LEZARD SWIMWEAR
Luxury From Fit to Fabric to Finished Details
A photo shoot brought swimwear designer Leah Shlaer and swimwear model Alyssa Smith together, and the two discovered a shared background in dance and a passion for luxury swimwear.
Shlaer had design experience and had produced her own swimwear line, Shlaer, five years before. Born in Santa Fe, N.M., Shlaer was partial to special trims and unique details. What some might see as just a component within a design, Shlaer saw as an essential element. The line sold to specialty boutiques, exclusive accounts and resorts. However, as a one-person company, Shlaer felt she needed to build a team in order to taker her brand to the next level.
Smith is a California woman at heart and home. As a seasoned swimwear model, she began modeling for major brands in Newport Beach, Calif., and grew to appreciate the subtle details of swimwear. She learned what made quality pieces and what she liked and disliked in swimwear, as well.
Both Shlaer and Smith come from a dance background, so fit, functionality and adjustability were key in their design-making process.
The designers are dedicated to making a woman feel special. As Shlaer described it, their swimwear is like that one dress made for a memorable occasion. “We make pieces to make you feel you have that one amazing suit fit for that dream vacation, where nothing has to be altered,” Shlaer said.
Lezard first launched as an extension of Shlaer’s line. The two women decided to re-brand the line as Lezard and officially relaunch this year. The new collection has already been picked up by Satine, Scoop and St. Regis hotels and resorts.
Some of the one-piece suits channel a dancer’s look, with a high-cut leg and a deep-V halter top, while others are more conventionally shaped, with bodice support and adjustable straps. The separates vary from heart-shaped bikini bottoms to string-bikini tops with a very lingerie feel. “The fit molds to the body. We are not a fan of push-ups and [want to make swimwear] that accentuates whatever your body type is,” Smith said.
The fabrics are sourced internationally. A fine lace from Korea is sheer in all the right places. It isn’t necessarily made for swimwear but is durable enough to hold up in water, Shlaer said. They offer a black lace with a soft, silk touch, as well, and it is a non-snag material so it holds up in the water. Several fabrics are sourced from Italy.
There are also a lot of specialty features, such as Halian elastic and a stretchy cord they found in France. “It isn’t commonly used for swimwear, but it works. It’s the definition of a true string bikini,” Smith said.
For more information, visit www.lezardswim.com. For sales information, contact info@lezardswim.com.
