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New takes on swimwear
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Li Dan
THIS year's crop of swimwear has the fashion world aflutter, with a flood of startling new designs filling shoppers with excitement.
As if the new century has encouraged designers to make a new start, closeness to nature is the order of the day. Various shades of pink, orange, green and blue, combined with flower and butterfly patterns, are leading the way.
A collage of different shades and patterns in one suit stir up associations with youth and excitement. Strawberry pink, grape purple and apple green do more, sparking dreams of mermaids and water nymphs. Flower patterns, be they little daisies or impressionist sunflowers, add a lively touch of gaiety.
Indian-style patterns have added a sense of mystery to swimwear. On the chest and waist of a bright orange suit, abstract fish patterns are arranged delicately. Other suits in wine red decorated with large patches of leaf patterns seem almost like three-dimensional paintings.
Curving tassels, vests an inch above the waist and two slim strings tied into a butterfly knot behind the neck, bikinis this year have been endowed with many detailed modifications. A rose red suit decorated with abstract leopard patterns can even bring the strings off your shoulders, its simple design creating an elegance seldom perceived in bikinis. More modest beach-goers can choose to wrap a petal-shaped apron round your waist.
Stripes, whether vertical or horizontal, modify the lines of the wearer, making her seem cuter or healthier. The basic rhythm is pink and green, mingled with light azure and bright yellow. Fuzzy and irregular stripes on a background of grey or purple are reminiscent of wave-ripped sands.
Often classical choices of designers, black and white are combined with other light elements this season. Silver and rose red stripes casually decorate shiny black backgrounds; and a slant white crescent is seen in between pure shades of black and blue. Tempered with patches of grey, a black-and-white suit that features cubic patterns can make you look elegant and modern at the same time.
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