LEE MERRITT SWIMWEAR

MAKER: LEE MERRITT

Austin Fashion Week is in full swing and local designer Lee Merritt is premiering her SS17 swimwear collection Friday, May 19th. Designed in the ATX, handmade in the USA with Italian lycra and the highest quality materials, I have fallen in love with Lee's creations. She has a huge heart for the Austin community with each piece made to inspire women to look and feel their best, one swimsuit at a time.

WHO DO YOU FOLLOW FOR INSTAGRAM INSPIRATION

Fashion, fashion, fashion. My inspiration is a culmination of the colors, prints, designs, places and people that catch my eye on a daily basis. Inspiration is everywhere you look. Especially in Austin!

FAVORITE LOCAL FOOD TRUCK

One of our personal faves when we’re looking to switch it up from the usual taco joints is Artessano. It’s a Colombian food truck that is sooo good! Our co-owner is half Colombian so it tides us over perfectly between trips to visit family & friends in Colombia. We highly recommend the empanadas!

WHY DO YOU CALL AUSTIN HOME

I was born & raised just South of Austin in Boerne, Texas & our co-owner is originally from here so Austin is near and dear to our hearts. Words can’t quite do justice to explain that warm, fuzzy feeling I get just thinking about this city. Austin has all the good vibes, soul & inspiration you need with endless things to do and see. From the people to the food and all the charm and character in between, we are so grateful to call this place home.

FAVORITE SONG/ARTIST/ALBUM FOR A SPARK OF CREATIVITY

Music in general has always been such an inspiration for me.  It affects my mood and thoughts in a way that nothing else can. I really don’t discriminate when it comes to music, it just depends what mood I’m in, where I’m at or what I’m doing.  I’ve been told I’m a bit of an old soul and I tend to lean towards the classics, but usually, you can find me blaring Amy Winehouse or something similarly soulful in the car/shower till I start to lose my voice (lol).

WHERE DO YOU CREATE BEST

Definitely home. Preferably the floor so I can spread everything out, put things together and really visualize what I’m creating.

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE TO BE A MAKER

I like to think being a maker chose me. It’s been a passion of mine since a young age. Especially with clothes. I’m notorious for taking clothing and cutting, twisting, tying or sewing it into something totally different. I’ve tried to emulate that same idea into several of our styles by allowing them to be worn in various ways or mixing and matching tops & bottoms.

FAVORITE LOCAL CURATED BOUTIQUE

Sunroom – We want it all! And it’s dangerously close to home.

GO TO MID-DAY SNACK OR ROUTINE FOR CREATIVE FUEL

A good run around the boardwalk by our house with our two children, I mean dogs, and a fresh juice after usually does the trick.

WHAT HAS BEEN THE MOST EXCITING MOMENT SO FAR OF YOUR CRAFT

Seeing my designs on women is by far the most rewarding experience every single day. Finding swimwear can be a daunting task for any woman, so when you see people wearing your designs with such confidence and style, it’s an amazing feeling!

AS A SMALL BUSINESS, HOW DO YOU MAKE SURE YOUR BRAND STANDS OUT

By always staying true to our style and what is important to us as a brand in everything we do and every decision we make – no matter how small. Like most things in life, everyone around you has an opinion on what the “right” way is, but being genuine and consistent is key. Most swimwear originates from customary coastal terrains, so we LOVE embracing our Austin roots.

WHO HAS HAD THE MOST CREATIVE INFLUENCE ON YOUR LIFE

Surprisingly enough, my dad. We always joke how he’s much more the creative type than my mom (who’s an accountant). He has always been the person in my life that forces me to pause first and really think differently, no matter what the situation. His mother was an artist and painter so I like to think my creativity stems from that.

BIGGEST DEBATE OF ALL: COFFEE OR TEA, BE SPECIFIC

Coffee! I know, I know tea is better for you.. but coffee just gets me goin! But like any true Texan, the sweet tea addiction is real.

MUST-SEE RECOMMENDATION FOR THOSE TRAVELING TO AUSTIN

While there are so many gems in Austin, some of our favorites are diving into Barton Springs Pool on a hot summer day followed by a dose of Texas two-step at Broken Spoke.

WHERE CAN YOUR CREATIONS BE FOUND

Online at www.leemerritt.com & local Austin retailers (to be announced) VERY soon!

HOW HAS SOCIAL MEDIA HELPED YOUR BUSINESS

Tremendously. As much as we sometimes want to complain about it, I can’t deny that the ability to reach millions of people with a few clicks is a beautiful thing.

WHAT OTHER ARTISTS HAVE YOU LOVED COLLABORATING WITH

Photographers. Seeing my vision captured through amazing images is something that never gets old. I absolutely love styling all my shoots, finding the locations and getting the perfect shot. I am definitely in my element.

HOW IMPORTANT IS SHOPPING LOCAL TO YOU

Crucial. Crucial to our community, crucial to the environment and crucial to our next generation. I have a new found appreciation for local business owners. It is definitely not for the faint of heart. I am so proud to support the many local businesses that make this city a success every single day.

HOW HAS THE AUSTIN COMMUNITY SUPPORTED YOU

By shopping local, our Austin community has allowed us to grow as a brand and continue to create amazing swimwear.

WHAT IS ONE THING YOU WISH PEOPLE KNEW ABOUT YOUR DESIGNS

Think quality, not quantity. We are strong believers that less is more. Our simple yet beautiful designs provide timeless, effortless style and are each hand-crafted in the United States using the highest-quality materials, guaranteed to last for seasons to come.

Join the LM Circle and receive 10% off your first order!