Melissa Odabash

Model-turned-entrepreneur Melissa Odabash launched her first swimwear collection in 1995 and quickly became a fashion editor’s favorite, her designs appearing on the covers and in the pages of the world’s top magazines including Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, Glamour, and the coveted Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition. At one point, her zebra-print bikini was the best-selling item in the Victoria’s Secret catalogue.

As you would imagine, a career as a professional swimwear designer takes Odabash to some sunny places. And while she most definitely puts in some long days on set, we’re not ready to break out the violin quite yet. Supervising models in Marbella can’t be all that bad, right?

Hotel Cipriani & Palazzo Vendramin
Venice, Italy
By far one of my favorite hotels! Cipriani in Venice is surrounded by rose gardens on the water. You can sit outside to eat breakfast while watching the gondolas go by. It is just heaven. Tucked away from the busy streets, yet only a 5-minute boat ride to all of the sites, Cipriani has five great restaurants to choose from and the most incredible pool ever. Plus, Italians are so incredibly friendly!

The Mercer
New York, New York
I love the lobby and restaurant in this hotel. Both are always filled with great people and work well for meetings and drinks. The hotel is perfectly situated for a quick weekend in New York as it is central to my favorite street to shop on. You don’t have to carry all of your shopping bags — you can just keep dropping them off. The concierge staff is incredibly helpful. Anything you forget, they will be sure to run out and grab for you.

Mandarin Oriental New York
New York, New York
The Mandarin Oriental in New York has the best views of the city from every angle. The rooms are amazingly decorated with such taste. There is a great all-glass bar on the 33rd floor overlooking Central Park. At night, this view is completely breathtaking. This hotel also has the best spa. I do my trunk shows here and every editor that comes is completely blown away by the suite.

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