Before and After

The recent royal wedding of Kate Middleton and Prince William was a huge affair filled with press from every end of the world, friends of the royal family, and…fabulous hats. Yep, I said it. While Kate Middleton’s stunning Alexander McQueen custom wedding dress intricately designed by Sarah Burton was a show-stopper, the hats at the royal affair definitely made a huge statement. However, there was one particular hat that stood out from the crowd.

Enter Princess Beatrice of York, the younger cousin of Prince William and one of the most talked about guests at the royal wedding. Her unique hat made headlines all across the globe (and was recently auctioned off for $131,341.47 to help benefit UNICEF and Children In Crisis). But this time around she’s not making press for her choice of headgear, but instead for her hot bikini bod! She received a lot of criticism back in 2008 for her full figure, but has a new look-at-me-now appearance that is gaining as much attention as her hat choices.

The Princess was recently spotted in the French Rivera on a private Yacht with boyfriend David Clark. She enjoyed a day zip lining and cruising the South of France while sporting two different black swimsuits. The first, a black two-piece which shows off her great figure. The other, a black one-piece swimsuit, which shows her great style. The Princess looked confident and appeared to be having a blast.

Here is a similar look to Princess Beatrice’s black bikini: Jeanius Halter Bikini by True Religion Swimwear

The Jeanius Halter Bikini by True Religion is a cute, modern option to the black swimsuit Princess Beatrice wore in the French Riviera. This water ready denim bikini features a halter style top with contrasting stitching and metallics rivets. It also provides full coverage in the rear for a more modest look.

If a black swimsuit is a must have for you this summer, be sure to check out our Black Swimsuits section!

Badgley Mischka announced earlier this Spring that Rumer Willis was selected as the face of the line, which includes the water-ready garments line we happen to carry. She too joins the laundry list of celebrity gals flaunting their black swimsuits in sexy photoshoots… and can we say gorge? The Draped Black One Piece looks stunning on the eldest sister in the Moore-Willis clan, who flaunts her amazing genes and sophisticated look in the spread.

Draped Black One Piece by Badgley Mischka

What we love about this Badgley Mischka style is that the draping design at the front serves to hide minor imperfections and exudes a gown-like flair. This one piece style comes with removable padding in the bust area to enhance and lift up the chest, and the thicker shoulder straps finish off the look with an air of elegance. The rear of this suit provides a full coverage bottom, again discreetly securing any unflattering areas.

Our eyes are like pinwheels spotting outfits like this one! To get Rumer’s look, check out the Draped Black one piece, or browse more from our very own Badgley Mischka Swimwear.

Chloe Sevigny

Out in our backyard of South Beach, Miami, Chloe Sevigny lounged by the ocean with some friends during New Year’s. Apparently ignorant of her mishap, she turned around and showed the hidden paps the wedgie that formed on her two-piece swimsuit. Tsk, tsk, tsk. Maybe Chloe didn’t think to pull out the trimming of her hipster bikini bottom because of how much fun in the sun is to be had at the beaches of MIA.

Swan Lake by Betsey Johnson

Inevitably, we (and by “we” we mean the entire world) were witness to a designer bathing suit no-no. We’re not against her choice of bathing suit, because as a matter of fact, we love black swimsuits with flowers, but something a bit more whimsical could have done her good.

A great option to re-style her look is the Swan Lake Bikini by Betsey Johnson Swimwear. The swan black and white print gives the plain black solid a facelift, and the pleated ruffles at the top with tiny pink roses at straps just makes it all the more adorable. The best part is that unlike the one she has on, this boyshorts bottom stays put and does not ride up that easily. Which would do the girl a favor, frankly, since she doesn’t seem to feel a breeze down in her booty when her cheeks are showing.

Front and back view

We’re here to help you Chloe! We love you girl, but unless you specifically wear a thong or brazilian cut bikini, try not to let it hang out!

Sienna Miller in a little black dress at the Esquire House LA's opening night

How many little black dresses do you own? If I had to go through my closet, it would take me a little too much time to count. My point- you can never have too many! We’re loving Sienna Miller’s take on the LBD with her below-the-knee, gathered chiffon peplum option at the Esquire House LA’s opening night.

