By ALISON CONNOLLY

illustration by Randy Mora

Perhaps when you think of swimwear from South America, you may envision heavily-patterned, colorful barely-there styles created by a label based in Brazil.  It’s a fair assumption, considering it’s mainly what we’ve seen over the years.  It is also because of this, it’s a refreshing surprise to discover South American luxury lingerie and swimwear brand Suki Cohen.  Manufactured in Colombia (in a fair trade factory), Suki Cohen creates minimalist, geometric-inspired pieces using durable, high-end fabrics.

The brand’s designer, Sarah Cohen, studied fashion design in Sao Paolo, Brazil, which may explain her expertise in creating swimwear (even though she started out exclusively creating lingerie).  Whether swim or lingerie, all of the styles are wireless and unpadded, so as to work with a woman’s natural form.  The embellishments are minimal (mainly cut-outs and straps), the swimwear coverage steers clear of vulgar, and patterns are only … ...Read more

By ALISON CONNOLLY

We are in the thick of swimwear season, and currently hearing a lot of swimwear industry buzz with the recent Unique tradeshow in Paris.  Discovering a brand that stands out amongst the masses is quite a treat, and fortunately for me that discovery was Karla Colletto’s 2019 Resort collection.

Karla Colletto is a contemporary luxury swimwear brand manufactured in the USA.  For over 25 years, the brand has built its reputation on creating designs with a perfectly constructed fit by a design team with forward-thinking style.

For Resort 2019, we see a focus on solid-colored styles that are complimented by eye-catching shapes.   Of course, there’s a touch of leopard print in the collection, which adds just the right dose of playful pattern.  Regardless of the season, the common thread throughout all of the designs is that they offer both functional support and a sensual fit.  You … ...Read more

By ALISON CONNOLLY

When two major fashion talents combine forces, magical (or in this case whimsical) designs are the result.  At least that is the case when luxury shoe and handbag designer extraordinaire Charlotte Olympia paired with Brazilian beachwear designer Adriana Degreas as part of her 10-year anniversary celebration.  Both designers have a flair for creating eye-catching statement pieces, and the capsule collection featured here is no exception!

The Charlotte Olympia x Adriana Degreas collection includes retro-inspired swimwear with a quirky pin-up aesthetic.  From tutti frutti patterns to leopard prints, the swimwear line includes one-piece and bikini cuts with a nod to old Hollywood glamour.   We see high-waist bottoms, ruched side panels and a modern take on classic 1950s silhouettes, including the most adorable vintage swim caps.

For this special collection, which was recently made available in limited release on both designers’ websites (and at Bergdorf Goodman), you may recognize … ...Read more