Bikini Basics With Designer Melissa Odabash
Inspired by Italian fashion, her designs represent simplicity and quality with a timeless elegance and are beloved by celebrities, fashion editors, stylists and women of all shapes and ages. She took time to speak with the Best of You Today about hot swimwear trends, facing the daunting task of trying on the first suits of the season and her personal beach essentials.
BOYT: What are the hottest bathing suit trends for Summer 2010? What colors are hot?
Melissa Odabash: I love brights like green, yellow and, of course, white. Also, cutout suits seem to be doing great. But remember, with bright suits you need to start with a good base or fake tan.
BOYT: What guidance can you give us when shopping for a bikini?
Melissa Odabash: Shopping for a bikini is not an easy task, so remember these rules:
Rule One: Always apply self tanner a few days before trying on suits.
Rule Two: Never try on suits with a spotlight over your head – it will only create ripples down your body that don’t exist.
Rule Three: Don’t go for bigger bottoms if you are larger on bottom. Do the opposite – go a bit smaller – as all you can see on the beach is fabric. If you go bigger, it will only make you look bigger, and the fabric will look baggy.
BOYT: Your website explains that your suits have the “same principle aim: to help people feel good about themselves when they are at their most self-conscious.” How do you do this and what factors do you consider when designing?
Melissa Odabash: Swimwear is probably one of hardest things to wear, as you are totally exposed. So fit is the most important thing. It’s not about design or being super creative, it’s about good quality fabrics and a perfect fit to make you feel tight and snug and confident. I keep everyone in mind while designing: flat or round hips, no hips, apple, pear, scars, you name it. And I try to design at least a few suits for every body shape.
BOYT: How do you distinguish yourself from other designers?
Melissa Odabash: I try an elegant approach to swimwear. I want people to be able to invest in swimwear and know it will last for the next five years. I only use the best quality fabrics and I have worked hard on the fits for 13 years now. Also, I try to keep styles simple with my signature rings and never tacky, so you can wear them in every occasion – on a boat in the Hamptons, in St. Tropez or on a yacht with a beautiful kaftan on top. It’s lifestyle beachwear.
BOYT: For most, shopping for a swimsuit can be very intimidating. Help! What advise can you give to make this a pain free, if not enjoyable, process?
Melissa Odabash: This is tricky, but as I said before, just put self tanner on before trying a suit on. Your body automatically looks better with a bit of color and it puts you in the mood for summer. Dressing room lighting is usually beyond awful, so if you have great mirrors and feel more confident at home, shop online and put high heels on while trying the suits. Remember, there are always cover-ups. Also, keep in mind, I deal with all the biggest celebrities and even they find it very intimidating – even the ones with perfect bodies! It seems we are all born to complain about our bodies.
BOYT: How old is too old to wear a bikini?
Melissa Odabash: I don’t think you are ever too old to wear a bikini. Some older French women look amazing, but they also have olive skin, which helps. If you are older and want to wear a bikini, I would go for earth tones and keep it neutral.
BOYT: If you could choose one celebrity to represent your swimsuit line, who would that be and why?
Melissa Odabash: I would choose Elle Macpherson, for sure. She is “The Body” and has amazing style. She just gets the whole beach look – she never over-accessorizes, she chooses the perfect colors for her skin tone, and she is a friend.
BOYT: Who is your favorite designer and why?
Melissa Odabash: I love Azzedine Alaia. I have been a fan of his since I was 16. I could never afford his clothes growing up, but finally saved enough money from babysitting and bought one of his dresses, which made me feel like I was Gisele. He understands women’s bodies, so you feel amazing and confident, similar to my swimwear. I even named my daughter Alaia.
BOYT: Beach essentials… what are five things you won’t go to the beach (or pool) without?
Melissa Odabash: My five essentials are 1) Sunblock – I never bake in the sun and would rather use a bottle of self tanner. It’s so ageing and not worth it as it fades quickly but the damage stays forever. 2) Hat – My cowboy or a panama hat are favorites. 3) Sunglasses with protection. 4) iPod – a must with relaxing music. 5) Kaftan – to protect from the sun.
BOYT: What feature of a women’s body do you find to be the most beautiful?
Melissa Odabash: Legs. I think they look amazing tan, short or long. Add a glimmer cream on top – I love the J Lo brand.
BOYT: What advice would you give your 20-year-old self?
Melissa Odabash: Love your body for how it is and have self-confidence.
BOYT: Given the demands of a successful career, how do you recharge and rejuvenate?
Melissa Odabash: I go to Florida to get out of London and turn off my phone. I don’t look at emails and instead go jogging on the beach, chill out and do some spa treatments. I love the ocean, it’s so calming.
About Melissa Odabash
As former swimwear model who lived and worked in Italy for many years, Melissa has a finely tuned sense of what women want from their swimwear: beautifully designed pieces cut from superior fabrics to make the wearer look and feel their best.
For more information, visit website