One of the most anticipated swimwear collections to cross the runway at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Miami is beach chic label L*Space by Monica Wise. The brand, renowned for mix-matching bikini prints, fringe swimwear and stylish, on trend silhouettes, has captured a legion of loyal fans over the years with its sleek, trend-setting styles. This year, designer Monica Wise also introduced two new lines, MAIO by Monica Wise, a swim line for more modest audiences and The Collection by L*Space, a clothing group for the stylish boho-chic girl (see more below).

INSPIRATION
Monica was inspired by the human senses (sight, sound, touch) to create the L*Space 2013 collection - utilizing contrasts in color, textures and a keen attention to movement to create interest and awaken the senses. Textured fabrics, colors peeking through laser cut materials and cascading fabric all contributed to activate (and dazzle!) the senses.

COLORS & PRINTS
The palette for the 2013 L*Space collection was composed of greens, blues, reds and pinks in different tones - along with white, black and a dark gray, charcoal shade. Greens were seen in citrus and sea foam hues, reds were more orange in tones (as in paprika or lighter versions), pinks were available in lavender all the way to plum (including many shades in between, as in the ombre colorway "Santorini Sunrise" - see prints below) and blues were in light, powder blue or dark, steel blue. Prints took a tribal take in zig-zag patterns (as in Sahara's Dream and Torino) and laser-cut details (L*Novelties), colorful abstracts in Monet-like effects (as in Confetti and Alla Prima), romantic (with dainty flowers in Sweet Meadow and light textures and colors in Creme Brulee) and fashion-forward (in the python blend Viridian Skin and Santorini Sunrise):

	Sweet Meadow		Santorini Sunrise		Creme Brulee		Alla Prima		Color Blocked
	Viridian Skin		Sahara's Dream		Confetti		Torino		L*Novelties

2013 L*SPACE BY MONICA WISE











MAÏO SWIM BY MONICA WISE

Infused with midkinis (high waist bottoms) and one pieces, Maio Swim by Monica Wise focuses on more modestly cut swimwear, targeting women aged 30-45 who look for a classically tailored swimsuit that is also stylish. Emphasizing feminine silhouettes, including corset elements and underwire bra tops, the collection pays homage to classic Esther Williams films of the 50s:





THE COLLECTION BY L*SPACE

The Collection by L*Space is an apparel line with an easy style composed of bohemian-chic caftans, ponchos, stylish rompers and dresses that include beadwork, embroidered details and a relaxed, resortwear flair. The pieces come in sophisticated neutral tones and are meant to translate seamlessly from day to night, with minimal to no accessorizing needed:





Images: Plush Swimwear / Zimbio