When you think of places that give rise to swimwear labels, the locations seem pretty obvious: seaside spots like Malibu, Honolulu’s North Shore, and Miami are some names that immediately come to mind. But have you ever considered Venice? The tourist-favorite locale, with its sprawling network of canals and lagoons might be the destination for picking up Murano glass but it’s also home to Lido, a line of minimalist, sexy bikinis and one-pieces. Founded in 2017 by Daria Stankiewicz, the under-the-radar label has been steadily amassing fans for its sustainable, flattering designs.

Born in Poland, Stankiewicz now calls Venice home, given her personal fondness for being near the water. That’s how the brand got its name — while at Lido di Venezia, the 11-kilometer barrier island that serves as the city’s official beach, she decided that after years of working in fashion it was time to strike out on her own and address a personal need that she felt wasn’t being fulfilled.

“I felt there was a lack of simple, lightweight, monochromatic swimwear that felt contemporary and desirable. I tend to dress quite simply, but I adore color. I am also drawn to technical fabrics that dry quickly and feel comfortable to wear,” said Stankiewicz. And so, Lido was born with the intention of keeping everything sustainable and true to the area’s surrounding artisanal heritage. Priced from $150 for a bikini to around $400 for a coverup, everything is ethically produced locally in Northern Italy with an emphasis on regenerated nylon fabrics and using as little plastic as possible. 

What began as a small project is now a global brand with the likes of Net-a-porter, Farfetch, and Elyse Walker stocking the label alongside collaborations with Copenhagen-based accessories brand Lié Studio, Venezia Football Club, to name a few. And while Lido began with monochromatic designs, it’s since expanded to include striking gradient prints as well as jacquards. That said, a few designs have been clear hits. “The classic Venti triangle bikini remains one of our most loved styles because of its timeless simplicity and versatility. The Tre one-piece is popular for its sculptural back detail while the gradient Trentasei is a favorite because it’s simply so much fun!” said Stankiewicz.

The brand’s latest collection, filled with juicy colored one-pieces, bikinis that evoke a sunset, and a smattering of striped designs doesn’t stray too far from Lido’s Venetian roots. “I was inspired by the Adriatic coast. Last year, I spent quite a lot of time in Rimini and Riccione. The sea itself is not necessarily spectacular but the culture surrounding the beach clubs is incredibly joyful and fascinating,” she said. Joyful and fascinating? Sounds like exactly how summer vacations should be.