Latest news with #MelissaOdabash
Forbes
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Forbes
Swim And Resort Focused Brand Melissa Odabash Celebrates 25 Years
A model in a bikini form the Melissa Odabash Cruise 2025/2026 collection. The ground-breaking series 'Survivor' debuted in 2000, subsequently cementing the popularity of reality television, paving the way for shows such as 'Idol', 'Big Brother', 'The Apprentice', 'Keeping Up with the Kardashians', and 'The Real Housewives.' Melissa Odabash, the swimwear brand started by a former model, also launched her eponymous label in 2000. The last twenty-five years have seen a non-stop trajectory for the TV show genre, as well as the swim and resort wear categories, that have upped the ante on elevated, designer sensibility offerings, plowing through the typical tie-dye sarongs and destination motif t-shirts once dominating the cover-up market. For the label's 25th anniversary collection for Cruise 2025/2026, Odabash looks back at the brand's beginnings and success in the burgeoning sector. A DIFFERENT LANDSCAPE Founder and brand designer Melissa Odabash. 'When I launched Melissa Odabash, the swim and resort wear category wasn't defined the way it is today. Swimwear was often an afterthought; uninspired, poorly constructed, and rarely flattering,' Odabash said in an interview. The founder had first-hand knowledge thanks to her work as a model. 'I spent years on shoots wearing swimsuits that just didn't feel right. That experience opened my eyes to a real opportunity in the market to create something that was missing: a company that focused on swimwear that was both innovative and beautifully made. I began designing styles I genuinely wanted to wear, ensuring that the pieces felt elevated, elegant, and timeless,' she continued. Her work also provided her with behind-the-scenes views of some of the iconic Italian fashion houses. 'That exposure deeply influenced my sense of quality, fit, and attention to detail. My design inspiration was rooted in European style and craftsmanship, so I founded the brand in Italy,' she added. MAGAZINE GLORY The most coveted spot for swimwear marketing when the brand launched in the millennium was the infamous Sports Illustrated swimsuit edition. A model in a bathing suit from the Melissa Odabash Cruise 2025/2026 collection. 'Early on, several of my designs were featured in SI, worn by incredible women like Tyra Banks, Steffi Graf, Heidi Klum, and Karen Mulder. Seeing my pieces on such powerful icons was surreal, and it gave the brand instant international visibility,' Odabash recalled, adding, 'Back then, there was no Instagram, no viral moments online. To be taken seriously, especially as a new label, you had to earn your place through traditional media. Getting that kind of exposure in print was like a golden stamp of approval, and then buyers started to take notice. Suddenly, what started as a small idea was being talked about on a global scale.' Odabash's success underscores the former wholesale landscape. 'That momentum helped shape the foundation of the brand. It created buzz, built credibility, and opened doors to dressing A-list celebrities and being featured in leading publications. It was the beginning of building a loyal, global following, and looking back, I'm so grateful for how organically and powerfully it all unfolded,' she noted. CARVING A NICHE It was also the beginning of a momentum for the category, which saw the category start to blossom in the 1990s, shifting from a 'necessity' to an 'essential' category, according to Odabash. 'It's the result of a mix of lifestyle shifts, global travel, wellness, and, of course, the rise of social media. Women want versatile, elevated pieces that feel as good as they look, pieces that can take you from the beach to sunset drinks and dinner. We've grown in response to that demand, expanding into ready-to-wear and accessories. There's a whole world around resort wear now, and I love that we were part of pioneering that change,' she said. A model in a beach cover up from the Melissa Odabash Cruise 2025/2026 collection. Most recently, 'The White Lotus' has been a consumer marketing boon to the category. Melissa Odabash designs have been featured on television prior to that, appearing organically on 'The Real Housewives,' 'The Bachelor,' 'Love Island,' and other reality and scripted series. 