Lea Gottlieb Israeli beachwear designer Date of Birth: 17.09.1918 Country: Israel

1. Legendary Beachwear Designer: Lea Gottlieb
2. Early Life and Tragedy
3. Immigration and New Beginnings
4. Birth of 'Gottex'
5. Creative Genius
6. Success and Recognition
7. Later Years and Legacy

Legendary Beachwear Designer: Lea Gottlieb

Israeli beachwear designer Lea Gottlieb was truly a force to be reckoned with. Defying the horrors of Nazi occupation and starting life anew in a foreign land, she emerged as a global pioneer in beachwear fashion, leading a thriving business for over four decades. Remarkably, Gottlieb even launched her eponymous brand in her late 80s.

Early Life and Tragedy

Lea Gottlieb (née Lenke Roth) was born on September 17, 1918, in Sajószentpéter, Hungary. Before the outbreak of World War II, she aspired to study chemistry. However, fate had a cruel twist in store. During the German occupation, her husband, Armin Gottlieb, was imprisoned in a labor camp, and Lea was forced to go into hiding with her two young daughters, Judith and Miriam, to evade capture. She disguised herself with bouquets of flowers to conceal her Jewish identity. Later, Gottlieb credited her collections' floral motifs to the memory of those life-saving flowers.

Immigration and New Beginnings

The Gottliebs survived the war and worked in a cloak factory in Czechoslovakia. In 1949, they emigrated to Israel and settled in Haifa. Struggling financially with no home or resources, Lea recalled the early years in Israel as a difficult time.

Birth of 'Gottex'

Undeterred, the Gottliebs pooled their savings and established a small coat-making business outside Tel Aviv. But realizing the lack of demand for coats in the perpetually sunny climate, Lea sold her wedding ring to purchase fabric and began sewing swimsuits on a borrowed machine in her home.

In 1956, the Gottliebs founded 'Gottex', which became one of the world's leading swimwear and beachwear manufacturers over the next few decades, exporting to over 80 countries. The evocative name combined 'Gottlieb' with 'textiles'. Lea Gottlieb became the company's chief designer.

Creative Genius

For over 40 years, Gottlieb created collections of stylish yet playful beachwear that included not only swimsuits but also tops, wraps, tunics, flowing pants, kaftans, and skirts that could be effortlessly mixed and matched. Her vibrant colors, intricate patterns, precision tailoring, and understanding of the female form catapulted 'Gottex' to global success.

Success and Recognition

By 1984, the company that started on a kitchen table had reached sales of over $40 million. 'Gottex' became a favorite of celebrities such as Princess Diana, Queen Sofia of Spain, Elizabeth Taylor, Brooke Shields, and Nancy Kissinger. The 1984 release of their famous strapless swimsuit became the world's best-seller.

Later Years and Legacy

Despite 'Gottex's' success, it faced financial challenges in the mid-1990s and was purchased by Africa-Israel Group's Lev Leviev in 1997. Gottlieb, then in her late 70s, continued as the head designer for another year before stepping down.

In 2002, upon the expiration of her non-compete clause, the 85-year-old Gottlieb launched a new brand under her own name. It epitomized her enduring creativity and vision for beachwear: contemporary yet timeless, stylish yet comfortable, luxurious yet affordable.

Lea Gottlieb passed away on November 17, 2012, at her home in Tel Aviv at the age of 96. Her legacy as a pioneering beachwear designer and a resilient survivor remains an inspiration to this day.