
Your collections have been called ‘The Ferrari of Swimwear’. What is it that you believe make your pieces so special?
I’m always sure to use high quality fabrics, as well as taking into consideration the fit of my swimwear – which you can keep for years.
What should a woman look for when buying swimwear, particularly online?
My top tip would be to make sure that the straps are adjustable, be it with a tie neck or around back so you can pull tighter for more support – we all have different body sizes.
Tell us your number one travel tip.
Always carry a bikini in your hand luggage – just in case your bag goes missing you can still go to the beach.
What’s the best part about what you do?
I’m fortunate enough that I get to travel the world, visiting the most stunning resorts and islands. I can’t wait to get back out there!
What are the must-haves we’d find in your handbag?
My lip balm, YSL’s Touche-Eclat and my agenda.
What’s your secret indulgence?
It will always be a trip to the spa – I love a good facial and massage! I could live in there – the ultimate me-time where I can relax.
