Born in Paris, Lola’s toddler years were spent on her family’s sailboat whisked by the wind to Tahiti and wherever their hearts felt was right. Through their travels, her mom crafted and sold jewelry, (a skill that she’s passed on to Lola) and taught her to live freely and attuned with nature—a nomadic gypsy lifestyle akin to ‘50s-‘70s surfer rebels in pursuit of flow, counterculture to society’s expectations.
The Mignot family settled in Sayulita, Mexico, a sleepy fishing village nestled in bay abundant in coconuts and waves. It was at this right point break that Lola showed up for her daily lessons with the ocean like a ballerina at the barre; each day refining her movements and a style that’s all her own. Because art doesn’t begin and end with the finished product—a painting, a necklace, a film—it's constantly creating and evolving.
We pinned Lola down in Saladita during the MexiLogFest to talk more about her eponymous suit and where she'll get her next passport stamps.
All photos by Lucrecia O'Keefe and Dylan Gordon.
Video by Leah Dawson for Herewith Magazine. Click HERE to see Lola's story and pick up a copy of the print issue.
Tell us more about your first signature suit! What did you want in a suit and why?
The Lola suit’s high cut leg—it was in a suit my mom used to wear in the ‘90s. I saw it in a photo of hers when I was picking through an old box in the corner of our studio. Since then I’ve always been inspired by the ‘80s and ‘90s, it’s funky and fun. The curved waist pattern on the suit follows the waistline of a woman's body. The suit is simple, you put it on and you will look good and feel good in and out of the water at any time. GO SURFING AND ENJOY THE LOLA SUIT!
What are some of the things that you always travel with and why?
The biggest piece and the most important, my boards of course! My multi-use sarong, high-waisted jean shorts with a little white tank top (the basics), and if I want to go and treat myself to a fancy dinner I take out my silk black dress that I stole from mama. My essential oils—niaouli, eucalyptus, and lavender—my grandma remedies that will help me get through any sickness at any time. My jewelry, leather and lose pearls so in case I run out of money I can go around and sell them, get money and travel some more. This always comes in handy. My jewelry is also a way to say 'thank you' to all the people that open their homes and take care of me while I’m traveling.
When was the first time you traveled alone?
I often travel without mama and papa, but was well accompanied by my uncles and aunts while I was little. We are one big family, a gypsy family. But the first time I traveled without family members, I was about 13 from Mexico to California and Malibu with my dear friend Karina Rozunko. Perfect waves and freedom!
Through your travels, you’ve gotten to see how a lot of other people live around the world. Does it make you appreciate how your family brought you up close to nature? Why?
Yes, I did love the way my mom and dad brought us close to nature. In fact, my first years I lived merged into nature. We were in the sailboat surrounded by water, the moon, the sun. When I grew up little by little my mom just trusted me so much— and still today. We didn't even go to school. For my mom and dad, life itself is an adventure from the day we are born to the day we die, we never stop learning. We grew up with the idea to "live what you love.”
In France we have a saying that says, "le voyage forme la jeunesse" [travel broadens the mind]... and that's what we did and keep on doing… and now having the possibility of traveling and learning from other cultures is a blessing.
What are you excited to do next?
I’m excited for it all! Life is bringing me many adventures every step I make.
But Europe is in my To-Do list at the moment. Portugal to begin with, then Spain to visit my grandparents whom I really miss. And from there I will let destiny decide for me. I will be traveling without a board, because with a board it would be hard to jump from train to train. Then I will be able to know the world without surfing for a month or two. There are very different cultures besides the sea that I want to see, and to travel on my own, meet people, and see what else there is to learn in life for me.
Follow along with Lola's travels on her Instagram: @lolamignot
Shop Lola's suit here!
MORE SEEABABE STORIES
]]>Karina Rozunko in the Jalama bikini. Photo by Luki O'Keefe. |
Australia, we never want this extended holiday to end. West Coast Seeababes Karina Rozunko, Lola Mignot and Makala Smith test out the latest Seea x Anthropologie collection at Byron Bay and Noosa’s perfect crests. All photos by Luki O’Keefe.
SHOP the Seea x Anthopologie collection.
