When founders Ayesha Mahomed and Katleya Nielsen co-founded Lanuuk, they set out to challenge the way the world viewed swimwear. What began as a search for pieces that married modesty with modern design has since evolved into a brand redefining coastal style for a global audience. In this conversation, the duo share how their personal journey shaped Lanuuk, and why rethinking swimwear is about more than just aesthetics—it’s about inclusivity, confidence, and choice.
Ayesha, what was life like before Lanuuk? What pulled you away from that path and into launching the brand?
Before Lanuuk, I spent over a decade working in professional services at KPMG. It was a high-performing, structured environment where I learned a lot about discipline, strategy, and how to thrive under pressure. My co-founder, Katleya, was on a similar path, working in investment banking operations at Goldman Sachs. We were both building strong careers, but everything began to shift when we became mothers.
Still, it wasn’t a matter of leaving something behind. We weren’t necessarily walking away from our corporate lives out of dissatisfaction. Motherhood gave us the space to reflect on the kind of impact we wanted to make, and the kind of lives we wanted to lead. We both saw an opportunity to build something meaningful and creative, rooted in our shared values.
Katleya, what first inspired you to create modest swimwear, and how has that original vision steered Lanuuk’s direction?
Lanuuk began from a deeply personal place for both of us. After having a baby, I found my relationship with my body had shifted and I was searching for swimwear that would make me feel secure, supported, and beautiful in a new season of life. I wasn’t just looking for modesty; I was looking for a sense of comfort and support, something that fit right.
For my co-founder, Ayesha, it was a different but parallel frustration. She dressed modestly, but the options at the time felt disconnected from her identity. They were either overly simplistic or lacking the femininity and elegance she wanted to express. There was a clear gap for women like us, who wanted coverage without compromise. Our designs are about honoring the body in all its phases, celebrating diverse forms of beauty, and creating timeless pieces that empower women to feel like their most confident selves, on their own terms.
Lanuuk sits on racks from Bloomingdale’s Dubai and Kuwait to Harvey Nichols Riyadh—what Gulf or wider MENA market is next on your roadmap, and why?
We’ve been intentional in building our presence across the region, and today Lanuuk is available in the UAE through Bloomingdale’s, in Riyadh at Harvey Nichols, in Doha at Galeries Lafayette, and across the wider GCC via Ounass and our own global e-commerce site, lanuuk.com. The response from women in the Gulf has been incredibly affirming and there’s a deep cultural and aesthetic alignment, which makes further expansion in the region a natural next step. We also have an exciting new project underway in Saudi Arabia, which would mark an important chapter in our growth.
Beyond MENA, we’re also focusing on Southeast Asia, where modest fashion is evolving in exciting ways. We recently launched in the Philippines through Rustan’s, the country’s leading luxury department store (both online and in physical stores) marking our first formal entry into the region. We’re also listening closely to our customers in markets like Malaysia and Indonesia, where we’ve made Lanuuk more accessible through select online channels as we explore how best to connect with women there through the right retail partners.
We heard about your private try-on morning at Dubai Ladies Club—what sparked the idea, and which moments from the day still make you smile?
The idea really came from wanting to connect (truly connect) with our community in Dubai. So many of our customers in the region have supported Lanuuk from the very beginning, and yet we have never met them in person. Hosting a private try-on morning at Dubai Ladies Club felt like the perfect way to create space for that.
After your showcase at Abu Dhabi Modest Fashion Week 2025, how do you feel Lanuuk moved the needle on the modest-swimwear conversation within the modest- dressing community?
Abu Dhabi Modest Fashion Week was such a proud moment. It allowed us to show modest swimwear through a different lens: one that was elevatedand elegant. The conversations we had after the show, especially with women who hadn’t previously considered modest swimwear, told us we helped expand the perception of what’s possible in this space.
Looking at 2026, what trends in modest swimwear have your full attention and what can we expect from Lanuuk for the next season?
In 2026, we’re really embracing the idea of multi-functionality with designs that go beyond the beach and adapt effortlessly to different settings. That’s why we’re so excited to be launching our first capsule resort wear collection. These pieces are made to be styled alongside our classic swimwear; built around timeless silhouettes and neutral tones that seamlessly blend with our evergreen range. Think minimal, elegant, and endlessly wearable.
For our next swimwear drop, we wanted to have a bit more fun! So, you’ll see a fresh contrast to our signature classics. We’re introducing brighter, more playful tones inspired by peachy sunrises and summer escapes. And we’ve been listening closely to our customers… so yes, expect some long-awaited design requests to finally make their debut.
For anyone who thinks modest swimwear is a compromise, give us your one-line counter-argument— and how Lanuuk proves it.
Modest swimwear isn’t a compromise. It’s a refined choice that blends style and coverage with confidence. Our pieces are breathable, lightweight, quick-drying, and beautifully made to move with you.
What are some of your favourite pieces by the brand? Any styling/ layering tips?
Diana is our go-to! It’s effortlessly elegant and endlessly versatile. With its flattering ruching, easy slip-on design, and subtle sophistication, it’s the kind of piece you can wear layered under a sarong or wide-leg pants, then layer with a linen shirt. It’s understated yet polished. perfect for women. Women who want coverage without losing that elevated feel. We love styling it with tonal layers or gold accessories for a look that transitions from poolside to evening drinks with ease.
Being at the forefront of the modest resort/swimwear evolution with Lanuuk, why do you think it’s important to keep innovating in this space?
Because modesty isn’t static. It evolves with the women who choose it. As their lives, needs, and style sensibilities shift, so should the options available to them. We see innovation not just as design- forward thinking, but as a responsibility to keep pushing the boundaries of what modest swimwear can look and feel like—elevated, empowering, and uncompromising in every way.
