The Go-to Swimsuit Designer for Rihanna, Kate Moss, and Beyoncé Now Makes the Perfect Summer Sandal
Prism’s Anna Laub. (Photo: Courtesy of Prism)
It’s been six years since model-turned-journalist Anna Laub founded resort-lifestyle brand Prism. The label started with eyewear and bathing suits — the eyewear having minimal, unfussy frames with an understated fashion edge and the bathing-suit line comprising vintage-inspired bikinis and one-pieces. The suits were (and still are) beautiful — modern, architectural — each named after (and undeniably evocative of) an exotic locale. (Think: a seafoam-shaded ’50s-style structured bikini top called the Rockaways, a lap-pool-ready charcoal high-cut top named for Okinawa, structured bandeaus for St. Tropez.) The line has since expanded to include beach-ready bags, sand-favored espadrilles, and easy-chic cover-ups. Along the way, fashion girls in the know (including Kate Moss, Beyoncé, and Rihanna) have grown with the brand. Laub’s latest endeavor? A new range of five different sandals handmade at a family-run factory in Spain that were inspired by ’70s skate culture and island vacations.
We chatted with Laub, who took home the Emerging Accessory Designer of the Year accolade at the 2014 British Fashion Awards, about the origins of the new shoes, her celebrity clients, and just where we should go for the perfect summer escape.
Yahoo Style: Tell us about the origins of the new sandals — what did you have in mind as you were designing them?
Anna Laub: I just felt it was the only thing I was missing when I went on holiday, so I decided to make some. I love our espadrilles, and we work with an old-school handmade producer in Spain, so it was an easy transition to go from producing [regular] espadrilles to sandal espadrilles. I had loads of different references, like with all my products; I like to juxtapose unexpected materials or color ways. One of the shapes was inspired by these ’70s platform skate shoes that I found in a vintage store!
Prism’s Koh Tao sandal, $332, available on prism.com.
How do you envision people wearing them?
I wear them as a city-to-beach accessory like most of the other Prism pieces. I imagine most of the people that wear our pieces already — from Rihanna and Beyoncé to Kate Moss, as well as the everyday girl — will wear them simple that way, too. It is an understated product that is made well and has a fashion edge.
What are the coolest swim styles to wear for summer?
For summer, it’s all about one-pieces and sporty bikinis. My favorite is our Okinawa bikini top and Samar one-piece swimsuit.
Prism’s Palawan sandal, $352, available on prism.com.
What is your ideal travel destination?
I love Rio de Janeiro and the Amalfi Coast — pretty much anywhere sunny!
Congratulations on winning the Emerging Accessory Designer accolade at last year’s British Fashion Awards. How has it impacted the landscape of your business?
It was lovely to be recognized by the industry. Nothing has changed, really, but it was definitely a big honor.
Prism sandals, from $325 to $392, are available on prism.com.
