Léa Daaboul, founder and creative director of Léa The Label, discusses building a brand with passion and purpose, and a reverence for nature.

What do the first 30 minutes of your day look like, your morning routine?

The first thing I do when I wake up is have a glass of water, followed by five minutes of silence and meditation. Then I sit with my coffee and my book. I always make time for a morning read, which helps shift my mindset into focus before the day begins. It’s a simple routine, but it always keeps me grounded and intentional as I step into the day.

What was the catalyst for launching your brand? Was the goal always to start something of your own?

The catalyst for launching my brand was a mix of passion, purpose, and a desire to create something with deeper intention. I’ve always been drawn to beautiful design, aesthetics, and storytelling, but I also wanted to build something that aligned with my values. Something mindful, elevated, and enduring. I had a strong vision I felt compelled to bring to life. Growing up in a family of business owners and entrepreneurs, the idea of creating something of my own came naturally. While it’s certainly challenging, it also feels intuitive.

What’s your earliest memory of that relationship, and how does it continue to shape your creative direction?

My earliest memory of that connection goes back to my childhood home in Lebanon, where we still return to every summer. The house overlooks the Mediterranean Sea, with an incredible view of the sun setting over the horizon every day. That view, stillness, and light are embedded into my memory and continue to inspire me. Being connected to the sea from such a young age gave me a deep sense of appreciation for nature. It’s something I carry with me and draw inspiration from in everything I create.

You chose Milos, Greece, as the backdrop for your latest campaign. What drew you to that setting, and how did it influence the mood of the shoot?

Greece is one of my favourite Mediterranean destinations that I try to visit almost every year. I’ve explored about ten of its islands, and Milos is at the top of my list. There’s something about its raw beauty, stillness, and striking coastline that feels both timeless and deeply inspiring. For this campaign, I was drawn to that sense of quiet power. Milos offered the perfect balance of sea, softness, and strength. The organic landscape set the tone for everything, making it feel effortlessly sensual. It brought depth and emotion to the collection that felt completely aligned with its essence.

The Calypso top and Kyma set feel both nostalgic and future-forward. How do you navigate designing timeless swimwear in a world of fast trends?

Designing timeless swimwear in a fast-paced world means being intentional about every detail, from the silhouette to the fabric and to the feeling it evokes. With pieces like the Calypso and Kyma sets, I wanted to capture a sense of nostalgia while still feeling modern and refined. I’m drawn to creating pieces that hold emotional value, pieces that women return to season after season. For me, timelessness comes from restraint, thoughtful design, and the ability to evoke a mood that transcends time.

“For me, timelessness comes from restraint, thoughtful design, and the ability to evoke a mood that transcends time”

As a founder and creative director, how do you balance your artistic instinct with the demands of building a sustainable business?

This is something I’m constantly navigating. As a founder and creative director, I lead with vision. My artistic intuition shapes the soul of the brand, but it’s equally important to ground those ideas in structure, strategy, and long-term thinking. It’s about designing with intention, making thoughtful decisions across every part of the brand, and staying true to my vision while remaining adaptable. It’s a balance we’re always striving for.

What have been some of the most defining lessons in your entrepreneurial journey so far?

One of the most defining lessons has been learning to trust my own voice even when it feels quieter than all the surrounding noise. In a saturated industry, it’s easy to get distracted by comparison or pressured into moving faster than what feels natural. But staying grounded in my vision, my values, and the “why” behind what we are building is everything. I owe a lot of that grounding to my mindful yoga practice, it’s taught me to pause, reflect, and return to myself when needed. As a woman navigating this space, I’ve also learned the importance of boundaries, resilience, and believing in yourself. Real growth comes from listening, learning, protecting your energy, and leading with purpose. It’s an ongoing journey, but one that continues to shape me creatively and personally, in all the right ways.

Léa the Label champions slow, sustainable luxury. What does sustainability look like behind the scenes, from sourcing to production?

For us, sustainability is woven into every step, from sourcing to production and beyond. We work with regenerated and natural or timeless fabrics that meet our standards for quality, longevity, and environmental responsibility. We’re intentional about where and how we produce, partnering with ethical factories that prioritise fair wages and safe working conditions. Protecting the ocean has always been deeply personal to me. It’s a constant source of inspiration and calm, and a reminder of what’s at stake. That’s why we’ve also partnered with CleanHub in Bali, so for every item purchased, around one pound of plastic is prevented from entering the sea. While we are not perfect by any means, sustainability isn’t a trend for us; it’s a commitment to creating with purpose. We are always striving and learning to do better.

What do you hope a woman feels when she puts on a piece from Léa the Label?

I hope she feels powerful, confident, effortless, and deeply connected to herself. There’s a quiet power in wearing something that reflects who you are without trying too hard.

What are your go-to pieces that you’ll be wearing this summer?

I will definitely be wearing the new Calypso and Kyma sets, they fit like second skin. The Calico is another go-to staple I practically lived in since we launched it last season. It’s effortless, flattering, and now available in our new dreamy colourways. It’s one of those bikinis you keep effortlessly reaching for time and time again.

How do you see the brand resonating with women in the region, and are there elements of Middle Eastern culture or coastal living that inspire you creatively?

Léa the Label is crafted for the modern, timeless muse, which is why I believe it resonates with so many diverse women living in the Middle East. Cities like Dubai embody a balance of elevated style, confidence, and individuality, and I see that reflected in the women who are drawn to the brand. There’s also a deep appreciation in the region for travel, especially to sun-drenched, coastal escapes, which mirrors the ethos of the brand so effortlessly.

This is The High Summer Issue – where will you be escaping to this summer?

I almost always find myself escaping to the Mediterranean in the summertime. There’s something about the golden light, the stillness of the sea, and the slower rhythm of life that feels grounding, soulful, and deeply inspiring. It’s the essence of effortless Mediterranean living.

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Images: Supplied