Joel Mesler Brings His Poolside Palette to Vilebrequin

Artist Joel Mesler has long explored memory, identity, and joy through his vividly autobiographical paintings — sunny compositions filled with text, humor, and a dash of California nostalgia. Now, he’s turning that world into something you can wear.

This summer, Mesler has teamed up with French swimwear label Vilebrequin on a limited-edition capsule collection that brings his visual language to the beach. Think graphic trunks and a bright tote bag that feel less like merch and more like portable art — each piece nodding to the pool parties of Mesler’s L.A. childhood, reimagined through his playful, symbolic lens.

“There’s something about the pool that’s always felt like a portal — both fun and slightly surreal,” says Mesler, who worked closely with Vilebrequin to translate that feeling into wearable design.

The collection launched on June 4, just ahead of his solo show “Miles of Smiles,” opening August 3 at Guild Hall in East Hampton.

The campaign, photographed at Mesler’s own East Hampton home and at LongHouse Reserve, stars the artist and his son—a quietly touching detail in a project all about connection, both familial and artistic.

For a brand rooted in the sunny hedonism of Saint-Tropez, Mesler’s introspective take adds a new layer.

“Joel bestows the same playfulness to his paintings that Vilebrequin does to our swimwear,” said CEO Roland Herlory.

The collaboration includes men’s and boys’ trunks ($325 and $160) and a tote ($180) — but more than that, it’s a reminder that art doesn’t always hang on walls. Sometimes, it floats.