Karina Rozunko in the Jalama bikini. Photo by Luki O'Keefe. |
Karina wears the Lido One-Piece. Photo by Luki O'Keefe. |
Lola wears the Hermosa Surf Suit. Photo by Luki O'Keefe. |
Lola wears the Hermosa Surf Suit and Karina wears the Lido One-Piece. Photo by Luki O'Keefe. |
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Lola Mignot wears the Hermosa Surf Suit. Photo by Luki O'Keefe. |
Karina wears the Lido One-Piece. Photo by Luki O'Keefe. |
Karina wears the Lido One-Piece. Photo by Luki O'Keefe. |
Karina wears the Lido One-Piece. Photo by Luki O'Keefe. |
Makala Smith wears the Zuma Surf Suit. Photo by Luki O'Keefe. |
Photo by Luki O'Keefe. |
Lola wears the Lido in Roma. Photo by Luki O'Keefe. |
Lola and Makala party wave. Photo by Luki O'Keefe. |
Lola and Makala party wave. Photo by Luki O'Keefe. |
Lola and Makala party wave. Photo by Luki O'Keefe. |
Lola in the Lido One-Piece. Photo by Luki O'Keefe. |
Lola wears the Lido One-Piece. Photo by Luki O'Keefe. |
Lola wears the Lido One-Piece. Photo by Luki O'Keefe. |
Karina wears the Samara Bottom in Gold Leaf; Rachel wears the Adria Top and Capitola Bottom in Dawn; Makala wears the Jalama Top in Selva and Ensenada Bottom. Photo by Luki O'Keefe. |
Rachel wears the Adria Top and Capitola Bottom in Dawn. Photo by Luki O'Keefe. |
Karina wears the Samara Bottom in Gold Leaf. Photo by Luki O'Keefe. |
Rachel wears the Adria Top in Dawn. Photo by Luki O'Keefe. |
Rachel wears the Palomar Top and Capitola Bottom in Dawn. Photo by Luki O'Keefe. |
Rachel wears the Adria Top and Capitola Bottom in Dawn; Makala wears the Jalama Top in Selva and Ensenada Bottom; Karina wears the Samara Bottom in Gold Leaf. Photo by Luki O'Keefe. |
Rachel wears the Adria Top and Capitola Bottom in Dawn; Makala wears the Jalama Top in Selva and Ensenada Bottom; Karina wears the Samara Bottom in Gold Leaf. Photo by Luki O'Keefe. |
Rachel wears the Lido in Gold Leaf. Photo by Luki O'Keefe. |
Makala wears the Tofino in Black Lace. Photo by Luki O'Keefe. |
Lola wears the Palomar Crop Top in Black Lace. Photo by Luki O'Keefe. |
Makala wears the Tofino in Black Lace. Photo by Luki O'Keefe. |
Makala wears the Tofino in Black Lace. Photo by Luki O'Keefe. |
Makala wears the Tofino in Black Lace. Photo by Luki O'Keefe. |
Karina wears the Palomar Crop Top and Capitola Bottom in Dawn. Lola wears the Palomar Crop Top in Black Lace. Photo by Luki O'Keefe. |
Karina wears the Palomar Crop Top and Capitola Bottom in Dawn. Lola wears the Palomar Crop Top in Black Lace. Photo by Luki O'Keefe. |
Karina wears the Riviera in Cocodot. Photo by Luki O'Keefe. |
Karina wears the Riviera in Cocodot. Photo by Luki O'Keefe. |
Karina wears the Riviera in Cocodot. Photo by Luki O'Keefe. |
Karina wears the Riviera in Cocodot. Photo by Luki O'Keefe. |
Karina wears the Riviera in Cocodot. Photo by Luki O'Keefe. |
Photo by Luki O'Keefe. |
Karina wears the Tabatinga Bikini in Cocodot. Luki wears the Riviera in Cocodot. |
Karina wears the Tabatinga Bikini in Cocodot. Luki wears the Riviera in Cocodot. |
It's that transitional season when the balmy saltwater temperature is perfect for neoprene-free paddling and the sunset golden hour becomes even more magnificently sparkling.
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Lola Mignot wears the Zuma Surf Suit in Black Porto. Photo by Luki O'Keefe. |
Labor Day typically marks the end of summer — remember the old adage not to wear white after Labor Day? But in California, September feels like our hottest month all year. The SoCal shorelines are at the perfect balmy saltwater temperature for neoprene-free paddling and as the earth rotates around the sun into Fall, that sunset golden hour becomes even more magnificently sparkling.
Makala Smith and Lola Mignot play in the warm California waters wearing the Black Porto collection. All photos by Luki O'Keefe.
Click here to Shop Now!
