SIMKHAI Holiday: The Swimwear Edit for Sun-Soaked Escapes
Jonathan Simkhai has long understood that what a woman wears on holiday is anything but an afterthought. Since founding his New York-based label in 2009, Simkhai has built a reputation on precise construction, body-conscious draping, and a quietly modern femininity — and nowhere is that philosophy more apparent than in his Holiday swim collection. These are pieces designed not just for the pool deck, but for the full arc of a sun-drenched day: from a morning dip to a late lunch, towel traded for a linen shirt and a glass of something cold.
The Holiday edit leans into two distinct moods. The first is graphic and playful — bold lobster-stripe and floral gingham prints that feel irreverent without sacrificing the clean lines Simkhai is known for. The second is lush and painterly, with the Blueberry Multi print offering a more abstract, almost artistic take on resort colour. Together, they make a compelling case for swimwear as a genuine design category, not a seasonal afterthought.
The Noa Belted Bustier One Piece is the collection's most directional silhouette. The structured bustier boning offers genuine support — a rarity in swimwear at this price point — while the self-tie belt defines the waist with an ease that feels more couture-adjacent than swimwear-typical. The lobster stripe print is a knowing nod to classic resort iconography, reframed through a contemporary lens. Wear it as a bodysuit tucked into wide-leg trousers for dinner; it transitions effortlessly.
For those who prefer the flexibility of separates, Simkhai's mix-and-match approach in the gingham daisy print is worth noting. The Evander Bikini Top and Maelie Bikini Bottom are designed to work in concert — ruched fabric panels that create soft, flattering volume while the strappy detailing adds architectural interest. Each piece is also strong enough to stand alone, paired with a solid in the same colourway.
The one-piece silhouette remains the collection's strongest suit — quite literally. Both the Suni and the Ottilie demonstrate Simkhai's command of strap architecture: thin, adjustable straps that criss-cross and anchor at unexpected points, creating a visual geometry that makes even a simple poolside pose feel considered. The Ottilie's strapless structure, held in place by internal boning and a fitted bodice, is particularly impressive — there's serious engineering beneath what reads as an effortless look. At Lola Dré, these are the pieces our editorial team returns to season after season for a reason.
Whether you're planning a week along the Amalfi Coast, a long weekend in the Maldives, or simply want swimwear that lives beyond a single trip, the SIMKHAI Holiday collection rewards investment. These are pieces built with enough structural integrity to hold their shape across seasons, and enough personality to make the packing list an actual pleasure.
