Anyone who winces at the sight of a string bikini, take heart: this season, designers are throwing away the less-is-more approach to swimwear in favour of bikinis that suck you in and push you up in all the right places. Can we get an Amen?
When summer hits, the most fashion-forward swimmers are going to be less Miami near-nudity, and more Palm Springs luxury (in a sultry Slim Aarons kind of way). Think ’50s-style glamour, bold block colours, vibrant patterns and sleek jet black designs.
It’s a trend that can be traced back to the Spring/Summer ’17 shows were rich in retro swimwear references, none more so than at Miu Miu, where models walked in sorbet-coloured bathing suits complete with retro swim caps. “Fifties-style swimwear was seen on high rotation at the shows this season,” says Jana Pokorny, marie claire fashion director. “And even though it’s hot a trend right now, they are a great investment as they never really go out of style.”
But we don’t just love retro-style swimmers because they look good. This is a trend that makes you feel good, too. Take the new Nancy Ganz Shaping Bikinis and Swimsuits; the styles might be ’50-inspired, but the waist-cinching technology is pure 2016, with cleavage-enhancing hardware, long-line bikini tops that lift and smooth, and high-waisted bottoms that slim you down right where you want them to.
Swimwear that secretly doubles as shapewear? Now that’s a concept we can really get behind.
Nancy Ganz tapped acclaimed fashion photographer (and marie claire favourite) Steven Chee for the new Swimwear with Benefits campaign, which was shot on the sands of Bondi and Bronte. Model Jayde Heiser makes a strong case for the ‘50s-style aesthetic, positively smouldering in everything from a sun-kissed coral one-piece to a cute navy dotty number.
With styles like these, you won’t want to limit their use to the beach – with bodysuits shaping up to be another key summer trend, and starlets stepping out in the lingerie as outwear trend (we’re looking at you Bella Hadid), some of Nancy Ganz’s range (including the Shaping Swimsuit in Tropical Print pictured above) could easily do double duty and take you from sand to sunset drinks – just add breezy high-waisted shorts or a pleated midi-skirt to play up the ‘50s vibe.
Now available at Myer, David Jones and online at nancyganz.com.au
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