In the swim this summer

Press, 22 October 1986, Page 16

In the swim this summer

In vogue

Paula Ryan

The body theme continues in swimwear, but the news is that two major opposing themes prevail. This summer you have a choice — exposure or cover up.

If you have the figure, you can go for the cutaway swimsuits. These stretch the meaning of next-to-nothing. Some are all front, no sides, and very little back. Then, in contrast, manufacturers have come up with ’4os versions of bikinis and swimsuits that aren’t cut away at all. They actually cover up, and resemble an earlier era revamped into more exciting fabrics.

The barer swimsuit versions look wonderful on beautiful bodies. Most of them are cut in geometric shapes leaving the perfect body to create the form.

The halter versions are fun, as are the oneshouldered versions. I

have seen several interesting swimsuits that create a bi-coloured effect of one skimpy layer with straps over another coloured, strapless, piece underneath.

It’s very new to have a zip front. If you want a bikini with a little cover up, there are versions for you too. They look like a bikini at the back but are

joined in the front with a central piece, or a wide, joining strap at an angle. Suits remain more dominant than bikinis. Some bras are padded and wired.

Legs are either cut away just a little or straight across and ruched slightly up the front. They go up as far as the waist, and almost meet the bikini top which in some cases resembles a midriff top. Indeed, it can double up as one, and works perfectly with skirts, pants and sarongs. I just love the new look in swimwear because it’s okay for everyone. Not everyone looks good in a g-string bikini, but the ’4os shapes with draping, side skirts, and ruched brief effects are kind to all body shapes. Sheen and shine is hot this season right through into the use of metallics, gold, silver, bronze. Black and white looks great used geometrically or in the splash or newspaper print effects. Colour is vibrant now, from the hot yellows, lime green, orange and all the blues.

Whereas white can make a white body look white, black is a kind colour on skin that avoids the sun.

Pattern is more dominant with spots, stripes, hand-painted effects. Look out for the fun, rubberised fabrics.

If you are into frills, there are even a few retro-Hollywood styles with little skirts or side frills out there for you.