Splash Beachwear & the Artistic Inspiration of Haute Couture

By MARIACRISTINA RIGHI

Louvre Couture, Paul Poiret at the Musée des Arts Décoratifs, and Charles Frederick Worth at the Petit Palais. Haute couture and its founding fathers are currently taking center stage in Parisian museums. All their values and distinctive traits are reflected in the beachwear collections for summer 2026, which were presented at Splash this past June. This premium trade show is dedicated to resort wear—the quintessential summer wardrobe, encompassing clothing and accessories.

Prominent volumes, draping, ribbing and pleating, complex structures and constructions, surface treatments that alter the aspect of fabrics, characteristic high-fashion manufacturers, but above all metallic, gold, and silver effects, precious and jewel decorations in coral, stones, pearls and crystals. Far from the minimalism and sporty inspiration of past years, summer swimwear and clothing, as well as matching accessories, reveal their party character, more and more reflecting the new social role of these summer garments to wear at poolside or beach parties at exclusive clubs.

In this blog we intermingle swimwear images with highlights from the Haute Couture exhibits prominent in Paris now. The inspiration drawn from these pieces is evident. As Swim design often influences lingerie and loungewear, the creative impact cannot be denied.

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