Today we could not imagine any swim or beach-wear without Bikinis.
Did you know that this popular 2 piece garment has a long history ?
Dating back BC with bikini-like garments worn by women athletes that can be found on wall painting and urns from Ancient Greece and Roman times:
In 1946 the modern Bikini was invented - most similar to our Triangle Bikini Styles.
It was announced as the "world's smallest bathing suit."
A rather revealing garment at the time and it was not accepted by a wider audience until much later.
Luckily with the introduction of Lycra in the 1960 , Bikinis became better fitting and more comfortable to wear in water and direct sunlight.
This resulted in more and more styles.
Here are the most popular modern Bikini Variations :
Stringkinis
Consists of two triangular shaped pieces connected at the groin but not at the sides, where a thin "string" wraps around the waist tied together to connect the two parts. It became popular in the 1970s
Bandeaukinis
Is a Bandeau Top , combined with a Bikini Bottom
Skirtkinis
features a bikini top and a small, skirted bottom. A popular choice if more coverage is preferred.
Monokinis
refer to swimsuits in which the top and bottom are connected, but offer less coverage then a swimsuit. This style was introduced in the 1960s
Tankinis
The tankini is a swimsuit that combines a tank top and a bikini bottom, giving more coverage. It originated in the US in 1998
Do you want to start making your own swimwear? Then join our Swimwear Masterclassees HERE
Paris Haute Couture 2024 week
Larger-than-life-Fashion inspirations were unveiled during the latest runway shows in Paris again this month and whilst Haute Couture Fashion is never short of using intimate apparel elements in their glamorous designs, it played an even more important role this season:
Eye-catching embellished bras , corsetry , draped and layered lingerie elements -often worn as outerwear in soft pastels but also vibrant colours for evening wear were highlighted in the latest collections from:
Elie Saab, Jean Paul Gaultier , Gaurav Gupta , Viktor & Rolf etc
PANTONE COLOR OF THE YEAR 2024
13-1023 TCX // Peach Fuzz
Was a popular color choice on the catwalks and works fantastic with any lingerie related style ideas:
This velvety gentle peach shade brings a new approach to a new softness.
But exactly what is 'Haute Couture' and why is it so expensive?
Haute Couture is french for 'high art of sewing or tailoring' and is regulated by the Chambre Syndicale de la Haute Couture in Paris.
All Haute Couture garments are handmade by specialist seamstresses , tailors , embroiderers and often one garment can take several months to finish.
The hand selected couturiers use mainly expensive and luxurious materials such as costly silks, cashmeres and intricate embellished fabrics to make the outfits so unique .
All outfits are only made once - unlike 'Ready-to-Wear' Fashion on our high streets that is produced in large quantities.
Here is the list of the official couture houses in 2024:
- Adeline André
- Alexandre Vauthier
- Alexis Mabille
- Bouchra Jarrar
- Chanel
- Christian Dior
- Franck Sorbier
- Giambattista Valli
- Givenchy
- Jean-Paul Gaultier
- Julien Fournié
- Maison Margiela
- Maison Rabih Kayrouz
- Maurizio Galante
- Schiaparelli
- Stéphane Rolland
