Don`t throw away this year`s swimsuit. You may need it next year if you plan to dip more than your toes.
Last week, swimwear designers showed previews of what will wash up in the stores come December. And it has a lot more to do with posing than swimming.
Ruffles, eyelets, lace, appliques, belts, skirts and sheer cover-ups were the order of the day. Borrowing from the ready-to-wear trends, there was also a healthy dose of menswear-inspired looks, animal prints and styles from the wild, wild West.
Wide-brimmed hats, elbow-length gloves, gobs of jewelry and platform shoes were just a few of the accessories used to underscore the dressed-up feeling.
Who better to set the tone than Norma Kamali? Underwire cups, another big trend of the week, were used in every other suit shown, along with skater`s skirts. Kamali`s glamorous bathers called to mind Vargas pinup girls from the 1940s.
Simple sinks
Miriam Ruzow of the Israeli firm Gottex served up a bed of roses with fanciful appliques and ruffles.
Even Mr. Clean Calvin Klein dispensed with his ultrasimple maillots in favor of lace insets, metallic sheen and leopard prints.
Anne Cole decided to do nautical with ”our tongues stashed firmly in our cheeks.” Also inspired by the showgirls of the `40s, Cole`s ”Treasure Chest” styles strategically used gold coiled rope, while chorus-girl skirts made for demure and flirty swimsuits.
In its second year, Cote d`Azur had a field day with frilly white ruffles and eyelet, as well as jean-inspired styles, which it showed with denim platform shoes.
Randolph Duke, also a designer at Anne Cole, showed his own collection of suits and resortwear. Inspired by Greek goddesses, these ornate numbers are for the woman who wants to be worshipped for something other than her brain. Duke`s purposefully placed straps and deep and wide V-necks will keep the wearer mindful of her movements.
Downtown Julie Brown was the hostess of Catalina Jrs. show at Planet Hollywood. Sexy dancers, including a man featured in Madonna`s videos, boogied and jiggled in gingham, ruffles and futuristic cut-out shapes. Young and fun, they`ll be no keeping these suits out of the water.
