Itsy-bitsy Summer Specials 1998
by Adriana Di Lello

 

One-piece or two?? It's always the same old dilemma. Once again, Italian designers have laid down law for what is hot (and what is not...) in the heat. Now seventy years since the introduction of the bathing suit as we know it, this little bit of fabric still inspires a lot of design creativity. Check out some of the styles coming at you over the crest of the wave this summer.

 

An Artist's Canvas

Coveri

Whether one-piece or bikini, art is the main thing. '98's swim wear seems to have sprung straight from the artist's hand.
Enrico Coveri's bikinis are pop, in shocking colors covered with scribbles, text and blocks of color; accompanying cover-up is both minimal and sexy.

 

 

Les CopainsKrizia

White, Black and Black and White
 

This monochromatic suit is perhaps the most elegant and least eccentric of them all. It reflects this year's accent on cut and tendency toward the asymmetrical and new fabrics.
All black is the rule for sexy one and two-pieces, some with strategically placed voile or nylon string inserts, as presented by
FerréBlumarineKrizia.

SchönA gallery of white makes up Les Copains' terry suits, and a misleading aire of innocence marks the Blumarine collection, while geometry and black piping characterize Gianfranco Ferrè this season. Schön sets herself apart by using wonderful "non-colors" and several free and easy two-pieces sporting horizontal stripes in black and white.

 

From beach to buffet...

Les Copains
Iceberg

Beachwear this season is marked by more than a bit of show-biz -- designers are creating ever more elaborate swimsuits which go out in the evening as well. Ideal for a night out are these "dress" suits, which can as easily be worn to a party or BBQ as on the beach.Les Copains has concentrated on the two-piece, typical is this elaborate mauve model with its elegant folds and drapes. Donned with its matching pareo, this suit can stray far from the seaside.Sparkling mono-kini by Iceberg is a chic proposition, worn with a sequin-spangled tunic.

 
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