'The brand continues to align naturally with lifestyle-led productions that celebrate travel and an aspirational way of life. Shows like 'The White Lotus' made escapism feel aspirational and effortlessly chic, thus shaping the visual language of resort wear and bringing renewed attention to destination-driven fashion. More brand highlights include Jennifer Lawrence wearing Melissa Odabash in the 2016 film 'Passengers,' recreating swimsuits for the 2013 film 'Diana,' and subsequently creating styles for further Naomi Watts films. SILVER LININGS The 25th-anniversary collection is especially personal for the designer as a tribute to her mother. 'My parents travelled to St. Martin yearly. My mother would return with a bikini from a small French boutique. I still remember those pieces; they were elegant, detailed, and unlike anything I'd seen. This place sparked my love for design and swimwear. Early exposure to refined, European swimwear had a lasting impact on me. This collection is a nod to that time, to the island's colors, its spirit, and the feeling of escape it evokes,' Odabash said. A model in a ready-to-wear look from the Melissa Odabash Cruise 2025/2026 collection. The brand, which is designed in London and primarily manufactured in Italy, has core wholesale accounts, including Harrods, Selfridges, Saks, and Net-a-Porter, with flagship stores in London, St. Tropez, and two stores in Dubai, as well as an e-commerce business. The range includes swimwear, resort wear, dresses, kaftans, sandals, hats, bags, jewelry, and loungewear. Odabash is also looking forward to new collaborations that blend fashion, travel, and art to design a wardrobe geared towards a global, effortless lifestyle. Despite its growth, the brand collaborates with small, ethically minded factories that are experts in their craft, wherever they may be located. 'Quality has always been a cornerstone of the brand; it's not something we're ever willing to compromise on. Of course, with economic shifts and tariff considerations, we remain flexible and proactive. But many of our production partners have been with us for over 20 years, which gives us stability and the ability to adapt quickly without losing sight of our values.' Looking back on 25 years of building a global presence, cultivating loyal customers, and forming meaningful partnerships, Odabash is humbled by the achievement as she explores the next phase. 'It feels like a milestone and a beginning. There's much more ahead, new stores, expanding my ready-to-wear line, and creative collaborations that continue to push the brand forward.'
Web Release
13-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Web Release
Melissa Odabash Opens Standalone Boutique in Dubai Mall
Luxury resortwear brand Melissa Odabash is proud to announce the opening of its newest standalone boutique in Dubai Mall, one of the world's premier shopping destinations. This exciting expansion marks a significant milestone for the brand, bringing Melissa Odabash's signature elevated and effortless collections to a city where resort culture is a way of life. Dubai's endless sunshine and innate sense of glamour make it a natural home for the brand's refined swim and beachwear collections. 'Dubai's ever-evolving energy and dynamic fashion scene make it the ideal place for us to establish a presence,' says founder Melissa Odabash. 'We're thrilled to bring our vision of timeless, sophisticated resortwear to a new audience in the Middle East.' As part of the boutique launch, Melissa Odabash introduces an exclusive line of custom-print kaftans, thoughtfully designed with the Dubai client in mind. Crafted from luxurious silk, these floor-length styles are ideal for the region's climate, effortlessly transitioning from poolside to lunch settings. Each piece is adorned with vibrant, one-of-a-kind prints in rich greens, deep reds, and oceanic blues, reflecting the brand's signature flair for timeless glamour. These striking kaftans are complemented by a curated selection of intricately cut lace co-ords and bold, one-size-fits-all silhouettes – pieces that speak to ease, elegance, and versatility. This new line sits alongside the Melissa Odabash 25-Year Anniversary Collection – an archive-inspired series of swim and resortwear that pays homage to the destinations most cherished by Melissa throughout her journey. The Cruise collection debuts with the carefree spirit of 1970s St. Martin, where her passion for swimwear first began, while the Summer collection takes shape against the breathtaking backdrops of Capri, celebrating the brand's enduring connection to this iconic Mediterranean escape.
