Every year there are new swim trends, but let's be honest... some things never really leave. This summer, I'm fully embracing two of my forever favorites: animal prints and gold hardware.
Honestly, was there ever a time animal print wasn't iconic?
Animal Prints Are Basically a Neutral (At Least to Me)
If you've followed LELES for a while, this probably doesn't surprise you. I've always been obsessed with animal prints.
I remember seeing Roberto Cavalli's collections for the first time and thinking, wow ... this is art. I loved how he talked about animal prints being God's prints. That perspective stuck with me, and it became a huge inspiration behind the Untamed Collection.
Plus... if a leopard can wear leopard every day, I think we can too.
The Zebra set is one of those bikinis that somehow goes with everything. Throw on some gold jewelry, cute mini shorts, and suddenly you instantly have an effortless beach look
The Tigris set is for the girls who aren't afraid to stand out. The tiger-inspired print looks unreal in the sun, and I swear it makes your tan look better. (No scientific evidence... just trust me.)
If you're looking for an animal print that's a little different, the Croc set is one of my favorites. Crocodile-inspired prints are so unique, and you don't see them nearly as often as leopard or zebra, which is exactly what I love about it. Paired with the deep burgundy tones and our velvet straps, it has such a rich, elevated feel. It's bold, timeless, and one of those bikinis that feels truly different while still being easy to wear season after season.
Gold Hardware = Instant Luxury
Can we all agree gold hardware just makes everything look expensive?
It's like putting on jewelry... except it's already built into your bikini.
Our Amoré set features our signature gold O-ring hardware, and it's one of my favorite details I've ever designed. It catches the light, elevates the entire look, and somehow makes you feel 10x more put together before you've even done your hair.
My Favorite Way to Wear Them
One of my favorite things about LELES is that every top and bottom is sold separately, so you can mix, match, and create something that's completely your own.
And if you're anything like me... you'll probably convince yourself you "need" every print because they're all technically different. Girl math.
The Swimwear You'll Keep Reaching For
Trends come and go, but I truly believe great swimwear should last beyond one season.
If I had to build the perfect swim collection, I'd start with one animal print set and one gold hardware set. They're timeless, effortless, and they're the pieces you'll keep packing for every beach trip, vacation, and pool day.
I've always admired Roberto Cavalli's work, not just because of his iconic prints, but because of the way he viewed nature. One of my favorite quotes from him is, "I copy the dress of an animal because I love to copy God. I think God is the most fantastic designer." That perspective has always stayed with me. The beauty of nature has inspired fashion for generations, and the Untamed Collection is my own interpretation of that inspiration through LELES.
Because confidence never goes out of style.
Shop the full LELES collection to find your favorites, and tag us when you wear them — we love seeing how you style your LELES pieces.
Lele loves you.