Founder and creative force behind Suncillo, Ludmilla Laradi, on designing creations that make every woman feel powerful and poised, and why sophistication and sustainability will always be at the heart of the brand.

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

I usually start my day by getting up and getting ready, often with a cup of tea or water. I tend to skip breakfast and head straight into the shower before leaving for the office. Mornings aren’t really my thing – it’s mostly about getting ready quickly and catching up with the team once I arrive at the office. Suncillo began with a vision of the Mediterranean.

What was the catalyst for this – and when did you know it was the right time to launch the brand?

Growing up, I always knew I wanted to launch my own brand, although I wasn’t initially drawn to ready-to-wear. While studying fashion at LISAA in Paris, I chose to specialise in Textile Design, which, in hindsight, wasn’t the right fit – I had originally envisioned a path in couture. After completing university and a few internships, I set the idea of starting a brand aside. It wasn’t until ten years later that my interest in fashion was reignited. Inspired by my best friend, who was launching her own label at the time and had already navigated the process of sourcing tailors and fabrics, I found the motivation to revisit the idea. I wanted the project to be enjoyable and creatively fulfilling. With COVID slowing down my other ventures, it gave me the perfect window to focus on building Suncillo.

How many styles did you launch with and how has the brand evolved since its early days?

I began the brand with a single focus: swimwear. The initial launch featured seven bikini styles in a variety of colours. As the brand grew, I started expanding the category in response to customer demand – many were looking for matching pieces to complete their beach looks. The next natural step was to introduce dresses designed to transition effortlessly from day to night – perfect for those endless summer days that turn into unforgettable evenings. The idea was to offer pieces that let you go from the beach to dinner without needing to change, combining ease with effortless elegance. Carving out a space in fashion takes grit.

What have been the defining moments that shaped your journey as an entrepreneur?

Yes, absolutely. Carving out a space in fashion definitely requires a lot of patience and a clear focus on your vision. Suncillo is truly my passion project, and from the beginning, I told myself to be patient with it, not to expect instant returns, or treat it purely as a commercial venture. I believe that consistency and resilience have been key in carrying the brand forward. Along the way, I’ve made a conscious effort to equip myself with the skills and mindset needed to continually push my limits and grow. Whenever I encountered setbacks or felt stuck, I reminded myself that giving up wasn’t an option and that Suncillo’s growth could only head in a positive direction. This approach has helped me stay grounded and motivated even during tough times.

What are the core values and guiding philosophies that have anchored the brand as it continues to grow?

If you see it, then it means the message I’ve been trying to convey through the brand is coming across. From the beginning, my goal with Suncillo has been to create swimwear that makes you feel sexy and glamourous – without ever crossing into vulgarity. I wanted to evoke the feeling of being dressed and elegant, even when you’re not fully covered. That balance of sophistication and allure has always been at the heart of the brand. Carrying that same intention into resortwear has been just as important to me as the brand continues to grow.

Your designs evoke a bold, free-spirited, and unapologetically elegant woman. How do you stay creatively aligned with her?

Suncillo is all about making women feel confident and empowered in what they wear. When I design, I’m always thinking about how the piece will make someone feel – comfortable, attractive, and effortlessly elegant. I often test new styles on myself or close friends, because it’s important for me to see how different body types connect with the design. Having real women – each with their own energy and style – try on the prototypes helps me stay grounded in the vision of who the Suncillo woman is: bold, free-spirited, and unapologetically herself.

The Solar and Solar Cruise Collection feels like a love letter to light. What inspired this particular interplay between earth, sea, and sky and how did you translate the mood into material form?

Many of the fabrics I choose are designed to come alive under the sun – they catch the light in a way that transforms their colour and texture. The sun is our source of energy, and it deeply influences how we experience the world around us. Without its brightness, the sea doesn’t have the same depth of blue, and the sky doesn’t carry that same vibrant glow. This connection between earth, sea, and sky is what I wanted to express in the Solar and Solar Cruise Collections. For me, fabric is often the first spark of inspiration. The way it moves, the way it reflects light – those details immediately start shaping the design in my mind. As you said, it’s all intertwined. Even the name Suncillo reflects that spirit – I chose the name of a Mediterranean island because the lifestyle, culture, and colours of that region are at the heart of everything I create.

What are your favourite pieces?

Each collection builds on the last, exploring a new mood. These are some of my favourite pieces: Mia dress, Aria dress, Lyra dress, Angelica set, and Aura set.

The Mediterranean lifestyle is central to your ethos – sun-drenched but mindful. How does that influence not just your designs, but how you approach sustainability and brand values?

The Mediterranean lifestyle is all about balance – enjoying beauty and ease with intention. That philosophy shapes everything at Suncillo. I focus on creating timeless, elegant pieces designed to last beyond a single season. Sustainability is at the core of what we do: we produce in small batches, collaborate closely with our in-house tailor, and use deadstock fabrics to minimise waste. It’s all about making thoughtful choices that reflect a slower, more conscious way of living.

This is The High Summer Issue – where and how are you spending the last days of summer?

I usually wrap up summer with a trip to Ibiza – it’s become a bit of a tradition. We don’t plan much and just go with the flow, but there’s always a reunion with friends around mid-August before heading back to Dubai in September. The end of summer is pretty relaxed. Personally, all I really need during the holidays is time by the sea. I’m not much of a pool person – I prefer beach days and hikes. There’s something about the calm and clarity I get from swimming in the sea that nothing else quite matches.

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