This year we took in a few new swimwear lines that we had not carried before. Some had already been out in the marketplace for awhile, others were fairly new. One new line that I really liked this season was Peonie Swimwear. This new line from Los Angeles did not have a lot of bodies to choose from this year, but what they did have is a great eye for shape and detail. Their designs are simple, pretty and cut exactly right. LA celebs have been picking up their bikinis and the fashion mags have taken note...so have our customers.
Another new swimwear brand this season was Maaji Swimwear from Colombia. The designers, Manuela and Amalia Sierra, have combined their wild imaginations to combine a kaleidoscope of colorful prints, with lots of fun embellishments, ruffles and unexpected shapes, all at a reasonable price point. The look is very young and I would suggest that this is sized as a Junior/Teen line, not Missy. Still, if you can wear this size group, then go for it...Maaji Swimwear's stuff is really cute!
Then, there's Agua Bendita Swimwear...Similar to Maaji Swimwear with it's use of mixed prints and fun trims, but more like a big sister. This line is so sophisticated, while still absolutely adorable! I had been watching this company for a couple of years and decided to finally jump in. Our customers have been loving it. Deservedly, Agua Bendita has been garnering much attention. This season's Heavenly Delights collection features South African model Candice Swanepoel, who also just happens to be the newest Victoria's Secret Angel.
Sauipe Swimwear caught my eye at a small gathering of reps in LA. Their label name is inspired by the natural beauty of the Costa do Sauipe, on the north coast of Bahia, Brazil. I fell in love with their simple, rich look, combined with their use of very high-end materials and superb craftsmanship. Their fit is what I would call, "Moderate Brazilian"...sexy, but not skimpy. This season we decided to go with a a trio of bodies and a cool color group from Sauipe Swimwear's 2010 collection. The Sapphire Beach Bandeau Bikini is done in one of their exclusive prints and the fit and workmanship are impeccable. The Dolphin Reef Bikini is a stationary tri-top swimsuit, done in a modern, window-pane print. The Monte Carlo Maillot, created in a lavender solid, has a bandeau bodice and slight ruching along the waist...all gorgeous!
Before I go, I can't forget to mention Tyler Rose Swimwear...this line is just plain sexy-fun! Designer, Nichole Carroll, a true Californian at heart, had worked in a variety of jobs in the fashion industry, before setting out to create her own swimwear label. Inspired by the vintage looks of a bygone era, she throws in a big dose of star glamor, mixed with a dash of rock-n-roll, into all of her designs. The look is unique, eclectic, and totally Californian. There is just nothing ordinary about it. Nichole uses very unusual fabrics, from purple lames, to crocheted knits, to Native American bead work, to swishy fringe....it all works for her.
Now, it's time to settle down with the 2011 look books and see what's in store for next season...
~ C.
