Legendary designer Melissa Odabash has built a career creating swimsuits fit for a queen. The New Jersey native, now 56, has dressed stars including Beyonce, Rihanna, and Gwyneth Paltrow over her decades-long career. Speaking exclusively to the Daily Mail from Miami Swim Week after her latest runway show, Odabash said, 'Because there’s so much more choice out there, the fact that they still choose [my designs] to go on their vacations, it’s an honor.'
A Royal Fan
One of Odabash's most loyal customers is Kate Middleton, the Princess of Wales. The royal has been spotted wearing an Odabash bikini while on a yacht with Prince William and also wore one of the designer's dresses to Wimbledon. Both outfits were in white, Odabash's favorite color. 'It’s the chicest color,' the Designer Icon award winner said, adding that royals tend to gravitate toward 'chic and timeless pieces.'
2026 Summer Trends
Odabash predicts several key trends for summer 2026. Matching sets will be a staple, especially in Europe where 'restaurants are on the beaches' and people want to 'quickly wear something matching to their swimwear.' The signature hue remains 'Riviera white,' which 'perfectly captures the mood of the collection, where texture takes center stage.' Crochet pieces in rich chocolate browns and deep navy tones are also set to dominate, with dresses ranging from floor-length transparent silhouettes to shorter, figure-hugging styles. Bandeau tops are also in style.
Accessorizing the Look
Odabash recommends a 'toned down' aesthetic overall. 'It’s more about flats, not high heels. Maxi dresses but with a flat,' she said. To complete the summer ensemble, she suggests a 'cute little beach bag' made of straw and cat-eye sunglasses, which are 'very on trend.' Her philosophy: 'It’s all about classic, timeless, effortless [style].'
From Runway to Royalty
Odabash launched her business in 1999 after working with major fashion houses like Valentino, Prada, and Fendi, noticing a need for high-quality swimwear. In 2021, she was appointed an honorary Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire (MBE) by Queen Elizabeth II. She told the Daily Mail, 'I had to try and explain to my American family what an MBE was but that was the biggest honor I’ve ever received.' For aspiring designers, her advice is simple: 'Stick to one thing and get really good ... so that people know that when they need that one thing, they go to you.'
