L’Agence doesn’t just sell clothes—it sells a lifestyle. The L.A.-based brand is taking its next step toward dominating our wardrobes, and in this case, our suitcases, too. With the launch of swimwear, L’Agence joins a growing sector dedicated to the idea of a seemingly perpetual vacation. The result? A myriad of styles you can wear from the pool to the beach, from island to island, and everywhere fabulous in between.
On a cold, rainy day in New York, ELLE.com got to escape to the vibrant, chic world of L’Agence to get a sneak peek at its new swim collection with its fashion director, Tara Rudes Dann. The brand prides itself on blending Californian effortlessness with Parisian elegance, and the swimwear collection is no exception. “What brings the California-Parisian lifestyle together is diligence with detail,” Dann says. “The design is all about simplicity. You start with the fit. Once you have that and the fabric, from there you can fly with prints, embellishments, and details.”
Most suits in the collection contain an extra layer of fabric, called Powernet, for a shaping effect, and they’re cut to fit and flatter the body without going overboard. Inspired by ’70s-era Bond girls and Côte d’Azur glamour, the collection is chock-full of classic and modern silhouettes, from bikinis to maillots, with flowing silk kimonos and crystal-embellished mesh sarongs to match. Solid fabrics in black, teal, berry, and pearlescent champagne give the collection a timeless edge, while prints range from romantic florals to tropical illustrations and patterns you might find on a vintage scarf. Signature chain prints are brought to life elsewhere in gold embellishments at the waist and décolleté—details that are sure to sparkle under sun or spotlight. “Any category we enter into, our woman is a chameleon,” Dann adds. “Every day, she wants to wear something different. Let’s say you’re in Mykonos and you’re having a great time, then it’s nighttime and you can add a pair of jean shorts. It’s about that lifestyle, that traveling takeaway.”
The campaign features model Brooks Nader, a close friend of the brand who also happened to be one of Sports Illustrated Swimsuit’s cover stars last year. “She’s relatable, lovable, and looks fantastic,” Dann says. “[The shoot] was about what would her day be, lounging by the pool, looking chic, stylish, and feeling her best.”
Nader particularly felt her best in the brand’s one-piece swimsuits. “They hug your body beautifully, and I love that they have built-in cups for that extra oomph,” she tells ELLE.com. “It gives a sexy and elegant vibe that can be difficult to find in one-piece swimwear.” If you see the Mila one-piece in Mexico on Nader’s Instagram in the next few weeks, don’t be surprised.
When it comes to swimwear trends, Dann is more interested in what makes L’Agence’s customers happy in any silhouette. “We’re in an era now where women feel more comfortable than they ever have before,” Dann says. “There’s more swimwear than there ever has been, but what women gravitate towards is fit and what catches her eye. Once you have a fit, it’s natural that embellishments come next. When you look good, you feel good, it’s such a mood booster. Our customer is confident about our fit and willing to try on different styles because of that. Any person can come in here and find something that works for them.”
Nader adds: “When you love and feel connected to a brand, you want them to offer every category so you can integrate their pieces into all sections of your wardrobe. Each piece made me feel confident, beautiful, and at ease. I honestly can’t wait for the world to feel the same in these suits.”