We create designs that feel deeply personal
Leccese Designs is a women-owned luxury brand creating unique, handcrafted swimwear and resort wear that celebrates individuality, elegance, and adventure. Founded by the mother-daughter duo Angela and Oriana Leccese, the brand is rooted in Italy and blends timeless artistry with contemporary influences. Known for its meticulous craftsmanship, vibrant use of colour, and bold textures, Leccese caters to confident women who embrace their femininity and exude effortless sophistication. With a retail presence in Houston, Texas, and showcases at events like Texas Swim Fest, the brand continues to redefine luxury through limited-edition designs and a slow fashion philosophy. Speaking to Fibre2Fashion, Co-founder Oriana Oquendo Leccese shares insights into Leccese’s creative journey, design inspirations, and global vision.
Leccese is a mother–daughter creation. How has this relationship influenced your design philosophy and creative decision-making?
Leccese is truly a reflection of the bond between my mother and me, and it has made our relationship stronger, more collaborative, and creatively fulfilling. We come from different generations, so we naturally bring different perspectives to the table: my mother offers a timeless, classic vision, while I lean into modern trends and contemporary influences. This contrast is what makes our design process so dynamic. We challenge and inspire each other, and the result is a thoughtful blend of the new and the timeless pieces that feel current but never go out of style. Our collaboration is at the heart of every collection we create.
Many of your designs blend elegance with a sense of adventure. Who is the Leccese woman, and how do you design for her lifestyle?
The Leccese woman is effortlessly radiant—she wants to feel like a goddess without overthinking it. She exudes confidence and presence wherever she goes, embodying that ‘main character’ or ‘it girl’ energy with ease. She does not chase trends; she knows who she is, and dresses to reflect that inner power and individuality.
The Cromas del Sol collection celebrates a shift from monochrome to vibrant colour. Can you walk us through the inspiration and storytelling behind this transformation?
Cromas del Sol represents the moment when the creative block gives way to inspiration; when everything once felt dark or monochrome, and suddenly, a spark of light brings everything to life in full colour. It is that emotional shift from stillness to movement, from shadow to sun, much like the arrival of summer.
With this collection, we wanted to capture that transformation visually and emotionally. We played with bold contrasts, vibrant fades, and unexpected colour pairings to express energy, joy, and renewal. Cromas del Sol is a celebration of colour as a metaphor for awakening, both creatively and spiritually.
What role does colour psychology play in influencing consumer choices for summer and vacation wardrobes?
We are very intentional about using colour to evoke confidence, femininity, and joy. For our summer and vacation pieces, we gravitate towards vibrant, empowering colours like gold, as well as romantic tones like red and pink, which speak to passion, playfulness, and self-expression.
Our goal is for every woman who wears Leccese to feel like the most radiant version of herself; feminine, confident, and impossible to overlook. Whether it is the boldness of a golden hue or the softness of blush tones, colour helps us tell a story of freedom, energy, and modern-day goddess vibes.
You work extensively with unique textures, embellishments, and crochet elements. How do you source materials and maintain artisanal quality at scale?
We are constantly sourcing unique materials, always looking for textures, embellishments, and artisanal elements that feel special and authentic. Many of our pieces are one-of-a-kind because we work with limited or rare materials; once they run out, we often cannot recreate the same design. That is part of what makes them so unique.
These exclusive pieces are typically not listed on our website; instead, we offer them through select boutiques where clients can truly experience their craftsmanship up close. By keeping production small and intentional, we are able to maintain the artisanal quality that defines Leccese while celebrating the beauty of limited-edition design.
In a fashion world often dominated by trends, how do you balance timeless craftsmanship with modern silhouettes and seasonal influences?
We strike a balance by blending modern trends with timeless craftsmanship—what we like to call ‘classy with a little edge’. Our designs often feature elegant, romantic elements like pearls, crystals, and floral details that speak to a sense of timeless beauty. At the same time, we incorporate modern silhouettes and unexpected cuts that give each piece a bold, contemporary twist.
It is this contrast that defines Leccese: pieces that feel refined and feminine, yet daring and fresh. We want our designs to transcend seasons while still capturing the spirit of the moment.
What are some of the biggest challenges designers face when merging traditional craftsmanship with modern silhouettes and materials?
In my opinion, merging traditional craftsmanship with modern silhouettes is less of a challenge and more of an exciting opportunity. The real beauty lies in finding that balance, honouring the techniques and artistry of the past while reimagining them in a way that feels current and relevant.
