Q&A... Melissa Odabash

You are a former model turned swimwear designer… why did you make the switch?

I was always modelling swimsuits that fitted terribly, and were often very tacky brights and prints. I always thought only 0.1 per cent of the population would wear this, so I decided to do a range which used good quality fabric and simple shapes that fit perfectly to the body.

 

What is the Melissa Odabash swimwear look of S/S 2011? 

My trademark is my animal prints. All my prints are vintage, taken from the archives in Italy - simple designs with my custom-made hardware.

 

Who would you most like to see in one of your bathing costumes?

Jet set women who need different suits and styles for different places. What you wear in St Tropez is totally different to what you might wear in the Hamptons.

 

Who are you most proud to have seen in one of your creations?

I wouldn’t know where to start - so many celebs and icons from Kate Moss and Sienna Miller to Elle Macpherson. I feel very lucky and proud of everyone who wears them.  

 

What are your three top tips for looking great on the beach?

Keep it simple. Use self tanner, wear a great fitting bikini for your body shape, with a kaftan that can be worn for beach or shopping, and a hat and flat sandals

 

Whose style do you admire?

I love Elle Macpherson, she gets it right every time. She never over accessorises, she is always fit and looks healthy and she chooses the right colours for her skin.

 

When did you first know you wanted to go into the wonderful world of fashion?

When I was about 10, I used to sew all the time. My mother would sit with me and we’d watch all the European fashion shows and I would tell her everything I’d change on the outfits.

 

What’s been your proudest moment professionally?

Probably when Anna Wintour had me send her a huge box of my things to Santo Domingo for her family’s vacation about 5 years ago. I didn’t know she even knew I existed.

 

Which other designers do you admire?

Julien Macdonald is my favourite, and Azzedine Alaia - they both understand a woman’s res://ieframe.dll/tabswelcome.htmbody. I’m launching a cruise line with Julien this month which is looking great.

 

What’s your favourite restaurant?

Mediterraneo in Notting Hill – it’s like being back in Rome. The best Italian food ever.

 

What has been your most memorable meal?

Spaghetti al vongole in Capri. Beyond amazing.

 

What would you eat at your perfect dinner party?  

For sure, pasta con pomodoro.

 

What’s your motto for life?

Be positive.

 

What’s the secret of success?

Hard work, and never give up. It takes years and nothing comes easy - if it does, it leaves easy too.

 

What would you be doing if you weren’t a swimwear designer?

I’d be an actress for sure or a talk show presenter. I’d love to be a singer but can’t sing.

 

Where or how would you spend a ‘lost day’ in London?

Easy! In Harrods – I always get lost in there. The information booth people must know me by heart.

 

What do you do to spoil yourself locally?

I love Spa Illuminata to relax.

 

What’s the last book you read?

All the things they don’t want you to know - it’s a health book.

 

What’s the last film you saw?

A Single Man - I loved it and downloaded it on my Ipad

 

What’s the last album you bought?

James Blunt and Elton John.

 

If you could change one thing about London, what would it be?

No homeless people. It kills me, I can’t bear to see people homeless - I wish I could build enough houses so everyone has a roof over their head.

 

What or who do you miss when you’re away from home?

My family - I can’t bear not to be with them so I try not to travel more then a few days.

 

What would you rescue if your house was on fire?

My family, and cat Ninja, my rabbit Coco and my photo albums.

 

Where do you go to be a culture vulture?

Love the Tate Modern.

 

What’s your greatest London extravagance?

Not working and chilling with friends on my terrace.

 

Where were the last three places you went on holiday?

Miami, Italy and New York.  

 

Name your desert island essentials.

An Italian cook and bikinis - that’s about it. Maybe tweezers.

 

Where would you live if money were no object?

In Porto Ercole on the water in the biggest villa, with gardens of fresh vegetables.

 

What advice would you give someone who’s visiting your area?

London is the best city in the world I have constant guests so I have a typical tour map.I start at top of the Hilton hotel for drinks-lunch at l’Orangerie, Hyde Park, Lancashire court for cocktails, Haunch of Venison in Mayfair, Cecconi’s and, of course, my shops on Ledbury Road and my new shop on Walton Street.

 

Melissa Odabash never leaves home without… concealer.

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