As far as beachwear trends are concerned, there will always be the floral prints, the nautical inspired suits, the little black two-piece and certain other staple looks. But from bold cut-outs to stringed detailing on bottoms, there was enough experimenting, this year at the Miama Swimwear Week 2015. Plenty of new and exciting options cropped up, which could put one out of the sartorial comfort zone and into a risqué mesh number or a high-waist vintage bikini or cut-out halter one-piece. A big take-away from this season is that it’s all about the ornamentation. Swimwear featured a variety of embroidered detailing, long tassels and gilded hardware, making the attire more glamorous than ever.
There are certain trends which remain as permanent fixtures in one’s wardrobe and the classic string bikini is a perfect example of that. The black string bikini confirms that it is a classic design that can still be placed amongst the ranks of the fashion forward ones, year after year. Starting with the tried-and-true, either in solids or patterned, black or coloured, it’s hard to go wrong with the string bikini. Then comes the one-shoulder piece which adds an elegant detail to an otherwise plain swimsuit. A simple solid coloured bathing suit with some ruching, pleating or other fabric detailing, makes such a design look flattering.
Strapless bikinis are equally popular, whether one gravitates toward a classic bandeau style or prefers a top with ruching or twisting, a bandeau top is an easy way to avoid awkward tan lines. Sweetheart bandeau tops were visible on the runways that made black-and-white stand apart from the mostly, neon and tropical prints present. Other options of the strapless tops included a front-tie version that fits those who have a smaller bust size, the best. Mostly, this tie-front style is opted over the less flattering ones that stretch straight across. When one needs a little extra support and a better shape than the string ones offer, there are always the underwire bikinis as seen on the runways of Tori Praver which have diverse patterns or ruffles.
Ruffled bikinis are always the favourite in summers as they are fun and exciting. Ruffles on tops can add volume to smaller-chested people and can even resemble a crop top, but this year, ruffles were present on the bottoms instead of the tops for a more innovative vibe which can be found in the collection of Topshop. “Ruffles and frills add a playful quality to swimwear, which is being demanded by our buyers at the moment,” shares N. P. Sawhney, Director, Sawhney Export House. A high-neck swimsuit may not prove to be the typical beach look, but it was certainly a new trend this summer. It’s a great way to balance out a tiny bikini bottom; ‘Beach Riot’ provides the perfect example of a sporty version of the same. A few designers took the vintage route by going for high-waist bikini bottoms that crossed the models’ bodies at the smallest part of the waist, which results in an attractive silhouette. There were special details added like a thin belt seen on the Michael Kors runway and South Asian prints accentuating every curve at Mara Hoffman. A long-line bustier also provides a retro look to the two-piece, whether for extra support or just for visual appeal, the longer bustier top that hits low on the ribcage. Zinke paired his bustier, beautifully, with high-waist bottoms that created a mix of proportions.
The sporty swimsuit made a second appearance, this year, with mesh, zippers and bold primary colours doing the rounds, to channel the athletic side. T by Alexander Wang, showcased the perfect coverage for a game of volleyball without the fear of wardrobe malfunction. In other collections, these bikinis were made memorable with sunglasses and high-tops that gave them a feel of 80’s. Cut-outs were in prominence too, as one-piece swimwear boasted of unique cuts and slashings. A one-piece with a more interesting shape, like the one at Victoria’s Secret’s show, is a great way to subtly parade this trend. Long-sleeved leotard suits gave their skin-baring counterparts some serious competition. For those who strictly need swimwear for surfboarding or a little more sun protection at the water’s edge, there were rash guards, this season. Designers totally embraced the trend of these full-sleeves tops, by offering a range of different styles and patterns, like the one from Basta Surf.
The fringe is going to remain in full force throughout 2015, but in more creative forms than seen before. While the versions of the cascading fringe bra top are abundant, this year’s fringe was bigger, bolder and took the centre stage. “Fringing and tassels are very much present in our collection, this time too, in addition to the bead-work, coin work, chain stitching and stone work,” says Manoj K. Dharamshi, CEO, Manoj Expo International. The playful design seen at Kaimana Navajo included a tribal print suit, featuring a triangle top with fringe detailing and a small bottom with fringe borders. Another great example is the Raisins Bali bandeau fringe top, which comes in seafoam or black and can be worn in two ways.
The matching Sweet Pea pant bottom has tie sides with fringe tassels that perfectly complement the top. String accents are a standout style for the season as this detailing is replacing the back of tops and sides of bikini bottoms. Creating a high impact look, this trend has given a long awaited upgrade to the simple bandeau top and string bottom. A perfect example of string accenting is the Beach Riot may top with its laced-up string back and zigzag side ties on Ditzy’s bottoms. These striking styles are fun, while still not being too revealing. Flowing, sheer cover-ups were in attendance too, equally show-stopping on the runways as the suits beneath at Sonia Vera.
A few designers took the vintage route by going for high-waist bikini bottoms that crossed the model’s bodies at the smallest part of the waist, which results in an attractive silhouette
Coming to the most popular fabrics that will rule the summer, crochet was on top of the list as a result of the fine detailing that goes into creating each intricate pattern. These specially crafted pieces make for a bohemian beach look. One label that has mastered incorporating crochet into its swimwear is Mikoh. The understated accent gives Mikoh’s cheeky cuts a unique twist. Another way this fabric was incorporated as a slightly-sheer crochet cover-up. Revealing mesh suits were popular on the runways too, which gave the garment a futuristic look. “We add mesh inserts in one-pieces to give the garment a sporty feel but also make sure that we include pieces that come with embroidery and colourful beads,” adds Sawhney.
Neoprene came to the rescue for all those who opt for sportier beachwear and clean linear cuts, as seen at Chloe, who put matching suspenders for a winning look. Fashion aside, when it comes to diving, Neoprene provides all the reinforcements that are needed.
Neoprene came to the rescue for all those who opt for sportier beachwear and clean linear cuts, as seen at Chloe, who put matching suspenders for a winning look. Fashion aside, when it comes to diving, Neoprene provides all the reinforcements that are needed. Designers accessorized by using hardware on their creations, chunky gold adornments, ready to reflect the blazing sun made a big impact in Miami. Swimwear accented with heavy metal and sparkling jewels are going to be the suits in demand. No one does ornamentation better than Sauvage and Beach Bunny – there is a perfect mix of bling and bronze, in addition to pieces constructed with textured hardware and blue rhinestone detailing.
Picking from the vast range of shades, a train of designers – Herve Leger, Jason Wu, Dion Lee, Cushnie et Ochs and Rachel Comey – took to black swimwear which shows their loyalty towards a classic and how it will always prevail. Flattering and timeless, but for 2015, asymmetry, cut-outs and straps added a contemporary edge. Blue tones were also dominant in swimwear as these were for the S/S’14 season, for both womenswear and menswear, as seen at Preen, Maria Cornejo, Dior, Emilio Pucci, Anna Sui and Tracy Reese. “Where colours are concerned, there is an equal demand for monochrome, as well as bright tropical hues,” concludes Mayank Kumar Sadh, Director, Naresh Apparels Pvt. Ltd. Accentuating the colours, romantic patterns and bold detailing took to the stage as models sashayed down the catwalks of Zimmerman, Bottega Veneta, Herve Leger, Givenchy, Michael Kors, and Ports.