We love taking timeless elements and giving them a fresh twist, whether it is through unexpected cuts, bold shapes, or innovative styling. It is about creating something that respects tradition but speaks to the modern woman.
How are artisanal and handcrafted techniques maintaining relevance in a market driven by fast fashion and mass production?
In a world dominated by fast fashion and mass production, artisanal and handcrafted techniques are more relevant than ever because they offer what fast fashion simply cannot: authenticity, quality, and emotional connection.
Fast fashion may imitate trends, but it cannot replicate the craftsmanship, the richness of materials, or the story behind a handmade piece. As someone who has experienced both fast fashion and true designer work, I can confidently say that you feel the difference the moment you wear it.
In today’s world, people are craving pieces that last, that feel personal, and that reflect a deeper meaning, and that is exactly where artisanal design continues to thrive.
Sustainability is increasingly important in luxury fashion. How is Leccese approaching responsible production and material sourcing?
We embrace a slow fashion model, producing high-quality, timeless pieces that are designed to last. Most of our garments are handmade to order, which allows us to minimise overproduction and waste. By creating in small, intentional batches, and offering select pieces in limited quantities through boutique partners, we ensure each item is crafted with care and purpose.
With the rise of resort wear and destination fashion, how do you see Leccese positioning itself in the global luxury and holiday wear market?
With the rise of resort wear and destination fashion, Leccese is uniquely positioned to offer something deeper than just beautiful clothing; we are building a brand rooted in meaning, ethics, and timeless style. As fashion continues to shift and consumers become more conscious of unfair labour practices and mass production, we are proud to stand on the side of slow, intentional design.
As a brand rooted in Italy but appealing to an international audience, how do you adapt your collections to resonate across different cultures and climates?
While our brand is rooted in Italy, it is truly shaped by a multicultural background. I am originally from Venezuela, my mother is Venezuelan-Italian, and I have lived in the US for over a decade. This blend of Latin American warmth, Italian craftsmanship, and American perspective gives us a unique approach when designing our collections.
We do not just create clothing; we consider how people live, move, and express themselves in different cultures and climates. Understanding local customs, behaviours, and aesthetics is just as important to us as researching market trends. This cultural awareness allows us to design pieces that are versatile, emotionally resonant, and wearable across a variety of settings around the world.
With social media shaping fashion trends faster than ever, how can designers maintain originality and longevity in their collections?
I believe every designer brings a unique touch; a personal style, a story, and a brand identity that resonates with people on a deeper level. While social media moves fast and trends come and go, originality comes from staying true to that vision rather than chasing what is momentarily popular.
We focus on creating pieces that are not only beautiful but emotionally lasting. It is not just about what is trending today; it is about designing with intention so that our collections remain relevant, meaningful, and timeless over the years. That is how we build real connection and longevity.
With the ongoing tariff and trade tensions affecting the global textile market, how should fashion brands prepare for potential cost fluctuations and supply chain disruptions?
Fashion brands need to build resilience and flexibility into their operations to navigate ongoing tariff and trade tensions.
Our made-to-order and small-batch production model also allows us to remain agile, adapting quickly to shifts in material costs or availability without overcommitting to large inventories. We maintain close relationships with our suppliers, which enables better transparency, communication, and the ability to respond swiftly to potential challenges.
How do you see resort wear evolving as travel habits and holiday destinations change globally?
As global travel becomes more accessible and people prioritise experiences and leisure, resort wear has evolved into more than just vacation clothing; it has become a statement of lifestyle. Travelers today want to look and feel their best in beautiful destinations, and resort wear plays a key role in that expression.
We are seeing a growing demand for versatile, stylish pieces that photograph well, transition from day to night, and reflect both comfort and elegance. Bikinis and resort pieces are no longer last-minute purchases, they are intentional wardrobe choices that reflect personal style, even while on holiday.
Looking ahead, how do you see Leccese evolving over the next five years in terms of design, global presence, and brand storytelling?
Over the next five years, I envision Leccese expanding its global footprint, with select distributors and boutique partners across key regions, especially in the US and Europe, where we are based and deeply connected to the community. Being close allows us to engage more personally with our audience, nurture relationships, and continue sharing the heart behind the brand.
While our presence may grow, our storytelling will always stay rooted in the same values: timeless elegance, artisanal craftsmanship, and the celebration of feminine energy. As we evolve, we will continue to create designs that feel deeply personal; pieces that tell a story, evoke emotion, and make women feel powerful, wherever in the world they are.