Lola Mignot wears the Zuma Surf Suit in Black Porto. Photo by Luki O'Keefe. |
Makala wears the Capitola Top and Calafia Leggings in Black Porto. Photo by Luki O'Keefe. |
Makala wears the Capitola Top and Calafia Leggings in Black Porto. Photo by Luki O'Keefe. |
Makala wears the Capitola Top and Calafia Leggings in Black Porto. Photo by Luki O'Keefe. |
Lola wears the Zuma Surf Suit in Black Porto. Photo by Luki O'Keefe. |
Lola wears the Zuma Surf Suit in Black Porto and sunglasses by Raen. Photo by Luki O'Keefe. |
Lola wears the Zuma Surf Suit in Black Porto. Photo by Luki O'Keefe. |
Makala wears the Capitola Top and Calafia Leggings in Black Porto. Photo by Luki O'Keefe. |
Makala wears the Capitola Top and Calafia Leggings in Black Porto. Photo by Luki O'Keefe. |
Makala wears the Capitola Top and Calafia Leggings in Black Porto. Photo by Luki O'Keefe. |
Lola wears the Zuma Surf Suit in Black Porto. Photo by Luki O'Keefe. |
MORE BEACH FASHION:
]]>There is no one size fits all for surfboards but some of the Bing longboards come pretty darn close. Read on to find out which magic Bing longboard model that three of the Seeababes swear by.
]]>Mele Saili wears the Capitola Top in Prarie, Rincon neoprene Jacket and Marina Pants. Photo by Nick LaVecchia for Without Walls. |
Mele wears the Hermosa in Earth Waves, riding her Bing longboard. Photo by Nick LaVecchia. |
Mele Saili holds the custom Seea x Bing Surfboard that we are raffling off now! Click for more info. Contest ends May 31, 2015. |
Close-up of the logos on the bottom of the surfboard. Photo by Stone Crandall. |
funtemplates x Bing Surfboard! Photo by Stone Crandall. |
Lola Mignot wears the Zuma in Rose Petal with her Bing longboard. Photo by Luki O'Keefe. |
Lola Mignot in the Zuma Surf Suit in Rose Petal. Photo by Luki O'Keefe. |
Lola Mignot surfs her Bing longboard in the Zuma Surf Suit in Rose Petal. Photo by Luki O'Keefe. |
Taylor Nelson wears the Zuma in Black Stripe. Photo by Alex Shea. |
Taylor Nelson takes a break on her Bing longboard wearing in the Leucadia in Luna. |
Taylor Nelson levitates on the nose wearing the Zuma Surf Suit in Burgundy. |
"Intimasea" is a short film that celebrates the beauty and grace of women's longboard surfing, and dreamy high of playing in the waves with your friends.
]]>Made in collaboration with Australian filmmaker Nathan Oldfield, "Intimasea" is a short film that celebrates the beauty and grace of women's longboard surfing, and dreamy high of playing in the waves with your friends.
Featuring Seeababe ambassadors: Leah Dawson, Lola Mignot, Hallie Rohr, Karina Rozunko, Mele Saili and Makala Smith wearing the Seea 2015 collection, and filmed in Australia.
“Unfortunately, when I was a grom, there weren’t many girls and women in the water. I went through high school knowing only one girl who surfed with us,” said Nathan Oldfield in The Inertia. “Back then, lineups tended to be very macho affairs — very competitive, crowded with full-on sword fights. Nowadays, the tables have completely turned, especially where I live. I for one am completely stoked to share waves with lady sliders. They bring a unique and beautiful and gentler energy to surfing culture; it is a privilege and a pleasure and, above all, an inspiration to share time in the ocean with sea sisters.”
Shop the looks seen in "Intimasea" HERE!
]]>In the hot midday sun, decompress from the glassy morning revelries, and the vibrating energy of the city below. Yeah, in this Mexico bohemian artist and surfer’s utopian retreat, every day here is the best day.
