Alexis Swimwear 2009: Primal Passion

She may be new on the swimwear fashion scene, but Miami native and swimsuit designer Alexis Barbara is already making waves with her bold, bikini pieces.

The young designer debuted her Alexis Swimwear 2009 collection last year at the Miami Swim Show featuring tribal and exotic influences.

Her collection is a Sophisticated fusion of haute couture style and primal themes… and you can almost feel the raw passion in the print patterns and strong hues.

This striking, Bandeau bikini takes you right into the jungle… in heels!

The retro print pattern is more than eye-catching and the top ties in the front and stylishly drapes down the center for a striking effect.

Sports Illustrated the Halter bikini version of this suit in their 2009 issue.

Ready to explore unchartered territory? Capture this exquisite out-of-Africa look when you hit the beach.

Feel the Spirit of Esprit Swimwear

Even if the temperatures are plummeting near zero where you live, one look at these sexy swimswuits is all you need to make the mercury rise!

We were on hand at the Miami Convention Center for the Miami Swim Show when Esprit debuted this chic two piece at their booth (seen here on the panel wall) — a flattering gold sequined String bikini.

This bikini has a unique diamond-pattern print and features an exquisite decorative border that’s accented with gold embroidery, exotic Sequins and beads for extra glamor.

You can mix and match by swapping out the Triangle top for a matching, well-constructed Bandeau (not shown) with bones on the side for extra comfort and support.

The Bandeau top has cute string ties that can be tied at the top for an adorable keyhole effect. And we absolutely love the bikini bottom — it’s lined and stretches to hug your derrière and give you a perfect fit in the back.

Red Carter's Red Button Bikini

When it comes to haute couture swimwear design, nobody does it better than Red Carter.

The South Beach designer who dubs himself the “Austin Powers of the bikini business” is known for creating one-of-a-kind, original swimwear that incorporates pop culture in his swimwear themes.

In short, Red Carter bikinis are drop-dead sexy. Just check out this red-hot bikini designed to push all the right Buttons when you wear it on deck or at the beach.

This nautical-inspired two piece from his “Red Buttons” line features a well-constructed Triangle top that ties in the back and neck.

But the real highlight of this swimsuit is the Boy Short bikini bottom! It’s sporty, stylish and sexy all at the same time with to-die for white buttons to accent the whole look.

The fire-engine red, boy-toy bikini is an easy showstopper, so if you want to get noticed on deck… this is a definite yes!

Feeling Free in Esprit Swimwear

There’s no other swimwear brand that epitomizes the carefree, California sun-and-fun lifestyle the way Esprit does.

And that’s why this playful String bikini is a hit in our book for any cruise, pool party or beach bash.

With it’s bold, strong stripes in shades of berry and nautical blues, this sexy Esprit bikini is enough to get all hands (and all eyes) on deck in a hurry.

The bikini top ties in the neck and at the back and has slider cups that adjust for the perfect fit.

We love the youthful colors and the clean, simple stripes that capture the essence and soul of the surfer girl.

Whether you ride the waves in South Beach or hang ten in California… this two piece is a must-have for any serious surfer girl.

But it you just like to look good near the waves without actually riding them, this fun-loving bikini does the trick just as well!

Hayden's a Vix Girl Vixen

She plays a super hero on tv, but when she’s not busy trying to save the world, “Heroes” star Hayden Panettiere transforms into her alter ego — bikini beach girl.

We spotted the fun-loving beach bunny looking radiant and chic in a bright candy-striped, Vix Halter bikini this summer at Venice Beach.

And we can understand her love of Vix swimwear — the brand is known for creating flashy fashion with a Brazilian flair that is both youthful yet Sophisticated.

Among the VIX 2009 swimwear collection are exotic animal prints, bold stripes and unique details and embellishments.

So if you can’t make it to the sexy beaches of Brazil, wearing a Vix bikini is the next best thing. You can easily find wonderful colors and whimsical styles.

But we really love the brand’s signature d-ring embellishments on many of their halter bikini tops and bandeaus. Expect to see even more exciting pieces from this brand in 2009.

Photo credit: National Photo Group

Jessica's Post Baby Bikini Body

Imagine looking this hot in a bikini… and only a mere several months after having had a baby! Hollywood actress Jennifer Alba makes it look easy as she frolicks in the Surf of Los Cabos, Mexico sporting a sexy two piece.

The new mom was spotted sporting rock-solid abs in this Hollywood-chic, designer bikini. The dark-haired beauty and hubby Cash Warren welcomed their new baby, Honora Marie into the world, June 7th.

Minus twenty-five pounds and three months later, Jessica’s already got her pre-baby, bikini body back! We love the pearl white, sexy-yet-elegant Triangle bikini top she’s wearing. It’s accented with ring hardware detail that connects the top to the broad shoulder straps.

The adjustable neck and back ties give her the perfect fit and help showcase her new, fuller cleavage. If you’ve got ample cleavage like Jessica, a well-constructed halter top with molded cups or triangle top with adjustable tie straps can help you maximize your best assets.

Jessica pairs her Triangle top with a sexy black bikini bottom, accented with Split, strappy tie sides. To get a similar look at the beach, check out swimwear by Vix and also Lisa Lozano.

Photo by: Clasos

Vix's "Gold" Rush

Drawing inspiration from the sun-kissed beaches of Brazil, Vix swimwear designer, Paula Hermanny infuses bold colors and
contrasting prints in the Vix Spring/Summer 2009 swimwear collection.

The new swimwear line debuted at Miami’s Fashion Week and featured elements including beautiful bronze metallics, colorful retro prints contrasted with solids and stripes, unforgettable cut-out monokinis and lots of mod bikinis with exquisite buckle and ring hardware detail.

We think this lavish, gold-like grommet embellished String bikini has major star potential, especially right here in South Beach. What’s not to love about all that bling glittering in the sun?
Vix isn’t the only designer taking note of the “gold rush” swimsuit trend. Guess also has a sizzling gold bikini that’s turning heads.

And Hollywood’s getting gold fever too. The Hills star, Audrina Patridge was recently spotted sporting a hippie-chic, front tie, summer-gold Halter bikini.

Photo courtesy: Vogue.com

Bikini Watch: Mix-n-Match in 2009

Don’t throw away those mismatched tops and bottoms! It’s finally in vogue to match just about any swimsuit top with a different bottom.

Gone are the days when Solid bikini tops could only go with solid bottoms. Striped tops went with striped bottoms… and solids with solids, prints with prints. No more! For that matter, say goodbye to buying bikini “sets” and welcome a whole new world of bikini freedom where it’s tres chic to pair unconventional and unlikely separates together.

We loved the look of this Lisa Lozano two piece that we saw at the 2009 Miami Swim Show at the Miami Convention Center. The model is wearing a soft pink striped crochet halter with a solid chocolate bottom. And check out singer Rihanna on the beach in this uber-mod, contrasting two piece. She’s striking in a safari-print Bandeau top and a gold-printed hipster bottom.

So what’s the rule on matching seemingly mismatched swimwear separates? We say, if it feels good, wear it. Pair floral print bikini tops with zig-zag bottoms, or pair checkered bottoms with wild stripes. The greater the contrast, the hotter the look!