It’s hotter in area code 305

Everyone needs lots of Vitamin A and swimwear is no exception. One of the hottest trends in beachwear, it is loved by many A-list celebrities. The line is a well-kept secret however. Following its launch in the year 2010 by designer Amahlia Stevens, its main source of publicity is via word of mouth. The inspiration for nearly all of her work is from simple retro ideas with influence from the California landscape and lifestyle playing significant part. Vitamin A Swimwear has a whole range of items ranging from the simple types to revealing bikinis to full-length bathing suits that cover all. Two-piece bathing suits can be mixed and matched with the styles available to fit women of all sizes. Tunics and dresses to pair up with suits or bikinis are also available from this line.

Bleu Rod Beattie débuted his new line at the Miami show. ‘In swimwear, it’s all about fit. If it doesn't fit, it’s not going to sell. We are not T&A; we’re not string bikinis and thongs. We are a great-quality suit and offer fashion and consistent fit, higher Lycra content, and we’re not skimping on the hardware,’ Beattie told California Apparel News.

Caroline d’Amore, a model, actress, DJ, and friend of Paris Hilton, has now become a swimsuit designer extraordinaire as well. Her d’Amore Swim label débuted in LA and also sells at the Kardashian family’s Dash boutiques as well as other popular Southern California retailers. D’Amore suits guarantee that her swimwear will give any woman curves.

Cyn & Luca introduced its Island World Apparel Junior, Young Missy, and their line for expectant Moms, Missy, at the show. Founded in 2000 by Cynthia Hoey, the designer says, ‘I wanted to design a swimwear collection that reflected the love of water and the beach.’ Cyn’s suits have been on the covers of Sports Illustrated and Harper’s Bazaar, and have been featured in the Victoria’s Secret swim catalogue.

Luxury for the next generation is the motto of Crystal Jin, a brand that epitomizes the multi-faceted lifestyle of an under-the-radar jet-setter. The brand is created for modern style icons who appreciate dynamic designs melded with the sexy minimalist æsthetic in swimsuits and cover-ups that define New York City’s effortlessly chic elegance. Crystal Jin’s philosophy varies from dare-to-wear micro styles to architecturally constructed elements that evoke eveningwear to casual-glam ready-to-wear reinvented as beachwear.

Designed by Leah Madden, Queensland-based high-end swim and resort wear label, White Sands Australia, gave a glimpse of what we will be wearing pool side this summer. Its high summer 2012 collection, Pirouette, was an intriguing collection which explores the two female archetypes in film noir; the trustworthy and loving woman and the dark and seductive femme fatale. High-cut pants and structured ballet-inspired maillots in vintage floral prints and one pieces in white and pastel pink juxtapose with black and white animal print bikinis and ruched one pieces in sheer, seductive fabrics.

Inspired by the multicultural mix, architecture, and landscape of Los Angeles and California, the Trina Turk Collection is full of the season’s most casually sophisticated and “must-have” silhouettes. The collection has become known for an amazing pant fit and gorgeous signature prints.

Mara Hoffman swimwear rocked the runway. Having evolved from collections featuring hand-dyed couture pieces, her current collections concentrate heavily on original silk prints. Monaco designer Banana Moon offered great clean lines and designs, the swimwear resembling the classiness and sophistication often associated with Monaco.

Miraclesuit believes in curves. It begins with its unique and innovative fabric, Miratex. Next, it harnesses the best in bra support technology to ensure that the cuts suit every woman and pull the look together with figure-flattering use of prints and strategic use of shirring and draping. This season’s hottest looks feature bold graphic patterns, engineered florals, European-inspired prints, modern florals, animal skins and classic dots.

Eco Swim by Aqua Green has a celebrity following, including Jennifer Lopez and Beyoncé. Using sustainable technologies and methods, Eco Swim by Aqua Green stays true to its motto to reduce their carbon footprint in the sand.

Breaking Waves International LLC (BWI), created It Figures!, which utilizes the six body type concepts: Tummy Thinner, Length Wise, D Cup and Up, Bust Builder, Slender Thighs and Hip Rider, to help the consumer quickly identify the suit perfect for her body type.

Stunning accessories such as My Tribe’s fabulous hippie chic-beaded necklaces, ikat prints, fringe and feathers, Josefina del Alba’s hand-beaded necklaces and earrings cater to both the simple bohemian girl from California and the elegant women on the upper east side of Manhattan. Other eye catching accessories such as En Shalla’s Cognac fringe leather basket, Lila Rise’s brass pyramid hoops and brass arrow necklace, Micha Design’s Dreamcatcher earrings and Rough Justice’s Karma handcrafted wood sandal clogs all accentuated the drama of the suits. •

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Luli Fama


Beach Bunny


Kooey


Above left Sonia Vera. Above right Tavik.


Caffe Swimwear


Above left L*Space by Monica Wise. Above right Aqua di Lara.


Mara Hoffman