What’s hot in swimwear for Hong Kong this summer
Go back to the ’80s with high-cut bikinis, sleek one-pieces, scoop and V-neck tops and bold colours in lace and velvet from brands such as Triangl, Zimmermann, On the Island and Flagpole
Fashion trends from the 1980s – crop tops, shoulder pads and even fanny packs – are making a comeback across runways. And swimwear is no exception. Luckily, only the best of the 80s has been distilled into swimwear. Here is how you can turn the clock back this summer.
1980s recall
“The ’80s reign – so high legs across suits and bikinis is really key,” says Aisling McKeefrey, head of design for womenswear at fashion retailer ASOS.
The top has adjustable straps. As with the rest of the collection, this one is more for resort and pool-side glam, because you would not want sand to be caught in its delicate material.
Bold prints and patterns
The ’80s brings to mind bold colours and prints. The debut collection of local swimwear brand Mint Escape, launched this year by designers Diana Vo and Anna Biller, features fun and creative patterns such as tropical leaves, heliconia flowers and soft blossoms inspired by Japanese gardens.
Sleek one-pieces
Also making a return this season are one-piece bathing suits. They are more forgiving, but not necessarily less sexy (remember Baywatch?).
According to Kingham, this year is all about clean lines and limited embellishment. Limited but creative, to keep the swimming suits fun and interesting. “Historical references which are dominating womenswear collections are filtering through into swim – corsetry lace-up details and sleeve drama,” McKeefrey says.
Kingham recommends On the Island, an Italian brand that is new to the online retailer. Available in stark white or pitch black, its lace-up V neck swimsuit (HK$2,720) keeps things simple with a sleek modern silhouette. The seductive lace-up details in the front and a deep scoop back add a playful touch.
H&M, which has just launched its online store in Hong Kong, offers similar styles. Its latest swimwear collection has plain bikini tops (HK$149) and black swimsuits (HK$299) with front lacing.
Jump on the athleisure bandwagon with swimwear by Flagpole, which is functional, comfortable, yet chic. The colour palette of its latest collection, in hues of coral and green, is inspired by seasonal fruits of summer and watermelons in particular, according to founders and designers Megan Balch and Jaime Barker.
Jade (US$385) features a deep plunge cut that is popular this season, but keeps it classy and elegant by not exposing too much skin in other areas. The colourblock design and architectural lines on the swimsuit give an illusion of a slimmer waist and performance fabric is made to last.