Known for its surf and sand, Australia is fertile ground for beachwear trend direction and innovation. Sydney’s fashion week kicks off the summer swim season, offering an early glimpse into the suits and cover-ups beachgoers on both hemispheres will be sporting by the end of the year. Collections pointed towards a sophisticated minimalism, defined by lingerie-inspired underwire styles and tank silhouettes that were more sleek than sporty – a departure from seasons past. The Seventies were a key reference, spanning disco-decadent plunge maillots and wrap bikinis to Boho-breezy crochet monokinis and easy maxi-skirts.
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Known for its surf and sand, Australia is fertile groundfor beachwear trend direction and innovation.Sydney’s fashion week kicks off the summer swimseason, offering an early glimpse into the suits andcover-ups beachgoers on both hemispheres will besporting by the end of the year. Collections pointedtowards a sophisticated minimalism, defined bylingerie-inspired underwire styles and tank silhouettesthat were more sleek than sporty – a departure fromseasons past. The Seventies were a key reference,spanning disco-decadent plunge maillots and wrapbikinis to Boho-breezy crochet monokinis and easymaxi-skirts.
Amber&Thomas Shakuhachi Amber&Thomas Nookie
Lingerie-inspired underwire cups give swimwear a feminine allure / Demi neckline is key / Convertible spaghettistraps / Longline variations on the bikini top / High-waisted briefs maintain the new covered-up sensibility /Multi-panel construction accommodates color and fabric blocking
Zimmermann Lisa Maree Lisa Maree Lanphi
Deep front plunges add 70s-inspired sex appeal to minimalist maillots / V-plunges down to belly button /Rounded keyhole and lace-up variations / Wetsuit-inspired styles with zip front / Monokinis with side cutouts /Halter necks and allover crochet further the 70s attitude
Zimmermann Lisa Maree Lisa Maree Guanabara Designs
Angular cuts, prints and patterns modernize monokinis / Triangular or square-ish cutouts / Crisscross andlatticework details / Mod geometric prints / Crochet patterns in larger, more distinctive shapes / Intricate panelshighlighted with contrast colors or prints / Solid edge bindings trace graphic lines
Karla Spetic Michael Lo Sordo Terri Donna Manning Cartell
Tankinis return in sexier midriff-baring forms / Longline to waist-length silhouette on top / Active influencescontinue in minimalist tank styles / High-neck halter is key / Tube tops have youthful appeal / Lingerie-inspiredbustier tops / Hipster bottoms retain sporty aesthetic / High-waisted briefs make it more modest, exposing just abit of midsection
Lisa Maree Nookie Kooey
Ultra-long ties and wrapping details revamp string bikinis / Ties extend from back closure, front cups or halternecks / Bra cups overlap, surplice style / Bikini bottoms have matching long ties / Strings connecting top tobottom for a monokini look / Bikinis with wider self-ties resemble ballerina tops / Ties in the back arranged inunique crisscross patterns / Heavy metal rings secure ties
Kirrily Johnston Zimmermann Nookie Kooey
Waistlines move down to hip-hugging styles / Leg remains medium- to full-coverage / Tank-style tops and colorblocking capture a sporty vibe / Skirted and side string variations / Glossy “hot pants” embrace the 70s revival
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Nookie Zimmermann Karla Spetic
Talulah
Amber&Thomas
Crop tops provide easy cover-ups for the beach / Exaggerated high-low hems revamp jersey tees / Wide, boxysilhouettes, especially for woven tops / Kimono sleeve and boatneck are key details / All-around flounce tops /Midriff-ties return in button-up and tee styles / Neoprene and lace are key new fabrics / Coordinate colors andprints with swimsuits
Alice McCall Marnie Skillings Miss Unkon Stolen Girlfriends
Silky pajama-esque shorts capture a laidback beach-going attitude / Wide legs and layered tiers create a skirt-like look / Romper versions / Fluid washed silks, chiffon and rayon / Nature-inspired prints / Elastic waistbandsprovide easy wear for the beach / Matching or color-coordinated woven tops
Stolen Girlfriends Alice McCall Subfusco Shakuhachi Amber&Thomas
Cover-up pants loosen up with ultra-wide legs / High-water to floor-grazing lengths / Airy, billowing wovens /Fluid, drape-y jerseys / Sheers show off swimsuits beneath / Relaxed drawstring, elastic or paperbag waists /Accordion-pleated pants can double as a skirt / 70s matched pant-and-tunic sets return / Placed scarf printsalso embody the 70s trend
Talulah Miss Unkon Manning Cartell Nookie
Wide, flowy maxi skirts channel Yves Saint Laurentʼs peasant looks of the 70s / Versatile alternative to thesarong / A-line or circle skirt construction / Layered or tiered prairie skirts / Broom skirts made out of crinkledcotton / Sheer fabrics are key / worn at waist or low on hip / Thigh-high slits lend movement and sex appeal
Related report: S/S 11 Runway City Wrap – Milan > YSL Wonderful
High-low hems lend an airy, parachute-like quality to beach dresses / Voluminous trapeze silhouettes /Hemlines graduate from mid-thigh in the front to floor-sweeping in the back / Subtle midi and shirtdressversions / Casual jersey tee dresses / Front drawstrings allow hems to be adjusted / Narrow belts or elasticdefine the waist / Sheer fabrics and plunging necklines show off bikinis worn beneath
Gary Bigeni Bianca Spender Paper Skye Poppy Lissman Shakuhachi
Jersey maxis give way to silky woven column dresses / Midi- to floor-length / Waistless silhouettes have extraease around the hips / Strapless sarong-style constrcutions / Tank and halter bodices / Sheer fabrics continueto trend / Side slits facilitate movement and leg-show
Breezy floor-grazing robes express the on-trend long-and-languid silhouette / Sleeveless robes gain momentum/ Cowl sleeves create a cocoon shape / Sheer or openwork fabrics like cotton eyelet, crochet and chiffon /Meant to be worn open / Fringe edges exude boho attitude
