One thing I really admire about lingerie designers is the way that they have to somehow find a balance between aesthetic desires and real, practical needs. Obviously there is a range of ways to address these, with some falling on the more practical end of things and others looking for a certain look above all else. This carries over well to the design of swimwear, another piece of clothing that often requires careful engineering to underpin its attractiveness.
There are definitely swimwear designers who are insanely creative, but I want to call out some of my favorite lingerie to swimwear transitions.
Kriss Soonik
Kriss Soonik Swim Splash Swimsuit
Kriss Soonik launched swimwear for Spring/Summer of 2013 and I think she’s done an amazing job at using the same appealing aesthetics from her lingerie and loungewear in her swim designs. This one-piece is one of my favorites because I think the belt is a perfect touch to bring out a more hourglass figure even on such a simple garment.
Bordelle
Bordelle Bond-Age swimsuit £112.50
Bordelle also only recently launched their swim collection and I have raved about it before because it makes such a gorgeous shape. The gold would be a tough color for me to pull off, but would be so perfect on someone with a much darker skin tone.
Freya
Freya Swim Vodkatini Bikini
Freya is renowned for making beautiful and well-fitting bras for full busts and happily they bring that expertise over to swimwear. This bikini is not from their latest collection (although a few are still for sale) but it’s one of my favorites for avoiding the floral or striped trap that so many swimsuits for full busts seem to fall into. The color is so unusual, also, and I love when brands make bold choices.
Dirty Pretty Things
I would say designing swim as a lingerie designer, I’m focusing on the fit and the support as the most important factor, with the aesthetics being an integral part of the design. Its not just about function, but looking and feeling fabulous. I want our girl to feel that the swimwear, like the lingerie, flatters and fills our girl with confidence on the beach.
Chromat O-Ring Bikini
Miss Mandalay Gingham Bikini
Miss Mandalay’s swimwear clearly shares the same aesthetic of their lingerie: simple, classic and lovely. This gingham bikini is my favorite one from the collection because it’s so fun and frilly!
Kiss Me Deadly Red Deluxe Bikini
