Lea Gottlieb, a Hungarian Holocaust survivor, founded Gottex in Tel Aviv in 1956 after selling her wedding ring to buy fabric.

Why did Princess Diana wear Gottex?

Gottex built a reputation through the 1970s and 1980s as a premier fashion swimwear label with haute-couture construction, which drew celebrity clients including Princess Diana, Elizabeth Taylor, Queen Sofia of Spain, and Brooke Shields.

What does the name Gottex mean?

Gottex is a portmanteau of founder Lea Gottlieb's surname and the word textiles.

Who owns Gottex today?

Africa-Israel Group, controlled by Lev Leviev, acquired Gottex in 1997 and the brand continues producing swimwear positioned in the $100 to $200 range.

When did Lea Gottlieb die?

Lea Gottlieb died on November 17, 2012, in Tel Aviv, at age 94.

Founders & Companies

Gottex: The Swimwear Brand That Dressed Princess Diana

The Olam Editorial Team

Editorial Team

Aug 28, 2026

Gottex: founded 1956 in Tel Aviv by Holocaust survivor Lea Gottlieb. She sold her wedding ring to buy fabric. Dressed Princess Diana and Elizabeth Taylor. Peak $40M revenue, 80 countries.

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