]]>Karina Rozunko in the Zuma in Rose Petal and Lola Mignot in the Ensenada Bikini in Ginko. Photo by Luki O'Keefe. |
Lola Mignot in the Zuma in Rose Petal. Photo by Luki O'Keefe. |
Karina Rozunko in the Tofino in Black Porto. Photo by Luki O'Keefe. |
On the boat. Photo by Luki O'Keefe. |
Karina Rozunko in the Tofino in Black Porto. Photo by Luki O'Keefe. |
Karina Rozunko in the Tofino in Black Porto. Photo by Luki O'Keefe. |
Lola Mignot in the Zuma in Rose Petal. Photo by Luki O'Keefe. |
Karina wears the Tofino in Black Porto. Photo by Luki O'Keefe. |
Shady spot for sunny people. Photo by Luki O'Keefe. |
Welcome to the CasaLove! Karina in the Zuma in Rose Petal and Lola in the Ensenada in Ginko. Photo by Luki O'Keefe. |
Seize the Day! Karina in the Zuma in Rose Petal. Photo by Luki O'Keefe. |
View from the top. Photo by Luki O'Keefe. |
Karina in the Zuma in Rose Petal and Lola in the Ensenada in Ginko. Photo by Luki O'Keefe. |
Roof dance party. Karina in the Zuma in Rose Petal and Lola in the Ensenada in Ginko. Photo by Luki O'Keefe. |
Lola in the Ensenada in Ginko. Photo by Luki O'Keefe. |
Lola in the Chicama in Aquaflor top and Capitola Bottom in Aquaflor. Photo by Luki O'Keefe. |
Lola in the Chicama in Aquaflor top and Capitola Bottom in Aquaflor. Photo by Luki O'Keefe. |
Lola in the Chicama in Aquaflor top and Capitola Bottom in Aquaflor. Photo by Luki O'Keefe. |
Lola in the Chicama in Aquaflor top and Capitola Bottom in Aquaflor. Photo by Luki O'Keefe. |
The anticipation was rising, and Byron Bay's famed glassy perfection didn't disappoint.
]]>The anticipation was rising, and Byron Bay's famed glassy perfection didn't disappoint.
Being foreigners in roaming cell phone tower zones, connecting in real life with our Aussie family branches was a game of comment tag through Instagram posts and email chats on stolen Wi-Fi. And when the stars finally aligned for California Seeababes Mele Saili and Lola Mignot to share waves with Byron Babes Chrystal Dawn Fitzgerald, Lauren L. Hill and photographer Ming Nomchong, it was heaven-sent fun.
Special thanks to Ming Nomchong for capturing the blissful session. Don't miss her blog, The Drifter for more salty inspiration.
Mele Saili wears the Seea Swami's in Blue Fossil. Photo by Ming Nomchong. |
Lola Mignot wears the Seea Mundaka Wrap Top and Solimar Bikini Bottoms in Luna. Photo by Ming Nomchong. |
The inspiring Lauren Hill slices through the crowd. Photo by Ming Nomchong. |
A brilliant dance. Photo by Ming Nomchong. |
The graceful gliding of Mele Saili. Photo by Ming Nomchong. |
Chrystal Dawn Fitzgerald wearing the Leucadia High-Waist bottoms in Luna. Photo by Ming Nomchong. |
Lola over the edge. Photo by Ming Nomchong. |
Filmmaker Nathan Oldfield joined in the fun. Photo by Ming Nomchong. |
Bing surfboards team rider, Lauren Hill. Photo by Ming Nomchong. |
Lola Mignot. Photo by Ming Nomchong. |
MORE SEEABABES IN OZ:
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Congrats to the Seeababes who placed at the 2015 Noosa Festival of Surfing! Read on for full results and photos from the contest.
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Karina Rozunko during one of the heats at the Noosa Festival of Surfing 2015. Photo via Noosafestivalofsurfing.com |
Mele Saili after one of her heats at the Noosa Festival of Surfing 2015. Photo via Noosafestivalofsurfing.com |
Cool and confident, Makala Smith at the Noosa Festival of Surfing. Photo via @letmesea on Instagram. |
Another great shot of Mele Saili leaning in. Photo via @letmesea on Instagram. |
Winner of the Women's Open Mele Saili during the final round. Photo by Narrow Path Media. |
Second place in the Junior women's, Lola Mignot goes in reverse. Photo by Narrow Path Media. |
Another one of Karina Rozunko flying, winner of the Women's Pro. Photo by Narrow Path Media. |
A day in the life of the Seeababes during their last trip to Sayulita, Mexico for the MexiLogFest.
