Suncillo
Algerian clothing designer Ludmilla Laradi studied fashion design in Paris and has been living in Dubai since 2012. She launched Suncillo in 2022, experiencing a gap in the market for stylish swimwear. “While going to the beach, my friends always struggled to find bikinis that are appealing while still remaining classy,” she tells MOJEH. The bikinis she designs for Suncillo are playful and refreshing, featuring subtle peek-a-boo ruffles, mermaid-esque ruching and sparkly textiles. “When I started out I was mainly focused on bikinis, but I felt like nothing was really matching the colours and the fabrics I was using when I was looking for beachwear in the market,” says Ludmilla, who decided to develop an extension of her swimwear collection for her clients to wear throughout the day.
Sealife is a fitting muse for Suncillo’s latest ‘Under the Sea’ collection of dresses, featuring asymmetric hemlines, halter necklines and backless designs, all in vivid coral reef-inspired patterns. “This collection explores the vibrant spectrum of colours found beneath the surface — the print and flowing fabrics serve as a window into that mesmerising world, rich with diverse and vivid hues,” Ludmilla explains. In addition to abstract, sea-inspired dresses, she creates versatile solid-toned sets comprising figure-hugging cropped halter tops and miniskirts in swimwear fabrics that take the wearer seamlessly from the sea to nearby eateries. Available at Twiggy Dubai, Surf Club Dubai and online
Paralia
Paralia means ‘the beach’ in Greek, and it’s the passion project of Dina Ibellini, who launched the beachwear brand in 2019. With mixed Palestinian, Tunisian and Argentinian heritage, Dina was born and raised in London and has been living in Dubai for 17 years, where she worked for Galeries Lafayette and House of Fraser, and also founded creative agency The Chord.
A self-proclaimed “water baby” and “kite surfing addict” as well as diver, paddle boarder and beach tennis player, Dina saw a gap in the market for water-to-sand attire that would ensure women look stylish while coming out of the sea and heading straight for a drink or bite to eat after an active session at the beach. “Paralia embodies a way of life. We aim to inspire the inner adventurer and wanderlust spirit with beachwear that transports you to the most serene beaches of the world, complete with a coconut water in hand,” says Dina.
Her ‘carefree island lifestyle’ aesthetic translates across a wide range of beachwear and swimwear designs available in her boutique branches at luxury hotels and beach clubs across Dubai. And while she stocks colours and styles of all varieties, simplicity and muted, earthy tones are the trends Dina is personally wearing this season. She explains that the production process and projects funded by her designs are just as important as how her designs look. “We are committed to sustainable and recyclable materials, ensuring our finished products are eco-friendly, and we recently launched our ocean-friendly tanning oils — a topic dear to my heart as a diver and water enthusiast,” she tells MOJEH. “We also believe in giving back to the community, by supporting indigenous women in South America who handcraft many of our beautiful pieces. We are eager to collaborate with more artisans around the globe, as giving back is a core part of our ethos.” Available at Playa Dubai, Jumeirah Zabeel Saray, Waldorf Astoria Dubai Palm Jumeirah and online
Lila From Brazil
In 2023, friends Carolina Peters and Jennifer Marques decided to join forces for an entrepreneurial fashion journey that would bring Brazilian beach culture to the diverse and cosmopolitan women of the UAE. Carolina has a background in law while Jennifer worked in marketing before quitting the corporate world for a more meaningful venture. “We noticed a gap in the market for high-quality swimwear that caters to the diverse nationalities, body shapes and tastes of women in the UAE,” says Jennifer.
One-shouldered designs, high-waisted bottoms, colour- blocking and tasteful geometric prints imbue character and elegance into Lila From Brazil’s pieces. Carolina says that summer 2024 swimwear trends are seeing a resurgence of one-piece styles, bandeau tops and a combination of the two — bandeau one pieces — which she points out are perfect for tanning in. Their togs are all designed and manufactured in Brazil, and the founders have partnered with the Arapongas Women’s Association — an NGO based in the Brazilian countryside that empowers and uplifts the lives of women facing adversity. Some of the brand’s packaging items — such as its eco bags and pouch bags — are produced by this NGO.
“Our mission is to infuse a piece of Brazil’s charm and style into every collection, starting our journey here in Dubai and eventually enchanting the world,” says Jennifer. And while the duo makes an effort to use a variety of models, they are all too aware that he best way to choose swimwear is by trying it on yourself — so they offer at-home try-on services in both Dubai and Abu Dhabi. “Comfort isn’t just about our designs; it’s at the heart of everything we do. We want our clients to feel at ease when trying on our pieces,” says Caroline. “We encourage them to touch the fabrics, appreciate the details, and see the quality of our finishing before deciding to buy.” Shop now
Amrhea
A former model in Moscow, Anastasia Yazykova grew up in Yaroslavl and studied international economy before completing a Master’s and MBA in Fashion Management at the London College of Fashion. Now living in Dubai, she creates statement-making silk and chiffon sets and dresses, complete with dramatic draping and daring cut-outs — the ultimate summer night party ensembles.
The brand launched in October 2023 in Dubai. We steer away from mass production, and one of the aspects we take immense pride in is that all our pieces are crafted right here in the UAE by local craftsmen, making each item truly handmade and unique.
Tell us about the inspirations that fuel your designs.
Our designs are inspired by the incredible energy within women — their spirit, confidence and undeniable power. We celebrate the strength, resilience and allure that define the essence of women. We believe every woman deserves to feel sexy, desirable and unapologetically herself, and we aim to highlight the beauty of a woman’s body shape to make her feel confident and empowered.
Describe the type of woman you design for.
Someone who celebrates life every single day. She loves herself and radiates self-confidence, knowing exactly what she wants. She loves her body, feels confident in it, and has balance in all aspects of her life. She is not dependent on other people’s opinions and has a strong sense of self. With a keen eye for fashion, she has impeccable taste and is always seeking unique pieces that set her apart from the crowd. She enjoys her life to the fullest, has a passion for her work, loves to travel and explore new places, and has a vibrant social circle. People turn their heads when she walks by, captivated by her presence and charisma. Available at Surf Club Dubai, Twiggy Dubai and online
