SShowroom interior

MALIBU LOCALS ONLY: MELISSA ODABASH

When Malibu resident Diana Jenkins met swimsuit designer Melissa Odabash, a wonderful friendship was formed – especially if you happen to live in Malibu and have access to the Odabash showroom which Jenkins, now Odabash’s business partner, opened two years ago.


Diana Jenkins

Melissa has said that ‘most swimwear designers don’t understand women.  They don’t get that a swimsuit should change the way you feel from anxious to care-free.”  A former catwalk model, Melissa rebelled against what she calls the “look at me” bikini.  "I was modeling suits that were sparkly and tacky and I just thought, I can do better than this." Now her suits are carried in fine boutiques all over the world and coveted by fashion-conscious beach-goers.

Melissa Odabash

One such customer was Diana Jenkins, a self-proclaimed fashionista who was familiar with Melissa’s designs before they ever became friends.  Diana’s appreciation of Melissa’s swimsuits led to a friendship which, in turn, evolved into a partnership.  Together, the duo introduced a successful line of children’s swimwear and cover-ups, and there is a great deal more – from skincare to streetwear – in store.  And when Diana moved to Malibu, her first order of business was to create a haven for Melissa’s creations.

Showroom exterior

In a discreet, upstairs location within the Malibu Country Mart, Diana and her staff welcome visitors (by invitation only) to a shop from Melissa’s latest collections.  But the MO showroom experience goes way beyond a shopping spree.  With a beautifully-decorated sitting room, complete with a coffee bar, this is a fabulous hang-out spot for those lucky enough to be invited.