Odelia Ozel: The designer behind the swimwear worn by Israel’s top celebrities

Odelia Ozel, a 50-year-old Israeli designer, transitioned from a 20-year career at Coca-Cola to building a luxury swimwear brand that has become a favorite among Israel's top celebrities. Growing up in a family with a background in sewing, Ozel credits her breakthrough to a collection she designed eight years ago for a friend, which gained significant traction after being shared on social media. Without paid advertising, Ozel grew her brand through unique designs and organic engagement. Her swimwear, often featuring unconventional materials like denim, leather, and intricate gemstone detailing, retails between 800 and 1,400 shekels. A mother of four, Ozel balanced her corporate job with late-night design work for seven years before committing fully to her business at age 42. Today, she operates a store in Tel Aviv's Neve Tzedek neighborhood alongside an online platform and is currently seeking investors to expand her brand into international markets.

