By Lola Beth on October 24, 2024
Houston, TX – A unique beachwear brand is making waves in the fashion industry. Leccese Designs, founded by the mother-daughter duo of Angela Leccese and Oriana Oquendo, is transforming the swimwear landscape with their handcrafted, eye-catching pieces that embody their tagline: “Always seeking the spotlight on every vacation.”
The heartwarming story behind Leccese Designs began in 2019, in the wake of Angela’s triumphant recovery from breast cancer. Based in Houston, Oriana sought a way to bridge the geographical gap between herself and her mother in Italy. What started as a simple collaborative project to create swimsuits became a thriving business venture. “I wanted to create something for her to feel fulfilled, to lift her,” Oriana shares. “At the same time, we wanted to create something for women to feel pretty and stand out.”
Leccese Designs specializes in handmade beachwear, focusing on intricately crocheted bikinis and resort wear. Each piece is lovingly crafted by Angela in Italy, ensuring a unique touch that machine-made swimwear simply can’t match. “You’re not going to find these swimsuits anywhere else,” Oriana explains. “They’re very detailed, with sequins and beads in different colors. Whenever I wear one of our pieces, people ask where I got it.”
Since its official launch in 2022, Leccese Designs has experienced steady growth. They now have a storefront in Houston and a showroom in Miami, allowing more customers to experience their unique designs firsthand. This growth, however, hasn’t compromised their commitment to sustainable, small-batch production. “We usually make pieces to order,” Oriana says. “We don’t make more than two at a time unless people request it. It’s very sustainable.” For those seeking something truly one-of-a-kind, Leccese Designs also offers custom orders. While these bespoke creations take three to four weeks to complete, they allow customers to own a truly unique piece that perfectly fits their style and body.
The brand’s commitment to quality extends to every aspect of its design process. “Every year, I meet with my mom to develop new designs,” Oriana shares. “We care about how girls feel in our suits. We even selected a special yarn lighter than regular crochet yarn, so the swimsuits are comfortable and practical for swimming.”
As Leccese Designs continues to expand its product line, Oriana and Angela remain focused on their core values: creating unique, high-quality beachwear that makes women feel confident and beautiful. Whether planning a tropical getaway or simply wanting to stand out at your local pool, Leccese Designs offers something truly special.
For Houston residents and visitors, the Leccese Designs store is a hidden treasure trove of swimwear fashion. It offers a carefully curated selection of stunning beachwear in a city not typically associated with beach culture. As Oriana puts it, “Houston may not be known for beach vacations, but that’s exactly why our store is the perfect place to find a unique, eye-catching bikini for your next getaway.”
Leccese Designs, with its blend of artisanal craftsmanship, fashion-forward designs, and touching family narrative, is undoubtedly a local business on the rise. As they continue to make their mark in the fashion world, one meticulously crocheted bikini at a time, it’s evident that this dynamic mother-daughter team is just beginning their journey to ensure their customers always capture the spotlight on every vacation.
Website: leccesedesigns.com
Facebook: Leccese Designs
Instagram: @leccesedesigns
Houston store:
1302 W Gray Street
Houston TX, 77003
713-489-5359
Miami showroom (by appointment only):
1657 N Miami Ave, Unit 601
Miami, FL 33136
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