Miami Swim 2012: Our Top 10
Miami Swim Week kicked off last week, sending out the brightest, boldest, and yes, skimpiest bikinis and one-pieces down the runways. We did see some resort reappearances from Michael Kors, DKNY, and Marc by Marc—always a welcome sight. But the smaller brands brought it. Sure some were more worthy of showgirls than a beachside appearance, but there were certainly some standouts.
From skimpy to Hollywood glamour, we found suits for nearly every style. We picked our 10 favorite shows from Miami Swim 2012.
Photos: Getty Images
Zingara
This international brand aims to have a boho bent, as evidenced by the cute coverups (which can easily be worn beyond the beach). When the suits were simple, they were chic at its best. A little white bikini can do no wrong when it's made right, and this one was. That's not to say we're afraid of color or bold shapes. A fun cut-out in a floral pattern is just the look for poolside.
Photos: Getty Images
Tavik
Okay, we admit we're a little obsessed with tie-dye. It's such a fun look! Tavik, a California-based brand, makes suits for the uber-cool, laid-back, rocker chick in all of us. And who doesn't want that look?
Photos: Getty Images
Aquarella/ Shivan & Nareesh/Nicolita
If you want va-va-va-voom hot, then try Aquarella (pictured left). The brand is designed by former Miss France Véronique de la Cruz. She clearly knows a thing or two about swimsuit competitions.
Shivan & Nareesh (middle) are breaking boundaries by being India's first luxury swim brand. Their cut-out one-pieces showed just enough skin to be sexy without being racy.
Nicolita, designed by Nicole Di Rocco, creates suits for curvier figures (love that). We dug this black and white striped bikini—graphic, modern, and super cute.
Photos: Getty Images
Kooey
Maybe we just like saying the name, but Kooey's designs won us over. The retro bikini makes us dream of Hollywood goddesses and the caftan was so darn stylish. Now if only we had a cocktail to go along with these ensembles.
Photos: Getty Images
Luxe by Lisa Vogel
Luxe bills itself as swimwear for the beach sophisticate. And you know, they kind of nailed it. From the bikinis to the coverups (which we're dying over) the looks are perfection. These are your go-to pieces to wear in St. Tropez, the Hamptons, or anywhere you feel the need to impress. (You never know who's checking you out while you lounge.)
Photos: Getty Images
Norma Kamali
There is only one queen bee of swim, and that's Norma Kamali. Her suits are body-friendly (read: they're flattering), the fabrics are breathable, and the looks are hot. The 2012 collection was full of classic silhouettes which we love to see. (They're called classics for a reason.)
Photos: Getty Images
Mara Hoffman
Channeling the tribal trend of the recent RTW seasons, Mara Hoffman sent out a boho collection with retro shapes. Strapless one pieces; two-pieces that offer a whole heckuva lot of coverage; shy girls, you can slip into these (just so long as you like color).
Photos courtesy of White Sands
White Sands
Australian label White Sands showed sexy suits that are not for the faint of heart. The bikinis were certainly skimpy, but the top's design was interesting; plunging necklines on a maillot showed more skin but with a dose of glamour. And a ruched suit had a lingerie feel which was a touch naughty. If you want all eyes on you, you know what to wear.
