WORDS BY ASHLEIGH GRIBBON
Cover photo taken at The Webster, Los Angeles
From Ganni's easy, breezy summer dresses to Versace's iconic designer swimwear, this season's best beachwear for women comes expertly curated by some of the world’s finest boutiques. And better yet, you can shop them all on Farfetch. Here, we speak to the buyers and founders from the best beachwear boutiques around the world to get their expert take on the hero swimwear and beachwear styles of the season, including one-pieces and bikinis from Gucci, Valentino and Etro. Read more and shop their favourite pieces below.
Where To Buy Beach Dresses: Fashion Clinic, Lisbon
Set in Avenida da Liberdade in the heart of Lisbon, Fashion Clinic’s womenswear store boasts an expertly curated edit of some of the world’s best brands – Prada, Fendi, Balmain and Isabel Marant, to name a few highlights. Just a short walk away from the boutique’s equally-as-impressive menswear store, this bright, contemporary space has become synonymous with vacation dressing. ‘Preparing for the perfect summer getaway is no easy task,’ notes Fashion Clinic’s general manager, Rita Marques. ‘So our buyers focus on curating an edit of beautiful, versatile pieces that can easily transition from one destination to another, in both day and evening settings.’ What does that look like this season? The boutique’s strong summer offering consists of lightweight beach dresses, flattering one-pieces and timeless flat sandals courtesy of Miu Miu, Prada and Saint Laurent. ‘The spirit of the 1970s is very much present this season; bohemian-style colours and prints translate into effortless throw-on dresses that are as much attuned to lunch on the beach as they are to drinks on a yacht,’ says Marques. ‘Lightweight linen kaftans and feminine ready-to-wear shapes are natural counterparts to this season’s mini bags and leather sandals, too.’ Shop the boutique’s full summer selection below.
Where To Buy Swimwear: 13metriquadri, Bellaria
Famous for its good food and hospitality, the Adriatic coast along the east of Italy is a popular beach destination – with many choosing the quaint town of Bellaria as a relaxing holiday destination. Unsurprisingly given its location, concept store 13metriquadri – set in the heart of the town – specialises in beachwear. ‘Vacation pieces should be functional and versatile – not just for the beach,’ notes Karen Tosi, the store’s expert buyer. ‘One-piece swimsuits, bikinis and bucket hats are always among our key pieces, with chunky sandals and sustainable dresses being a couple of key styling pieces this season,’ says Tosi. The concept store’s expert swimwear buy offers flattering swimwear styles for all body shapes – including sporty one-pieces from Off-White and flattering two-pieces, like Isabel Marant’s floral halterneck top and high-waisted bikini bottoms. ‘My summer styling tip in terms of ready-to-wear would be to opt for natural fibres to beat the heat,’ continues Tosi. Ganni’s weightless shirting and Nanushka’s lightweight satin fabrics are the natural go-tos here. Shop 13metriquadri’s full collection below.
Where To Buy Sandals: The Webster, Los Angeles
Synonymous with feel-good summer style, The Webster’s latest outpost in California is a fitting new location for the store’s beachy aesthetic. The Los Angeles boutique is seventh in The Webster’s renowned portfolio, in addition to the flagship in South Beach, Miami, Texas, New York and Orange County. ‘We recently opened our Los Angeles store in the heart of it all, adjacent to West Hollywood and Beverly Hills,’ explains boutique founder and owner, Laure Hériard Dubreuil. ‘With a quick drive – or not so quick depending on traffic – you can find yourself driving down the Pacific Coast Highway, smelling the crisp salt air and hearing the waves crash along the sunshine coast. The Webster’s vacation aesthetic is sophisticated yet playful, with influences of the 1970s, California, and a little touch of the South of France.’ When it comes to its beachwear offering, this boutique specialises in sandals and women’s swimsuits. ‘We have pieces for every vacation moment – a Lisa Marie Fernandez linen kimono over a bathing suit and Brother Vellies striped sandals for a pool day, and the Casistas dress from LHD, styled with ATP Atelier Alezio sandals for a sunset dinner.’ Shop the store’s full selection via the link below.
Where To Buy Beach Bags: Luisa Beach, Mykonos
Famed for its brilliant white villas and mesmeric ocean views, the Greek island of Mykonos is a natural choice for Luisa World’s beachside boutique, Luisa Beach. Complete with earthy marble and bohemian interior details, the Nammos-based store has a personal, laid-back vibe. ‘We focus our buy on one-of-a-kind pieces that instantly uplift a classic beach look,’ says the store’s Head of Digital and Fashion Buyer, Ioanna Tsivanidou. ‘Cover-ups, sandals, kaftans and straw bags are given bohemian wit by Loewe and Missoni this season.’ When it comes to the store’s key categories, bags are among its specialities. ‘We’ve got summer totes covered this season; be it beachside at the Aegean or poolside in Athens, to an urban stroll at the foot of the Acropolis or a breathtaking sunset at one of the tiny bars of Mykonos town – you can find your perfect piece for the mood,’ says Tsivanidou. ‘It’s amazing what a great fashion piece can carry with it, besides style: all the little details, buttons and fits can take a look and transform it into an experience.’ Shop Luisa Beach’s best bags – as well as ready-to-wear pieces from its impressive roster of brands – below.
Where To Buy Separates: Mayurka, Ibiza
Located in the heart of Ibiza town, centrally located among the local stores, bars and restaurants, it’s unsurprising that Mayurka boutique’s expertise lies within beachwear. ‘Don’t try to be too overdressed,’ says Mercedes Bonet, the boutique’s owner, on styling the summer months. ‘This is Ibiza; you can be natural.’ It’s an aesthetic that’s perfectly attuned to the store’s edit of effortless separates from Missoni, Ganni and Isabel Marant. ‘This season, I really love the pieces from Missoni Mare – a Missoni kaftan layered over a Versace swimsuit with some Giuseppe Zanotti sandals for a relaxed day look, and a draped overshirt from Valentino’s Le Blanc collection come sunset,’ he adds. Shop this season’s best separates and more from the Ibizan boutique below.