Founders Tess Daly and Gayle Lawton share their design inspiration, travel essentials and bucket list destinations …
NAIA Beach, a luxury swimwear and beachwear brand co-founded by Tess Daly and Gayle Lawton, has just launched its summer 2026 collection at Brown Thomas Dublin. Think elevated resortwear with flattering silhouettes, sculpting details and versatile design. We caught up with Tess and Gayle to talk about the inspiration behind the brand, the challenges they’ve faced as business owners and all things travel.
What sparked the idea to launch NAIA Beach?
Tess: I think the reason we began a swimwear brand is because we couldn’t find the swimsuits we wanted to wear, simple as that. Gayle was a swimsuit model for 20 years, so she knows swimwear.
How do the places you visit influence your designs?
Gayle: I think we always take ourselves back to our favourite places, don’t we? So, the French and Italian Riviera with all of the beautiful colours. Obviously, the sea is always so inspiring, as are all of the markets, fruit, veg and beautiful clothes that you see on display. The golden hour, vibrancy and feel of holiday escapism.
Tess: We love colour and prints in our designs because they’re so evocative of holidays and travel.
What’s the biggest challenge you have faced as business owners?
Gayle: We actually launched our brand during Covid when there was a travel ban, so I think that was quite a big challenge for us all! They don’t get bigger than that, do they?
Tess: But despite that, we sold out with our first season, which was amazing.
The essentials you can’t travel without?
Gayle: A good hat, good book and good company.
Tess: Sun cream and a cover-up!
What do you want someone to feel when they wear NAIA?
Gayle: Relaxed and confident. Not having to think about what other people are wearing. They put on a swimsuit and they feel empowered, and then they can just enjoy their time and take the stress out of it.
Tess: Don’t we want to make life easier? We all want easier lives. Our swimwear is one less thing to worry about. You’re going to feel really confident in it, it’s really flattering and I promise you will love it.
Window or aisle seat?
Tess: Window. I don’t like flying. It’s one of the things that scares me most, so I have to overcome that fear by looking out the window at the clouds. I sort of feel safer, I don’t know why.
Gayle: Aisle for me because she’s by the window!
Carry-on only or always an overpacker?
Gayle: I would love to say carry on, but I’m an overpacker.
Tess: I like to take lots of things on holiday with me. That’s one of the reasons why we make our NAIS pieces lightweight, so that you can fit lots in your case.
The destination currently at the top of your travel wish list?
Gayle: Marrakech was on mine and I’ve just been! It ticked every box, so I’m delighted. I loved it. It’s a good place for inspiration and shopping – its energy is amazing.
Tess: If I could go anywhere it would be South Polynesia, Tahiti. I would give anything to go there. Or Bora Bora. A villa over water. That’s the stuff of my dreams.
