Melissa Odabash
What is it about Melissa Odabash swimwear collections? Some say it's the materials, others the designs, many just the way the swimsuits make them feel. But there's really only one reason - and that's Melissa herself.
Prior to launching her first collection, Melissa was living and modelling in Italy for top Italian designers. As a former catwalk and swimwear model she knows a thing or two about swimwear. After all, she wore more than her fair share of over-designed,"look-at-me" bikinis. "The stuff I had to wear was hideous," she says, "I was modelling suits that were sparkly and tacky and I just thought: I can do better than this." So she did - creating her first bikinis by hand and taking them around the boutiques of Milan. Her designs are inspired by Italian fashion - for styles that are about simplicity and high quality fabrics with a timeless elegance.
Within two years her zebra-print bikini had become the best-selling item in the Victoria Secret's catalogue. Another became the most popular swimsuit in America after it appeared on the cover of US Glamour. Her unique collections have been featured on several Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issues. Odabash suits are now best selling styles in top stores around the world - loved not just by celebrities, but by women of all shapes and ages.
Instead of under-wire or padding, she uses fine twisted elastic, discreetly sewn into linings. And for these she uses delicate lingerie material instead of the thicker, traditional linings that often prove uncomfortable.
Collections have included flattering briefs, halter neck tops, twisted bandeaus adorned with buckles, beading, shells and embroidery. The suits are made for all body types, but all have the same principle aim: to help people feel good about themselves when they are at their most self-conscious.
Celebrities including Kate Moss, Jennifer Lopez, Paris Hilton, Elle Macpherson, Victoria Beckham, Catherine Zeta Jones, Teri Hatcher, Beyonce, Uma Thurman, Sarah Jessica Parker, Heidi Klum, Halle Berry and Cindy Crawford all choose Odabash when holidaying themselves.
In 2004 Speedo, the iconic sports swimwear brand, engaged Melissa as a designer to develop a unique high-end one-off swimsuit fashion collection for men and women to celebrate its 75th Anniversary. Each suit in this collection was unique, comprising of whole-pieces and bikinis, using Swarovski crystals, studded leather, semi-precious stones such as amethyst, coral and turquoise, and hand-embroidered sequins. Photographed by famous singer/songwriter Bryan Adams on celebrities such as Jerry Hall, Naomi Campbell and flamenco dancer Joaquin Cortez, the collection was made into a beautiful, glossy book.
In the spring of 2007 Melissa opened her first flagship shop in London’s trendy Notting Hill area. The store has attracted an A-list crowd not only from Notting Hill but all around and has been a welcome addition to the ever popular shopping area. Melissa looked to create an environment that was luxurious yet relaxed and has done so with her lush cream carpets, comfy sofa and attention to detail. The store is a fabulous one stop shop for anyone going to sunnier climates. It’s also a fantastic showcase for Melissa’s stunning new dress collection which has been flying off the shelves. The store has a warm and professional atmosphere were women can enjoy the experience coupled with fabulous service and advice.
The inspiration for Melissa’s 2010 collection was found within beautiful vintage fabrics and prints sourced in Italy – giving the collection a bold feel in colour and texture.
Swimwear
Colours range in three distinct themes:
• White, sky and silver for a fresh look on the beach.
• Yellow, khakis, browns, greens and gold metallic’s for a more earthy animal effect.
• Andy Warhol inspired pop colours – reds, oranges, pinks and metallic’s – all fused with a beautiful graphic yet feminine cut.
Melissa Odabash’s trademark prints this season are encompassed in four animal inspired prints; A 3D zebra, cheetah flower, bird print and snakeskin print. Furthermore a multi coloured print which ties in the spectrum of Melissa’s chosen colour palette for Spring Summer 2010.
Pin-up string bikinis and sophisticated one-piece bathing suits are detailed with ruffles, fabric ruching and gathering and are all adorned with bijoux accessories. The new branded gold and silver Melissa Odabash ‘O’ rings and cord ends give the collection a sleek finishing touch.
Beachwear
The beachwear starts with the vintage Italian prints in 100% silk chiffon and modal. Cotton and linen mixed kaftans with beautiful machine embroidery all links to the three main colour themes.
The cheetah flower print lifts the collection into a younger and feminine light.
