Apparently, it’s a fashion designer’s world out there, and we’re just living in it. Living large in it, that is, if that means this summer is filled with locals like Capri, St. Tropez, and Positano. Because apparently nowadays it’s not enough to have just any old beach club. You have to have a designer who backs it. That means that the Gucci lounger, Dior sun umbrella and Jacquemus beach towel really are a thing. These are the top designer beach clubs that are pretty much your wish list of summer travels.
Dolce & Gabbana at San Domenico Palace, A Four Seasons Hotel
Location: Taormina Sicily, Italy
As if filming the hit show White Lotus wasn’t a brilliant marketing play already, the Four Seasons didn’t stop there. The first and only designer beach club in Sicily, Dolce & Gabbana popped up at the San Domenico Palace. They didn’t come quietly either, creating one of the most distinct designer beach clubs in the world. We’re pretty sure you can see the blue and white bold Dolce patterns from space, or at least from a helicopter ride above. There’s nothing like an Italian summer with the Four Seasons and Dolce.
Dior at Shellona
Location: Saint Tropez, France
This summer, Dior brings its style and feminine sophistication to Shellona, making the French Riviera even more luxurious than it was before. It’s all Dioriviera vibes, with the pretty in pink dominating the club’s loungers, umbrellas, and deck chairs. Shellona, which also has an outpost in St. Barths is known for its delicious food, beautiful ocean views and impeccable service. Dior’s pop-up though has taken the famous beach club to a whole new level.
Balmain at One & Only Aesthesis Luxury Resort
Location: Athens, Greece
When you make it to the new One & Only Aesthesis, you’ll be able to experience Balmain’s “New French Style” from the resort. The designer brand has taken over the beach club’s pool and beach areas, covering them in Balmain’s signature colors and icons. The takeover gives a sneak peak at a few elements of Balmain’s latest designs from their pre-fall collection. Earlier this summer, Balmain’s Creative Director Olivier Rousteing traveled to Athens for One & Only Aesthesis’ grand opening, additionally launching the resort’s partnership with Balmain. The grand opening was attended by guests including Kylie Minogue, Joe Jonas, and Kim Cattrall.
Dior at Il Riccio Restaurant & Beach Club
Location: Anacapri, Naples, Italy
Just ten minutes from Capri Palace Jumeirah, Il Riccio is the epitome of La Dolce Vita. Travelers from around the world have always come to Il Riccio for its sublime food and stunning views. At Il Riccio you nosh on authentic Mediterranean cuisine and relax on a lounger by the sea. The club is also no stranger to designer takeovers. Dior’s pop-up boutique includes many of the brand’s most iconic and fundamental pieces in dreamy pastels, perfectly capturing the essence of summer.
Jacquemus at Indie Beach
Location: Saint Tropez, France
Designer Simon Porte Jacquemus is embracing his love for the South of France. His brand’s takeover of Indie Beach means the club’s main areas have been fully reimagined for the summer. Jacquemus’ signature yellow stripes appear on everything from loungers to umbrellas to surf gear. The designer has also launched his newest collection, Les Rayures, during the exciting partnership.
Gucci at Loulou
Location: St. Tropez, France
Gucci entered the designer beach club arena with its first outpost at Loulou. Loulou’s owner, Paris Societe has come a long way since they were just a few restaurants. With their partnership with Gucci, they are one of the most distinct and bold beach clubs in St. Tropez. They don’t stop though at loungers. Gucci has a popup store as well as a menu and cocktails inspired by their Florence restaurant. So at this designer beach club, it’s all Gucci, all the time.
Hall of Fame: Dior at NAMMOS
Location: Dubai, UAE
Dior has been especially busy this year. In addition to the other beach clubs its partnered with for the summer, the brand has brought its enchanting Dioriviera to Nammos Dubai. Unlike the other beach clubs however, this isn’t a pop up, but rather a year-round venture. The weather in Dubai after all is almost always beach-worthy. When you do visit, you’ll notice the main areas of the beach club stylishly decked out in some of Dior’s signature colors and patterns.
The Dior beach club at Nammos Dubai is known for its food, unparalleled service and exquisite beauty. The Royal Family of Dubai are frequent visitors, if that’s any indication.
Bonus: Jacquemus at Casa Malaparte
Location: Capri, Italy
On June 10th, Jacquemus celebrated its 15th anniversary with a show in Capri, Italy. This show took place at Casa Malaparte, a well-known villa on Punta Massullo. The most exciting part? The brand has also announced a surprise boutique in the area.
FAQs
Q: What kind of items do the pop-up stores carry?
A: The selection at the pop-up stores may be a bit more limited than the permanent stores, but they often carry some of the brand’s most popular items. Also, all of the items in the pop-ups are typically for summer, and they will often include the brand’s most recent designs.
Q: How long do the designer beach club takeovers usually last?
A: The designer beach club takeovers usually last for the duration of the summer, but some of them run slightly shorter.
Q: If I missed this year, will I still be able to experience a designer beach club takeover?
A: Yes. Some brands, like Dior, have made it something of a tradition to return to the same beach clubs multiple years in a row.
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