SUMMER OF SWIM

Why Tel Aviv Is the Ultimate Beach City, According To Kisuii Designer Leora Eltiuv

The swimwear designer makes the case for her home town.


2. %22Courtesy of Kisuii%22.jpeg

When it comes to packing your bag for a weekend away, look no further than New York-based swimwear brand Kisuii. Designer Leora Elituv offers swimwear, light and breezy separates, jumpsuits and dresses—just about all you need for a quick summer getaway. It makes sense, then, that Elituv’s intention in launching the brand was to help a woman streamline the summer wardrobe; today, her motto is quality over quantity. While simple in silhouette and design, Elituv swim is covered in florals, smocking embroidery, and mismatched prints making the pieces playful and perfect for a day at the beach. Here, the designer shares her tips for an endless summer.

What is your favorite beach?

I have visited Tel Aviv every summer for as long as I can remember, and consider Alma beach my favorite. The atmosphere is so low-key, real and unpretentious. It also boasts an incredible view of the old port in Jaffa. There’s also something so special about the simplicity—white sands and clear blue water. I have so many great memories and I know the city like the back of my hand; which makes me feel very relaxed and at home when going to the beach. All of the beaches are full of energy and culture, the crowds are super eclectic with both tourists and locals. There is just so much character.

What is your insider secret?

I love to paddle board, which is something I learned while living in Tel Aviv. Sitting on a paddle board in the middle of the ocean is like meditation to me – it’s so peaceful and relaxing. I fell in love after a close friend took me on a paddle board excursion in the Mediterranean Sea, just north of Herzliya. The water was so clear and transparent that we could see ancient Apollonian ruins on the ocean floor. There was a green sparkle in the water from the seaweed, and we watched manta rays and other fish swimming through the ruins – it was so magical!

What is your favorite thing to do pre- and post- beach?

I love going for a quick work out before going to beach, it automatically makes me feel so confident in my bikini! After a day at the beach, I love grabbing a fresh watermelon juice to rehydrate and reenergize.

Do you prefer the pool or the beach and why?

I’d pick the beach any day! I love to travel. I think one of the best parts of experiencing a new place, is spending a day at the beach. I love taking in the beauty and newness of my surroundings – the view, people, conversations—regardless of whether I understand the language—and culture. That being said, during my last visit to Tel Aviv, I stayed at the Norman and their rooftop pool was absolutely incredible with panoramic views of the entire city and beach.

What do you always bring to the beach?

A great book and pair of sunglasses, of course. My Elta MD Skincare UV Clear Broad-Spectrum SPF 46 sunscreen for my face and Hamptons Sun SPF 35 to apply on my body. I always have a By Terry De Rose lip balm to put on periodically throughout the day. Finally, for my post beach day, I’ll always carry my Natura Bisse The Cure Sheer Oil Free Fluid, Muji blotting paper to balance my skin’s after-beach shine, and Oribe’s Apres Beach Shine spray to freshen up my beach curls in my beach bag.

How does your favorite beach inspire your work?

I started developing Kisuii while living in Tel Aviv. I drew a lot of my inspiration from its fashion, energy, culture, and of course the warm weather. Tel Aviv is a true beach city – where on any given day, the beach is only one component of your day, thus transitional and light resort wear are a necessity. Kisuii is my response to the nomadic luxe woman’s travel needs—classy, feminine and fashionable pieces that can be worn from beach to brunch, city to dinner; these are all part of her day. Our Adrianna smocked bandeau can be worn after the beach as a bralette and layered under a dress or a white button down. Similarly, our Gaia silk wrap dress can be worn open with a bathing suit, but then you can fasten it and throw on a pair of jean shorts and set out to explore a new city.

How would you style your swimsuit from the beach to a night out?

I wear our Terez bikini top as a crop top and pair it with a high-waisted skirt or pants.

What is your ultimate do’s and don’ts at the beach?

I think the most important do for the beach is to find a swimsuit that works for your body. Since I have curves with a small waist and bust, I focus more on silhouettes that compliment my shape more so than trends or specific designers. A major don’t for me are tan lines, especially when you have a special night planned. There is nothing worse than putting on that perfect strapless dress and seeing two glaring tan lines.

What are you reading this summer?

I just finished reading Breakfast at Tiffany’s by Truman Capote for the second time. I just ordered The Neapolitan novels by Elena Ferrante for my upcoming trip to Capri.

What are three songs on your summer playlist?

Right now I am listening to “Music is My Boyfriend” by Skye Sweetham, the remix of “Dancing on My Own” by Tiesto and Calum Scott, and the Ryan Riback remix of “Call on Me.”

Related: Swimsuit Model Amilna Estevao Hails from the Beaches of Angola, Wears Sunglasses at Night

Watch W’s Top Videos, Here:

The Ultimate Guide to Summer’s Best Swimsuits

There’s something about this bikini that just screams hot weather. Leave it to La Double J to get you excited for packing for your next beach vacation.

Buy now: La Double J printed bikini top, $120, modaoperandi.com and matching bikini bottom, $100, modaoperandi.com.

Headed to the south of France? Pack this Jacquemus bikini, as seen on the runway at his Summer 2019 show.

Buy now: Jacquemus bikini set, $240, modaoperandi.com.

Whether you’re headed to the tropics or Ibiza, a touch of crochet is always a good idea. This Anjuna bikini is reversible.