Silhouettes are easy pieces, kaftans, dresses and tops which accessorise the key swimwear line in matching all tonal colours. The customer is spoilt for choice!
Prior to launching her first collection, Melissa was living and modelling in Italy for top Italian designers. As a former catwalk and swimwear model she knows a thing or two about swimwear. After all, she wore more than her fair share of over-designed,"look-at-me" bikinis. "The stuff I had to wear was hideous," she says, "I was modelling suits that were sparkly and tacky and I just thought: I can do better than this." So she did - creating her first bikinis by hand and taking them around the boutiques of Milan. Her designs are inspired by Italian fashion - for styles that are about simplicity and high quality fabrics with a timeless elegance.
Within two years her zebra-print bikini had become the best-selling item in the Victoria Secret's catalogue. Another became the most popular swimsuit in America after it appeared on the cover of US Glamour. Her unique collections have been featured on several Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issues. Odabash suits are now best selling styles in top stores around the world - loved not just by celebrities, but by women of all shapes and ages.
Instead of under-wire or padding, she uses fine twisted elastic, discreetly sewn into linings. And for these she uses delicate lingerie material instead of the thicker, traditional linings that often prove uncomfortable.
Collections have included flattering briefs, halter neck tops, twisted bandeaus adorned with buckles, beading, shells and embroidery. The suits are made for all body types, but all have the same principle aim: to help people feel good about themselves when they are at their most self-conscious.
Celebrities including Kate Moss, Jennifer Lopez, Paris Hilton, Elle Macpherson, Victoria Beckham, Catherine Zeta Jones, Teri Hatcher, Beyonce, Uma Thurman, Sarah Jessica Parker, Heidi Klum, Halle Berry and Cindy Crawford all choose Odabash when holidaying themselves.
In 2004 Speedo, the iconic sports swimwear brand, engaged Melissa as a designer to develop a unique high-end one-off swimsuit fashion collection for men and women to celebrate its 75th Anniversary. Each suit in this collection was unique, comprising of whole-pieces and bikinis, using Swarovski crystals, studded leather, semi-precious stones such as amethyst, coral and turquoise, and hand-embroidered sequins. Photographed by famous singer/songwriter Bryan Adams on celebrities such as Jerry Hall, Naomi Campbell and flamenco dancer Joaquin Cortez, the collection was made into a beautiful, glossy book.
In the spring of 2007 Melissa opened her first flagship shop in London’s trendy Notting Hill area. The store has attracted an A-list crowd not only from Notting Hill but all around and has been a welcome addition to the ever popular shopping area. Melissa looked to create an environment that was luxurious yet relaxed and has done so with her lush cream carpets, comfy sofa and attention to detail. The store is a fabulous one stop shop for anyone going to sunnier climates. It’s also a fantastic showcase for Melissa’s stunning new dress collection which has been flying off the shelves. The store has a warm and professional atmosphere were women can enjoy the experience coupled with fabulous service and advice.
The inspiration for Melissa’s 2010 collection was found within beautiful vintage fabrics and prints sourced in Italy – giving the collection a bold feel in colour and texture.
Swimwear
Colours range in three distinct themes:
• White, sky and silver for a fresh look on the beach.
• Yellow, khakis, browns, greens and gold metallic’s for a more earthy animal effect.
• Andy Warhol inspired pop colours – reds, oranges, pinks and metallic’s – all fused with a beautiful graphic yet feminine cut.
Melissa Odabash’s trademark prints this season are encompassed in four animal inspired prints; A 3D zebra, cheetah flower, bird print and snakeskin print. Furthermore a multi coloured print which ties in the spectrum of Melissa’s chosen colour palette for Spring Summer 2010.
Pin-up string bikinis and sophisticated one-piece bathing suits are detailed with ruffles, fabric ruching and gathering and are all adorned with bijoux accessories. The new branded gold and silver Melissa Odabash ‘O’ rings and cord ends give the collection a sleek finishing touch.
Beachwear
The beachwear starts with the vintage Italian prints in 100% silk chiffon and modal. Cotton and linen mixed kaftans with beautiful machine embroidery all links to the three main colour themes.
The cheetah flower print lifts the collection into a younger and feminine light.
Silhouettes are easy pieces, kaftans, dresses and tops which accessorise the key swimwear line in matching all tonal colours. The customer is spoilt for choice!