Yahoo
04-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Kelly Bensimon Proves You Can Still Get Your Summer Bod — Even in July
Kelly Bensimon is hot off Miami's Swim Week, where she stunned in a two-piece bikini as she opened Melissa Odabash's 25th anniversary show. Now, the 57-year-old model and former Bravo star is sharing all her secrets to getting beach-body ready at any age — and says July is definitely not too late to start. Whether she's strutting the runway, sunbathing in the Hamptons or surviving a trip to 'Scary Island,' the real estate broker isn't shy about baring it all — and when it comes to dieting, she's tried it all too. But she still swears by her 3-day 'Supermodel Reset,' first shared in her 2010 book, I Can Make You Hot. 'It's just three days,' she says. 'Not a lifetime. Give your insides a break. A bikini body looks great when it's not bloated.' So, what exactly is the diet? She shared: 'It's just three days of no alcohol, no sugar, minimal carbs, no caffeine, eating fruits, vegetables, and lots of chamomile tea. When you start to eat clean, get good rest, and hydrate, your body starts to recalibrate. RHONY's Kelly Bensimon Credits 10-Lb Weight Loss to Having 'A Lot of Sex': It's 'Cardio' Bensimon says she 'feels better than ever' at 57 and credits that to amping up a certain food group. 'I've amped up my protein,' she told Us. 'Women need protein, especially if you're in perimenopause or menopause. One reason people have brain fog is because they don't have enough protein.' She eats meals like chicken and broccoli because they're balanced, colorful and filling, but her food intake is not the only thing that helps Bensimon rock a two-piece with confidence. She's a lifelong runner and encourages people to find a cardio partner. 'I love all these running clubs. People are hanging out — they're running, they're drinking afterwards. I love that,' she explained. 'I eat well, I move well, and then I sleep well. So it's very simple. The math has to math. If you don't eat well and you're not moving and you're not taking care of yourself, you can't be like, 'Oh my God, what's happened to me?'' Kelly Bensimon Was 'Nervous' to Open the Melissa Odabash Miami Swim Week Show at 57 While she recommends people take some time off from alcohol (she's been on a break from it since Memorial Day Weekend), she isn't a total buzzkill when it comes to summer cocktails. Her solution? 'I love a piscine (which means pool in French) — it's a giant wine glass filled with ice and topped with wine. It's chic, light, and low on calories.' Her other go-to: tequila with lemon and ice. Bensimon's wellness mantra is as cheeky as it is motivating: 'Carbies don't make Barbies. And living well is the best revenge.'
Daily Mail
16-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Mail
Amanda Holden, 54, turns up the heat in cut-out pink swimsuit as she shows off her age-defying figure by the pool
Amanda Holden put her age-defying figure on display as she showcased her incredible physique in a pink swimsuit on Sunday. The host, 54, looked amazing as she lounged by a pool in Greece in swimwear by fashion designer Melissa Odabash. She could be seen showing off her toned legs in the cut-out design, striking several eye-popping poses shared to Instagram. In one, she rested her head on her hand and put another on her hip as she looked towards the sun in her large statement brown sunglasses. Amanda accessorised the look with subtle pieces of gold jewellery and a watch, opting to keep it cool by wearing her brown hair in a bun. The star looked like she was having a great time during the casual photoshoot and could be seen laughing as she struggled to pose. From A-list scandals and red carpet mishaps to exclusive pictures and viral moments, subscribe to the DailyMail's new Showbiz newsletter to stay in the loop. Amanda simply captioned the snaps 'pretty in pink' and added the additional soundtrack of 'Pink Pony Club' by Chappell Roan. The snaps went down a storm on Instagram with fans, even prompting the swimsuit's designer to comment: 'The best swimwear model of them all' with fire emojis. Others praised: 'The body is perfection - needs to do Miami swimwear next year'; 'Oh wow you look absolutely incredible. What a treat to wake up to! I'm a lot younger than you and you look SMASHING. loving the vibe [sic]'; 'Still can't believe you're over 40.' However, you will need relatively deep pockets if you'd like to emulate Amanda's look this summer, as the swimsuit retails