Buy now: Anjuna bikimi, $470, netaporter.com.

The Colombia-based label Verde Limon is known for its playful and tropical printed swimwear. This wrap-around bikini top and matching high rise bottom is an easy favorite.

Buy now: Verde Limon wrap-around bikini top, $190, shop.bikini.com and matching high waist bottom, $99, shop.bikini.com.

This Brazilian swimwear brand’s fun palm prints are just what you need for your next island getaway.

Buy now: Bromeliario Swimwear maillot, $99, shop.bromeliario.com

Onia has quickly become one of the most popular swimwear labels (the brand is worn by Jonas Brothers and their significant others, and is a blogger favorite thanks to a successful collaboration with Danielle Bernstein). We love this simple summery sketch on Onia’s classic silhouette one-piece.

Buy now: Onia printed one-piece, $195, onia.com.

No matter what locale you plan to visit this summer, you can’t go wrong with packing this chic Hermès one-shoulder maillot. We love this strategically placed cut-out, too.

Buy now: Hermès one-piece swimsuit, $530, hermes.com.

We love this Cali Dreaming swimsuit’s boyish neckline, and the classic pairing of peachy nude and navy.

Buy now: Cali Dreaming maillot, $245, goop.com.

This minimalist bikini shows just the right amount of skin. Wear in the city with a high-waist pant or on a sandy beach of your choosing.

Buy now: ACK bikini, $170, [farfetch.com](https://www.farfetch.com/shopping/women/ack-filo-bikini-item-13539721.aspx?storeid=9359).

A sunny marigold bathing suit is sure to get you into vacation mode. Packing this double-strap Jade Swim one-piece for your next trip to southern Italy.

Buy now: Jade one-piece swimsuit, $220, jadeswim.com.

Rochelle Sara’s minimalist-meets-sporty cuts are sure to be a winner amongst those who love to hit the waves. We especially love this suit in nude.

Buy now: Rochelle Sara bikini, $330, farfetch.com.

Matteau has become the minimalist fashion lover’s favorite swimwear label. This season our favorite silhouette is a surf-inspired cropped swim top paired with a bikini bottom.

Buy now: Matteau sleeve sun tee and bikini bottom set, $342, farfetch.com.

There is no slowing down the gingham swimwear trend, but we especially love Miu Miu’s extra-sweet take on the look.

Buy now: Miu Miu gingham bikini, $595, farfetch.com.

It feels like this burgeoning label is everywhere you turn, and you’d be right. With a charming new New York City store, LoveShackFancy is for the girl who loves Brock Collection but is a little more bohemian.

Buy now: LoveShackFancy swimsuit, $270, intermixonline.com.

Kisuii’s Liberty-esque floral prints are perfect for sunny days out east. Pair with an easy cotton dress, and you’ll be ready for a weekend out of town.

Buy now: Kisuii bikini top, $120, intermixonline.com and matching bottoms, $100, intermixonline.com.

She Made Me is known for their uber-feminine crochet swimwear, but this season, with the addition of floral swim separates, their collection is even more covetable.

Buy now: She Made Me bikini, $280, farfetch.com.

What’s sweeter than a core Marysia swim silhouette done up in gingham, with a pink flower on top? Marysia’s collection is a girly girl’s go-to, never more so than this season.

Buy now: Marysia maillot, $460, netaporter.com.

The beloved contemporary brand launched swimwear this year, complete with a jet-set trip with some of the label’s favorite influencers, like Evangelie Smyrniotaki. Each swim separate is designed to pair easily with ready-to-wear. We love a bikini top that pulls double duty.

Buy now: Self-Portrait bikini top, $235, [self-portrait-studio.com] (https://www.self-portrait-studio.com/swimwear/floral-printed-draped-bikini-top](https://www.self-portrait-studio.com/swimwear/floral-printed-draped-bikini-top) and matching bottom, $79, self-portrait-studio.com.

Not only does Eres have some of the best-fitting swim, they have some of the chicest. Wear this one during your next desert excursion.

Buy now: Eres bandeau top, $260, farfetch.com and matching Eres bottom, $215, farfetch.com.

Fans of Zimmermann’s girly frocks and swimwear need not worry that the brand is abandoning their pretty prints. But we must admit, this solid color minimal one-piece is a welcome addition to the Zimmermann offerings.

Buy now: Zimmermann strapless swimsuit, $331, farfetch.com.

Known for their sleek and clean designs, Haight bathing suits also offer such a flattering fit. Wear this one poolside or swimming in the ocean, or toss a skirt and heels and head out for seaside dinner.

Buy now: Haight one-piece maillot, $212, modaoperandi.com.

For a sporty-sleek take on swimwear, Skin’s deep red one-piece is a must-have.

Buy now: Skin one-piece bathing suit, $265, netaporter.com.

This low-cut v-neck swimsuit from Gucci is perfect for 4th of July weekend. We love the chic oversized tie at the hip.

Buy now: Gucci swimsuit, $790, farfetch.com.

Chic and sustainable, Mara Hoffman’s maillot is a classic. The sweet ties at the shoulders are just the cherry on top.

Buy now: Mara Hoffman one-piece swim, $250, goop.com.

Little hardware details are what makes this summer’s swimsuits feel so special. We especially love Lisa Marie Fernandez’s tortoise shell buttons and belt on this high-waist bikini.

Buy now: Lisa Marie Fernandez bikini, $395, fwrd.com.

1/30