Louisa Ballou
Louisa Ballou is an American womenswear and swimwear label founded by designer Louisa Ballou, a Central Saint Martins graduate from Charleston, South Carolina. It became known for swimsuits worn by Bella Hadid, Kylie Jenner and other celebrities.
| Founder | Louisa Ballou |
|---|---|
| Origin | Charleston, South Carolina, United States |
| Education | Central Saint Martins |
| Known for | Swimwear and mesh dresses |
| Website | louisaballou.com |
What is Louisa Ballou?
Louisa Ballou is the namesake label of designer Louisa Ballou, who was born and raised in Charleston, South Carolina. She studied at Central Saint Martins in London and completed an internship at Loewe before launching her own designs.
History
Her best known early pieces date from her 2017 Central Saint Martins graduate collection. Swimwear came about organically and quickly gained attention when it was worn by celebrities including Bella Hadid, Sofia Richie, Kali Uchis, Jorja Smith, Megan Thee Stallion and Kylie Jenner.
Products and positioning
The brand started with one-piece swimsuits and bikinis and has extended into ready-to-wear, including:
- Mesh dresses and short dresses
- Surf inspired tops
- Mini skirts and trousers
The label is sold through international designer retailers such as SSENSE.
Why it matters
Louisa Ballou is an example of a designer brand that grew from a graduate collection into a recognised swimwear and resort label largely through celebrity visibility on social media, before broadening into a fuller ready-to-wear offer.
Frequently asked questions
Who is Louisa Ballou?
Louisa Ballou is a designer from Charleston, South Carolina, who studied at Central Saint Martins and founded her namesake swimwear and womenswear label.
What does Louisa Ballou sell?
Louisa Ballou sells swimwear, including one-piece swimsuits and bikinis, plus ready-to-wear such as mesh dresses and skirts.