for a whopping £288. The snaps are not the first time that Amanda has shown off her incredible physique in recent weeks. She also sent temperatures soaring as she showed off her jaw-dropping figure in a pink bikini while filming a new campaign in Mallorca. Her fellow celeb pals raced to comment below the stunning clip, with Ruth Langsford sharing a slew of heart emojis and Vicky Pattison raving: 'AMANDA!!!!' The radio host shared the racy clip on her Instagram page on June 7 - informing fans she was on the sunny Spanish island for work purposes. In the stunning video, the BGT judge radiated confidence while strutting her stuff by a pool in the skimpy two-piece, adding strappy open-toe heels to complete the revealing look. Her fellow celeb pals raced to comment below the stunning clip, with Ruth Langsford sharing a slew of heart emojis and Vicky Pattison raved: 'AMANDA!!!!' Amanda was in Mallorca to film a new ad for UK brand Revive Collagen, founded by TOWIE star Samantha Faiers. The star is no stranger to flashing the flesh in the studios and in April 2024, she stripped naked during the Heart Breakfast Show. The confident star put every inch of herself on display as she removed her clothes for a life drawing session, that saw artists, as well as her radio co-hosts Jamie and Ashley Roberts have a go at drawing her. As Amanda dropped her trousers on camera, Jamie explained: 'Slightly distracting... Amanda's in the corner of the studio without any clothes on - which is a first not for her of course - but the rest of us.' Ashley interjected: 'She looks amazing!'
Graziadaily
09-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Graziadaily
We're Obsessed With Maya Jama's Swimwear Collection - Here's Where To Shop It
With Love Island season 12 about to kick off, let us take a moment to rejoice in the people's princess and queen of Love Island , Maya Jama, who is poised to return to our screens tonight. Not only are Maya Jama's Love Island outfits something to behold (we all know she's the real bombshell here) but her bikini-wearing ability is nothing short of perfection. With countless cozzies and two-pieces to choose from, if you're looking to add to your swimwear collection, finding a starting point can seem a little overwhelming. So instead, take note from someone who spends many weeks of the year surrounded by swimwear-clad girlies, a certified bikini connoisseur if you will, Maya Jama. A quick check on Jama's Instagram and you'll soon see plenty of envy-inducing holiday snaps that'll give you plenty of bikini inspo before you've even started watching Love Island . Most recently, a recreation of an archival Versace catwalk look from the spring '92 collection, complete with matching sarong and headscarf, of course. Or for something a little more wearable, note the black-and-red patterned two piece from Australian label TRIANGL, which is actually available in plenty of different versions if you're not into a thong bikini ('thongkini') bottom situation. So, from the itsy bitsy, teeny weenie 'kinis to more straightforward separates, we've been tracking down some of the best so you can get in on the action. Thank us later. TRIANGL Palma Berti Knit Balconette Bikini Set Head to TRIANGL for plenty of printed pieces. Choose from bandeau tops, micro shorts or classic cup styles to find your perfect fit. Versace Underwater Barocco One-Piece Swimsuit Whilst this exact swimsuit isn't available to buy, Versace's swimwear collection is full of pieces that give the same glam vibe. This logo version does the trick. Monday Swimwear Palma Triangle Bikini Top You can't beat a classic. This black-and-white triangle bikini is one you'll come back to time and time again. Melissa Odabash Monza Chain-Link Bikini Top This triangle top and tie-side bottom Melissa Odabash bikini will make for perfect poolside posing, plus, the pieces are sold separately so you can mix and match on sizes. Skims Signature Swim Triangle Bikini Top If all else fails, opt for classic black. Skims's triangle set is available in six different colourways and ranges from size XXS to 4LX. Calzedonia Triangle Bikini Top with Removable Padding Crinkle Waves Try a crinkle textured bikini for a style that's always super flattering, also available in cream, raspberry red and deep burgundy. Julia Harvey has been Grazia's shopping editor for four years, overseeing and editing all things shopping for the title from trend pages, interiors, gift guides and the best things to buy now in both print and online.
