Yesterday marked the last day of Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Swim,
set in the always beautiful and wildly appropriate Miami Beach. Over the course of five days, designers
from the likes of and Dorit and Mara Hoffman to Poko Pano showed their best and
brightest for 2013.
Diesel set the stage by opening with the world’s first ever
“glass bikini” – inspired by the iconic cobalt blue of SKYY bottles. From then
on it was rich blues and vibrant yellows replacing the black and white of this
past year. Tropic-inspired patterns and florals were everywhere, and animal
prints (snakeskin anyone?) made a special appearance.
Metallic fabrics also made their mark, drawing attention to,
shall we say, places of interest and making suits more flattering than ever
before.
As for shape, the retro silhouettes of the 1950’s and 60’s
are making a comeback . Think high-waisted bottoms, bralette tops, and
intricate one-pieces. Airy cover-ups were oversized and bold, with bright color
blocks and parachute sleeves.
Finally, accessories demanded attention of their own. The
skimpiest of bikinis were paired with giant feathered earrings, stacks of
tribal bangles and headwraps in every color.
Summer 2013, it seems, is going to be a statement year.
These aren’t your grandma’s swimsuits.