]]>Catching dreams. Lola Mignot on the left wearing the Zuma One-Piece in Black Stripe. Karina Rozunko on the right wearing the Capitola Top and Solimar Bottom in Black Stripe. Photo by Luki O'Keefe. |
Lola Mignot on the left wearing the Zuma One-Piece in Black Stripe. Karina Rozunko on the right wearing the Capitola Top and Solimar Bottom in Black Stripe. Photo by Luki O'Keefe. |
We woke up like this. Lola Mignot in the Zuma One-Piece in Black Stripe. Photo by Luki O'Keefe. |
Let loose. Lola Mignot in the Zuma One-Piece in Black Stripe. Photo by Luki O'Keefe. |
Photographer Luki O'Keefe in the Chicama Top in Cable Knit. |
Through the woods. Lola Mignot in the Zuma One-Piece in Burgundy. Photo by Luki O'Keefe. |
Spot check. Lola Mignot in the Zuma One-Piece in Burgundy. Photo by Luki O'Keefe. |
Karina Rozunko in the Palmas in Nautique. Photo by Luki O'Keefe. |
Beach relaxing. Lola in the Zuma in Burgundy, Karina in the Palmas in Nautique. Photo by Luki O'Keefe. |
Karina in the Palmas in Nautique. Photo by Luki O'Keefe. |
Lola in the Zuma in Burgundy. Photo by Luki O'Keefe. |
Dude time. Photo by Luki O'Keefe. |
Yeww! Small wave fun. Lola in the Zuma One-Piece in Burgundy. Photo by Luki O'Keefe. |
Lola in the Zuma One-Piece in Burgundy. Photo by Luki O'Keefe. |
All day long. Karina in the Palmas in Nautique. Lola in the Zuma in Burgundy. Photo by Luki O'Keefe. |
Karina in the Palmas in Nautique. Lola in the Zuma in Burgundy. Photo by Luki O'Keefe. |
Hippie paradise. Photo by Luki O'Keefe. |
Hallie in the Capitola Top in Blue Tide and Maderas shorts in Deco Waves. Photo by Luki O'Keefe. |
BFFS. Lola wears the Palmas One-Piece in Nautique. Karina wears The Capitola Top and Solimar Bottom in Black Stripe. Photo by Luki O'Keefe. |
Sunset dance. Photo by Luki O'Keefe. |
Karina in the Capitola Top and the Solimar Bottom in Black Stripe. Lola in the Pacifica in Nautique. Photo by Luki O'Keefe. |
Splash! Photo by Luki O'Keefe. |
Karina in the Capitola Top and Solimar Bottom in Black Stripe. Lola in the Palmas in Nautique. Photo by Luki O'Keefe. |
Yay! Photo by Luki O'Keefe. |
Double Yay! Photo by Luki O'Keefe. |
Reunited! Makala Smith (in the Tofino One-Piece in Blue Tide) booked her ticket to Mexico and arrived in 24 hours. It's not a party without her! Photo by Luki O'Keefe. |
Lola in the Palmas in Nautique. Photo by Luki O'Keefe. |
Lola in the Palmas in Nautique. Photo by Luki O'Keefe. |
We may have come to Sayulita for the Mexi LogFest contest, but what we remember the most are the down days off — scrambling barefoot through the jungle, the salty hot wind as we zipped on a panga boat to find point breaks in the nooks and crannies of the vast Mexico coastline, and the waves. Oh, the perfect rights all to ourselves until the sun sank into the horizon.
]]>Hallie Rohr in Mexico, wearing the Seea Mundaka Wrap Top and Leucadia Bottom in Luna. Photo by Luki O'Keefe. |
Feels good to be back! Not our first time around this block, and we couldn't be happier. Photo by Luki O'Keefe. |
Enjoy the journey. Hallie Rohr wears the Seea Mundaka and Leucadia in Luna. Photo by Luki O'Keefe. |
Boat life. Karina Rozunko in the Chicama Top and bottom in Rosa. Photo by Luki O'Keefe. |
Surfing is better with friends. Karina in Chicama in Rosa and Hallie in the Mundaka Top in Luna. Photo by Luki O'Keefe. |
Jump in! Karina wears the Tofino One-Piece. Photo by Luki O'Keefe. |
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Karina in the Chicama in Rosa. Photo by Luki O'Keefe. |
Karina in the Chicama in Rosa. Photo by Luki O'Keefe. |
Underwater view. Photo by Luki O'Keefe. |
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Our fearless tour guide, unofficial mayor of Sayulita, and connector Israel Preciado. Photo by Luki O'Keefe. |
Flying! Hallie Rohr wears the Palomar Crop top and Leucadia bottom. Photo by Luki O'Keefe. |
Lola Mignot is right at home, wearing the Zuma. Photo by Luki O'Keefe. |
Rare break from behind the camera, Luki O'Keefe in a new neoprene suit, coming soon! Photo by Luki O'Keefe. |
Our resident guy pal on the trip, Nathan Strom winner of MexiLog Fest. Photo by Luki O'Keefe. |
Yeww soul arch! Nathan Strom. Photo by Luki O'Keefe. |
Luki tests out the new neoprene. Photo by Luki O'Keefe. |
Water break. Karina wears the Tofino. Photo by Luki O'Keefe. |
Feels like slow motion. Karina wears the Chicama Top and Bottom in Rosa. Photo by Luki O'Keefe. |
Hallie wears the Mundaka Top and Leucadia bottom in Luna. Photo by Luki O'Keefe. |