LAUNE x La Porte
Meet Johanna Davenport Calica, founder of La Porte. La Porte, which means “the door” in French, is a luxury swim and resortwear brand. Since its inception, La Porte has been grounded in individuality to celebrate each and every authentic individual. In many ways, La Porte is more than a brand, it’s a lifestyle. Sustainable to the core and mindfully made, learn more about La Porte, Johanna, and the brand’s ethos below.
1. Tell me about La Porte? How was it created?
La Porte was founded in 2018. I had the thought in college to start a swimwear brand that was unique, inclusive and made you feel like your best self. Every day the team and I are on a mission to make the best swim on the market while simultaneously creating pieces mindful of a sustainable product ecosystem.
2. What is the LAUNE (mood) of La Porte?
Slim Aarons circa 1970s
3. What inspires you?
Everything! I can find inspiration in the most unlikely of places. I love getting lost in inspiration and seeing the product that comes from it.
4. What does the design process look like?
We design 6-10 months ahead of time! It is a lengthy process of trial and error, its my least and most favorite part.. sometimes ideas in your head don’t execute the way you think and at the same time some ideas you didn’t expect to be great end up being best sellers.
5. Describe La Porte’s style in three words.
Nostalgic. Witty. Chic.
6. Tell me about the Camille Kostek x La Porte Edit. Such an iconic collab!
We are so excited for this! Camille is such a rare breed in this world. She is as kind as she is stunning and works so incredibly hard, it's been such a joy to work with someone so wonderful. Our resort edit will be launching in November and the full Camille Kostek x La Porte collection will be launching spring 2025! We cant wait to share it with the world!
7. What’s next for La Porte?
We have some extremely exciting new retail partners rolling out as early as November. This year we tripled our wholesale footprint and our team doubled! I love all of our new partners and team members, I feel so incredibly lucky. I cant wait for everyone to see what we're unveiling in the spring!
Rapid Fire:
1. Favorite brand?
Celine
2. Favorite La Porte piece?
Oo thats so hard.. its like picking a favorite child! Either the Nixy one piece or Stephanie one piece..they're just so special.
3. What are three staple items that every closet should have?
A great bikini,
A white tshirt
Jeans
4. If you could only wear one designer for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Celine
5. Favorite place?
The Bahamas
6. Beach or pool?
Beach
7. Favorite style icon?
Flea from Red Hot Chilli Peppers, Virgil Abloh (forever) & Shannon Abloh and Phoebe Philo
8. Favorite movie?
Father of the Bride (Part 2)
9. What are you loving right now?
The energy of Gen Z, I love learning what’s next, what’s new..evolution is everything. Pinterest, I feel like I'm in my Nancy Meyers era. I'm loving all my friends who are new moms, watching them is such a joy and I love being an auntie to their kids, its so special.
