Legendary designer Melissa Odabash’s swimsuits are fit for a queen.
Throughout her decades-long career, the New Jersey native has created timeless pieces worn by stars like Beyonce, Rihanna, Gwyneth Paltrow and many more.
‘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,’ Odabash, 56, told the Daily Mail exclusively from Miami Swim Week following her latest collection’s runway show.
In addition to Hollywood, one of her most loyal customers happens to be a member of the British royal family.
Kate Middleton was previously spotted sporting one of Odabash’s bikinis while on a luxurious yacht with her husband, Prince William, and has also worn one of her dresses to Wimbledon. Both looks were in the designer’s favorite color: white.
‘It’s the chicest color,’ the Designer Icon award recipient gushed after her show, adding that royals all tend to gravitate toward ‘chic and timeless pieces.’
Swimwear designer Melissa Odabash, seen here at the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit party presented by KYU, spoke exclusively to the Daily Mail about her illustrious career
Odabash showed off her latest collection at the 2026 Paraiso Miami Swim Week
Kate Middleton, seen here wearing one of Odabash’s designs, is a loyal customer of the brand
Speaking further to the Daily Mail, Odabash revealed the hottest fashion trends she predicts will take over beaches, resorts and top travel spots in 2026.
To start, she said matching sets will be a summer staple.
She noted how convenient they are – especially in Europe, where ‘restaurants are on the beaches,’ so people like to ‘quickly wear something matching to their swimwear.’
When it comes to color, ‘Riviera white’ has become Odabash’s signature hue.
According to her, the shade ‘perfectly captures the mood of the collection, where texture takes center stage and shines on its own.’
As for texture, crochet was utilized across several of Odabash’s tailored pieces in sheer, rich chocolate browns and deep navy tones.
‘The dresses ranged from floor-length, body-skimming silhouettes with elegant transparency to shorter, figure-hugging styles that balanced sensuality with refinement,’ per the designer’s team. Bandeau tops, we’re told, are also in style.
Overall, Odabash recommends that fashionistas stick to a ‘toned down’ aesthetic.
Odabash told the Daily Mail that some of summer 2026’s hottest trends include baneau tops, matching sets, straw bags and cat-eye sunglasses
Odabash said crochet pieces will also be in, as well as the color white, which is always ‘chic’
‘It’s more about flats, not high heels. Maxi dresses but with a flat,’ she told the Daily Mail.
To complete the summer ensemble, Odabash said to accessorize with a ‘cute little beach bag’ made of straw and cat-eye sunglasses, which are ‘very on trend.’
She concluded, ‘It’s all about classic, timeless, effortless [style].’
Odabash launched her business in 1999 after working with major fashion houses like Valentino, Prada and Fendi, and noticing a need for high-quality swimwear.
In 2021, the renowned designer was appointed an honorary Member of the Most Excellent Order of the British Empire, a prestigious honor awarded by Queen Elizabeth II, which she described to the Daily Mail as the moment she knew she ‘made it.’
‘I had to try and explain to my American family what an MBE was but that was the biggest honor I’ve ever received,’ she quipped.
When asked the advice she would give to up-and-coming designers, Odabash said: ‘Stick to one thing and get really good … so that people know that when they need that one thing, they go to you.’
