Behind the Brand
Meet Marysia
As she launches her first Mommy & Me collection exclusively with Maisonette, founder Marysia Dobrzanska Reeves shares her backstory, beach-day essentials, and favorite spots in Venice Beach, LA.
- Photography
- Leigh Webber & Lauren Ross
- Written By
- Olivia Villanti
You ‘re probably already familiar with Marysia’s scallop-edged swimsuits — the brand’s Instagram tags are basically a who’s who of celebrity A-listers including Gigi Hadid and Gwyneth Paltrow. So, when we were dreaming up the perfect partner to create a swim capsule with, we thought about flattering fits (for us) and super-cute gingham checks (for our minis). Here she shares how she built her brand and gets inspired by her fam.
What gave you the courage to launch a swimwear line? Was there an “aha!” moment when you realized you needed to fill a void in the market?
I was young and didn’t realize how much work it takes — ha! Honestly, I had a husband who believed in me and encouraged and helped me from day one. I grew up going to ballet school in Poland wearing leotards daily, then moved to the East Coast where I took up surfing (and met my husband, and first surf instructor!). I later went to Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising in LA, interned for Milly and moved to Charleston where I worked for an architect. My husband and I lived at the beach, and it became more and more obvious that there were no suits on the market that complimented the female shape, allowed for movement at the beach and were considered high fashion. This was a little over 10 years ago.
How has motherhood influenced your approach to design?
I think that motherhood affected my approach as a designer more than my approach to design. The collection has always appealed to different body types, shapes and sizes but shortly after the launch we introduced the kids’ collection, which I call “Bumby.” I believe in thoughtful design, well-made garments and savoring time with family. The two go hand-in-hand to me now.
How does being an Angeleno influence you?
It’s sunny year-round, so I think I started doing more long-sleeve dresses and tops to hide from the sun. I’m also much more into the bohemian vibe.
Is there a particular Marysia style you return to again and again? The one you yourself always wear?
There’s a suit in our collaboration called the Palm Springs that is so versatile! I have worn it as a bodysuit under a skirt and to every pool or beach I frequent.
What gave you the courage to launch a swimwear line? Was there an “aha!” moment when you realized you needed to fill a void in the market?
I was young and didn’t realize how much work it takes — ha! Honestly, I had a husband who believed in me and encouraged and helped me from day one. I grew up going to ballet school in Poland wearing leotards daily, then moved to the East Coast where I took up surfing (and met my husband, and first surf instructor!). I later went to Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising in LA, interned for Milly and moved to Charleston where I worked for an architect. My husband and I lived at the beach, and it became more and more obvious that there were no suits on the market that complimented the female shape, allowed for movement at the beach and were considered high fashion. This was a little over 10 years ago.
How has motherhood influenced your approach to design?
I think that motherhood affected my approach as a designer more than my approach to design. The collection has always appealed to different body types, shapes and sizes but shortly after the launch we introduced the kids’ collection, which I call “Bumby.” I believe in thoughtful design, well-made garments and savoring time with family. The two go hand-in-hand to me now.
How does being an Angeleno influence you?
It’s sunny year-round, so I think I started doing more long-sleeve dresses and tops to hide from the sun. I’m also much more into the bohemian vibe.
Is there a particular Marysia style you return to again and again? The one you yourself always wear?
There’s a suit in our collaboration called the Palm Springs that is so versatile! I have worn it as a bodysuit under a skirt and to every pool or beach I frequent.
What are your favorite local Venice spots?
At MTN I’m obsessed with the kombu shitake ramen. I go to Moon Juice for all my dust and smoothie needs. I also can’t wait to try Dosist, a new high-end cannabis wellness center). I hope it makes me a better, more patient mother.
What about favorite local spots with kids?
The farmer’s market on Friday morning. My little one and I walk there with our wheelie baskets. Also, my daughters love Salt and Straw on Abbot Kinney.
Any secret beaches or places outside of LA you like to frequent for shore time?
We love San Ysidro Ranch for romantic weekends and the Coral Casino in Santa Barbara with our girls.
What's the best compliment you've ever received on one of your designs?
I just love it when women tell me it’s the best swimsuit they have ever worn. That it makes them feel beautiful and confident.
Do your daughters like the water? How often do you hit the beach?
They are just like Nathaniel and I, total beach babes that can swim all day long. They both learned to swim before age two, and our older daughter goes spearfishing with her daddy in the Bahamas. We do it pretty much every weekend unless it’s under 50 degrees and rainy in LA, which thankfully isn’t often. Most frequently we surf in First Point in Malibu.
At MTN I’m obsessed with the kombu shitake ramen. I go to Moon Juice for all my dust and smoothie needs. I also can’t wait to try Dosist, a new high-end cannabis wellness center). I hope it makes me a better, more patient mother.
What about favorite local spots with kids?
The farmer’s market on Friday morning. My little one and I walk there with our wheelie baskets. Also, my daughters love Salt and Straw on Abbot Kinney.
Any secret beaches or places outside of LA you like to frequent for shore time?
We love San Ysidro Ranch for romantic weekends and the Coral Casino in Santa Barbara with our girls.
What's the best compliment you've ever received on one of your designs?
I just love it when women tell me it’s the best swimsuit they have ever worn. That it makes them feel beautiful and confident.
Do your daughters like the water? How often do you hit the beach?
They are just like Nathaniel and I, total beach babes that can swim all day long. They both learned to swim before age two, and our older daughter goes spearfishing with her daddy in the Bahamas. We do it pretty much every weekend unless it’s under 50 degrees and rainy in LA, which thankfully isn’t often. Most frequently we surf in First Point in Malibu.
What are your beach day essentials?
One of our hats, BeautyCounter sunscreen, Marte Frisnes’ anklet and Lucy Folk sunnies.
What's the most important thing someone should think about when purchasing a swimsuit? Fabric? Fit? Color?
Fit and fabric and a designer who they can get behind. Supporting female founders is a beautiful thing in this day and age.
Your preference: One-piece or two?
I wish I still looked good in a bikini. Maybe I’ll get there by summer time!
How did you connect with Maisonette?
Maisonette reached out as the founders have been fans of my label for a long time now. I’m so happy they did!
What was the inspiration behind your exclusive designs?
Summer picnics in the Hamptons. [Ed note: i.e., Lots of gingham!]
Shop the exclusive capsule now.
One of our hats, BeautyCounter sunscreen, Marte Frisnes’ anklet and Lucy Folk sunnies.
What's the most important thing someone should think about when purchasing a swimsuit? Fabric? Fit? Color?
Fit and fabric and a designer who they can get behind. Supporting female founders is a beautiful thing in this day and age.
Your preference: One-piece or two?
I wish I still looked good in a bikini. Maybe I’ll get there by summer time!
How did you connect with Maisonette?
Maisonette reached out as the founders have been fans of my label for a long time now. I’m so happy they did!
What was the inspiration behind your exclusive designs?
Summer picnics in the Hamptons. [Ed note: i.e., Lots of gingham!]
Shop the exclusive capsule now.