Splashy Swimwear

Texas designer dives into trendy new swimwear line for every body

Dallas designer Heidi Leis knows a thing or two about swimwear. A stylist and makeup artist turned fashion designer, she’s been creating custom swimsuits for years.

“It was hard to find a swimsuit for my body type that I really loved,” says Leis. “My mother is a designer and a seamstress. She taught me everything I know about creating clothes. With her help, I started making swimwear for myself and all my friends. It spread by word-of-mouth and grew from a passion project to a business.”

This month, Leis’ passion project reaches new levels with the launch of Leis Swim, a collection of swimwear designed to boost confidence for all body types.

Sizes range from XS to XL — Leis hopes to expand the range in the future — and every silhouette is meticulously fine-tuned to ensure a flattering fit on a variety of shapes.

Inclusivity is at the core of the brand, which eschews the norm by using unretouched photos in campaign ads and on social media.

“I’ve always envisioned Leis Swim as a brand that connects to people,” says Leis. “I don’t want it to just be a bikini line. I want it to represent body positivity and empowerment of women. My goal is to be a part of changing the narrative around unhealthy body image.”

Designed to be both “trendy and classic,” styles are available in vibrant colors inspired by Positano, Italy. A frequent traveler, Leis draws inspiration from people, art, and cultures she encounters around the world.

“Realness is what inspires me — not manufactured things,” says Leis. “No woman should ever look at herself and think she doesn’t have a bikini body. I’ve seen how good swimwear can make women more confident. When you love what you wear, it really shines through.”

Priced between $90-$150, Leis Swim launches online June 29. The public is invited to shop Leis Swim and jewelry from Dallas-based Mod + Jo at a launch party on June 29 from 5-8 pm at The Sol House (734 W. Canty St.) in Dallas.

Follow the brand on Instagram for updates and announcements about other special events.

Colors are inspired by Positano, Italy.

Photo by Jarrod Fresquez

Colors are inspired by Positano, Italy.

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LEGGINGS + LATTES

Athleisure giant Lululemon opens Houston flagship with in-store cafe

Photos courtesy of Lululemon

Hundreds of shoppers lined up for the grand opening of the first-ever Lululemon x La La Land Kind Cafe store opening in Highland Village on December 19 .

Athleisure giant Lululemon is back where it all started. The brand has opened a massive new Houston store at Highland Village, returning to the shopping center that launched its Texas retail run in 2007. This time, however, it is not a small boutique. It is a full-scale flagship store with the first-ever La La Land Kind Café inside, giving Highland Village one more reason to draw a crowd.

The cult-favorite café serves exclusive drinks created just for this location, including a Double Chai Latte and Coconut Cloud Matcha. In-person shoppers can score drinks at 50 percent off through January 4 and via the app through January 16.

La La Land Kind Café also joins Lululemon’s Partner Perks program tied to Lululemon Membership, giving members access to select benefits. It makes it easier for shoppers who treat errands like a routine to use coffee as a delicious reward.

Lululemon x La La Land Texas-based artist Kyle Steed adds to the local appeal of the new Highland Village store. Photos courtesy of Lululemon

The new store is directly next door to the brand's first Texas outpost, which made Highland Village ground zero for Lululemon's growth in the state. At 9,400 square feet, the outpost is among Lululemon’s largest in the country. The space, previously owned by Smith & Wollensky, traded steaks for elevated sweat-sesh style.

Shoppers can expect a light, bright, and spacious shopping experience with a full range of products for both women and men. The store features branded apparel from the Lululemon x La La Land Kind Café collaboration, as well as a limited-time sweatshirt designed by local graffiti artist Donkeeboy, available as a gift with purchase (over $300, while supplies last). Adding to the local appeal, the store features a mural by Texas-based artist Kyle Steed.

Here's a tour of the store courtesy of popular influencer Marfisa Fiala

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A post shared by Marissa Fiala | Houston, TX (@houstonhotspots)

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Lululemon x La La Land Kind Cafe, 4007 Westheimer Rd, Suite 100, Houston, TX 77027. Store Hours: Monday-Saturday: 7 am - 7 pm and Sunday: 11 am - 6 pm.

Photos courtesy of Lululemon

Hundreds of shoppers lined up for the grand opening of the first-ever Lululemon x La La Land Kind Cafe store opening in Highland Village on December 19 .

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