Global themes in 2012 swimwear
Reality show star Kristin Cavallari in a one-shouldered bikini by Diesel. Credit: Getty Images
It was a walk on the wild side at the recent swim shows in Miami.
Tribal prints, jungle motifs and animal patterns shared the runways with bold geometrics and a few girlie florals as more than 20 brands showed the swimwear you'll see next summer.
Mara Hoffman mixed South American tribal influences with Egyptian themes. Did you not always want a swimsuit with King Tut plastered all over the front? Australian designer Lisa Burke focused on aboriginal designs and whales in her Lisa Blue line (25 percent of her net profit goes to whale-related causes). And Brazilian designer Paola Robba incorporated her country's colors, plants and wildlife into her Poko Pano collection.
Fringe and butterfly prints were seen at Cia.Marítima, but designer Patrizia Simonelli didn't abandon her fave animal prints. "Animal print is the DNA of our brand," she said. "We always have it."
A bit more demure
The dare-not-to-bare trend has hit the swimsuit market. While bitty bikinis are not going away anytime soon, the recent swim shows featured a smattering of two-piece suits with high-waisted bottoms. Here, some of the best looks:
Nicolita
Norma Kamali
