InStyle’s senior market editor/digital correspondent Dana Avidan-Cohn is constantly keeping a pulse on the market. In this series, Avidan-Cohn identifies who’s who in the swimwear arena and finds out what inspires them to create their lust-worthy designs. You’ve heard it here first!
Orlebar Brown began as a well-tailored men’s board short line suitable for the likes of Daniel Craig as James Bond in Skyfall. Now the brand is extending its “sun lounger to sun downer” approach to a full range of women’s swimwear.
Yay for Bond Girls! The result is a group of simple and classic shapes in bright solids and color blocking that have the perfect combination of sporty and feminine. We love that you could pack a handful of these suits for vacation and mix and match to your hearts content. “Transition and versatility are central to everything we do,” designer Adam Brown says. Read on for more.What is your favorite warm weather location for travel?
It really depends on the season but essentially it is anywhere with an international feel. Anywhere that is a melting pot of styles, cultures, and age groups. For some winter sun, it might be the Caribbean where you can island hop to get your social fix somewhere like St. Barts or Mustique or the fabulous quiet beaches of one of the undeveloped islands such as Canouan or Bequia. Being based in London for the summer—it has to be Europe, and my personal favorites are either Ibiza or the Amalfi Coast (below, left).
What’s the inspiration behind your designs?
On a style level, a film we always come back to at OBHQ is The Talented Mr. Ripley (above, right). Whether for men’s or women’s wear, it just conjures up vivid images of what an OB way of life could look like in a visual sense.
What are your beach bag essentials?
It has to be a pair of OB Classic shorts. Whether it is the Bulldog or Setter shorts for men or the Whippet shorts for women, with their tailored fit and whether in classic navy, black, white or seasonal brights, prints and patterns, they are the essential item to see you through the day.
For the latest Orlebar Brown swimwear, head to orlebarbrown.com.
Take a look at the most iconic swimsuits ever in our gallery!
