I design high-quality beachwear and dresses that take you from beach into night – my intention has always been to design beautiful cuts that work with every body shape to flatter a woman’s assets and give her the confidence to face the beach or pool feeling her absolute best!”
Melissa Odabash, Swimwear Designer
Melissa Odabash, the iconic American swimwear designer who has called London her home for over 20 years defines her brand as ‘timeless’, with a focus on the best quality fabrics and attention to every detail of the garment. Here, we discuss Melissa’s favourite pieces in her wardrobe, what she won’t leave home without, and her favourite destinations…
C&B: “Melissa, congratulations for being named on the CITY & BEACH INTERNATIONAL BEST DRESSED LIST 2025! Your designs are legendary and we’d love to know more about your inspirations from your travels and other designers. Who and what would you say has had the most impact on your working life, past or present?”
MO: “I’m always inspired, especially when I’m traveling to different cultures. I love vintage fashion and old movies where women were so glamorous and made an effort every day. I love timeless and elegant styles that can be worn anywhere, think Bridget Bardot – chic but cool!”
C&B: “Bardot has had such an impact on style over the decades! Which fashion designers are your personal favourites?”
MO: “My favourite designers are the ones that enhance and show women’s bodies: Tom Ford, Azzedine Alaia, and Julien Macdonald, to name just a few…”
C&B: “Yes – we also like designers who appear to love women and want them to look their best! When you think back over the years, which outfit has been your favourites?”
MO: “Any couture dress by Julien Macdonald! Luckily I fit his sample size so I’ve been fortunate enough to wear most of his collection and they’re like pieces of art. I attend many special events; recently I was invited to Eva Longoria’s charity for the Global Gift Gala, the dress I wore was an evening gown I designed myself…”
I never leave home without my oversized sunglasses, a cashmere scarf, my Melissa Odabash hat and gold hoops from my new jewellery collection. My absolute essentials are Pawpaw lip balm, Rodial concealer, my guasha, Dr Barbra Sturm face mist to keep me refreshed and glowing throughout the day, Laneige lip mask and L’Occitane hand cream. If I’m somewhere sunny then of course I’m wearing one of my beach bags!”
Melissa Odabash
C&B: “You travel a lot so are there any great tips you can share for maintaining a stylish yet comfortable look when on the plane?”
MO: “When traveling I choose pieces that are easy to pack and ones that I can wear day into night. I usually stick to neutral styles – a T-shirt from my collection in white, black or grey and perhaps a tank top. For flights, I like to wear my loungewear terry tracksuit and I always pack a drowsy eye mask to block the light. I use 111skin eye patches on the plane…”
My favourite outfit is my jeans! I wear different ones every day to work, paired with my a T-shirt from my new collection, for an effortless and classic everyday look. I love the ‘Frame’ brand as they make great styles for long legs – I’ve always struggled to find jeans long enough. I also recently got a great pair from ‘Good American’…”
Melissa Odabash, Designer
C&B: “At Melissa Odabash, what’s your approach to sustainable fashion?”
MO: “I believe in creating the highest quality pieces designed to last for years, for me that is the essence of sustainability – pieces that you can still wear twenty years from now. I also use eco friendly fabrics and my factories have minimal waste through efficient production, no water waste, using recycled nylon threads and by installing solar panels in the work spaces…”
I never follow trends – I tried and found that many just don’t work for my body shape. I think it’s important to invest in staple pieces that are elegant and timeless, and then build outfits from these pieces. I believe we need to stay true to our personal aesthetic; however, I do occasionally follow sneaker trends, or my kids tell me which sneakers are cool – although I think they just suggest them so that I’ll buy them and then they steal them from me!”
Melissa Odabash, Designer
C&B: “Final question, Melissa: You know about the finer things in life – which are your favourite places to meet friends and enjoy life at home in London or around the world?”
MO: “I love private members’ clubs – for example, SoHo House, which is a reliable favourite. It has properties in many of the countries I travel to, including The Cotswolds, which is my favourite place here in England. I appreciate 5 Hertford Street and Oswald, both of which are stunning. Then there’s The Corinthia Hotel and its fabulous spa. For restaurants, I enjoy ‘Ruya,’ ‘Dover Street,’ and ‘Gymkhana’ for the best Indian cuisine in London. In Palm Beach, I love ‘Carriage House.’ Rome is where it all started for me – I lived there for some time, and Hotel Russie is my favourite hotel; it’s such a magical space…”
CONTACT: http://www.odabash.com
