Aug 17, 2010
The One Piece Swimsuit Comeback?
by The Splash
While at the Miami Fashion Week Swim, we overheard a reporter ask an industry attendee, after witnessing a few maillots on the runway: "Are one-pieces back?" That question caused me to pause, as I thought to myself: "when did they ever leave?" Ah yes, they didn't for the mature and more conservative crowd, but what he meant, was "are one-pieces now going to be hip with the younger crowd too?" Well, while it's true that generally speaking, one-piece swimsuits, or maillot de bain, borrowing from our French friends' terminology, tend to cater to women who are looking for more modesty in their swimwear, the industry has been looking back at the market and asking why can't we make one-pieces more appealing to the 20-30 year-olds?
And they have. Here's how:
MONOKINIS
First, they revived the one-piece cutout fever of the 70s, or monokinis. The PROs: They are sexier versions of the classic maillot, looking like a bikini from behind and still being a one-piece at front - hollowed out at the appropriate places, of course. Also, they will make you look oh-so trendy. The CONs: They have certainly gained a number of younger adepts, but their wearibility factor is not all that it could be. And by that we mean, they sure look great in editorials and on runways, but it is harder for them to make the leap from magazine pages to a beach near you (and to do so gracefully!) This is because they require a fit body to pull off the look, they leave not-so-flattering tan lines, and adopters are usually the most forward fashion women you can find.
And they have. Here's how:
MONOKINIS
First, they revived the one-piece cutout fever of the 70s, or monokinis. The PROs: They are sexier versions of the classic maillot, looking like a bikini from behind and still being a one-piece at front - hollowed out at the appropriate places, of course. Also, they will make you look oh-so trendy. The CONs: They have certainly gained a number of younger adepts, but their wearibility factor is not all that it could be. And by that we mean, they sure look great in editorials and on runways, but it is harder for them to make the leap from magazine pages to a beach near you (and to do so gracefully!) This is because they require a fit body to pull off the look, they leave not-so-flattering tan lines, and adopters are usually the most forward fashion women you can find.
Hilary Swank turning up the sexiness level with revealing black monokinis for a magazine Editorial.
RETRO LOOK
Next, they looked back at the eras that produced the most elegant pieces - 50s and 60s. So we have been seeing lots of ruching, draping, demitasse bras, skirted-bottoms, sequin application and high-waist suits. And the same goes for gorgeous vintage one piece swimsuits. The PROs: Coverage and lots of tummy control, while flaunting timeless elegance. The CONs: These looks don't fit everyone's taste. They tend to be for girls who gravitate towards a more romantic and nostalgic look. Or Pin-ups. Or both!
And last, but not least:
Next, they looked back at the eras that produced the most elegant pieces - 50s and 60s. So we have been seeing lots of ruching, draping, demitasse bras, skirted-bottoms, sequin application and high-waist suits. And the same goes for gorgeous vintage one piece swimsuits. The PROs: Coverage and lots of tummy control, while flaunting timeless elegance. The CONs: These looks don't fit everyone's taste. They tend to be for girls who gravitate towards a more romantic and nostalgic look. Or Pin-ups. Or both!
And last, but not least:
Katy Perry in vintage swimsuit by Carmen Marc Valvo.
MULTIFACETED
So, if you're not too fashion-forward for the monokini and not too conservative for the retro look, there's still another option: swimwear designers have come up with one piece designs that are the perfect balance of elegant and edgy. These multifaceted one pieces are so versatile and stylish that you can wear at the beach and at the club (with the appropriate skirt or your favorite pair of jeans, of course!) They are functional pieces which double as chic swimwear and a trendy wardrobe piece. The PROs: Stylish, elegant, multifunctional and long-lasting (designers tend to use the most technologically advanced fabrics on these). The CONs: A bit (or a lot) pricier than usual. But, so worth it! Check out some styles from Crystal Jin's 2011 collection below:
So the answer to the reporter's question is: yes, one piece swimsuits are hip more than ever (if you look for the right style)! While they never really went away, they have been repackaged, re-styled to fit a more modern look. And now we ask you:
Which one piece trend is YOUR favorite style?
So, if you're not too fashion-forward for the monokini and not too conservative for the retro look, there's still another option: swimwear designers have come up with one piece designs that are the perfect balance of elegant and edgy. These multifaceted one pieces are so versatile and stylish that you can wear at the beach and at the club (with the appropriate skirt or your favorite pair of jeans, of course!) They are functional pieces which double as chic swimwear and a trendy wardrobe piece. The PROs: Stylish, elegant, multifunctional and long-lasting (designers tend to use the most technologically advanced fabrics on these). The CONs: A bit (or a lot) pricier than usual. But, so worth it! Check out some styles from Crystal Jin's 2011 collection below:
So the answer to the reporter's question is: yes, one piece swimsuits are hip more than ever (if you look for the right style)! While they never really went away, they have been repackaged, re-styled to fit a more modern look. And now we ask you:
Which one piece trend is YOUR favorite style?
Tags: Trends
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