Truth or Dare One Piece by Betsey Johnson Swimwear 2011

While we can never have too many LBD’s, the same applies in the designer swimwear world. Take the Truth or Dare One Piece by Betsey Johnson Swimwear. With its flattering silhouette and skirted bottom, this suit features a winning style for any beach or pool party event. The black bow adds a touch of femininity, while the back  features a daring criss cross strap that reveals a little skin. It doesn’t reveal too much though, the bottom provides full coverage at the rear.

Would you incorporate the little black swimsuit to your swimwear collection?

Penelope Cruz

Tuxedo Top by Betsey Johnson Swimwear

What we love about her black swimsuit is how comfortable and sexy she seems to be in it. A black swimsuit often has the same effect as a black dress… everyone needs a little one in their closet. If you are in search of a cute black swimsuit we recommend the Tuxedo Top and String Bottom by Betsey Johnson Swimwear. It’s black, elegant, and has soft velour textures over its solid print.

String Bottom by Betsey Johnson Swimwear

Betsey Johnson swimsuits are rarely plain solids and this black swimsuit is no exception. Adorned with a flower accessory at the side, the tuxedo top brings a little bit of extra femininity to the outfit. And you can tie the bottom strings at the sides to adjust your coverage.

Badgley Mischka Fashion Show in NYC

You can see it on the runway images from Paris, Milan, and NYC. Black is certainly back. And black swimsuits are no exception… they are being incorporated into the designs of the most coveted brands, such as Badgley Mischka swimwear and Betsey Johnson. Even color-loving designers that usually stay away from black have their own version of the black swimsuit. We are certainly a fan of the tone. Nothing like a little black bikini such as the Luminous Bandeau by Despi Swimwear (below). We love that it is spruced up by another leading trend this season: bejeweled accessories.

Luminous Bandeau by Despi Swimwear

The round gemstones at mid bust add a little sophistication to this style. The shirred bottom is also essential to the fit, by aiding in the avoidance of the “muffin top” look. For those of us who need a little bit of oomph at the top, the removable straps can be adjusted to hold your girls on command.

Despi Swimwear is no stranger to celebrity bods. It has been featured in Sports Illustrated for two consecutive years, and it was even seen on one of the gals from the Real Housewives of Orange County, Gretchen Rossi. Gotta love it!

Monokinis – the trend that became a must in 2009 is more alive than ever for 2010, with more selections of monokinis for designers such as Agua Bendita in a number of styles. At first we wondered about the allure of monokini swimsuits, but we finally got in on the craze: the thing is, a woman who wears a monokini well turns heads. Monokinis take a special hour glass shape to pull off, but curvy women like Kim Kardashian pull it off, and so do skinny ones like Paris Hilton.

Layer Cake Ruffle by Betsey Johnson

Fuchsia – Celebrities love it. Swimsuit designers can’t get enough of it. Betsey Johnson Swimwear made a collection completely made of solid fuchsia ruffles, aptly named Layer Cake [available now]. Badgley Mischka have followed suit with the Fuchsia Serpentine. Whether it’s used as an accent to the style, or entirely comprised of it, swimwear for 2010 will flaunt the fuchsia color, along with its bold statement, all over the spectrum. Depending on how it’s used, fuchsia can add a fabulous touch to your swimsuit attire. Why do you think it’s part of the Sex & the City logo?

Plaid – What is it about plaid that has fashionistas flocking toward this trend? Is it the rustic look, the school-girl inspired style, or what exactly? We’re not sure, but plaid is definitely in for swimwear 2010. The gorge plaid bikinis are incorporated in the 2010 Maaji collections, but most importantly Betsey Johnson Swimwear, who did a whole storyline with black and white plaid, named Patty Cakes.

Ruffles – Of all the new 2010 swimsuits trends, this has to be one of our favorites. It’s ruffles, ruffles, everywhere! Ruffle bandeaus, ruffle bikini bottoms, ruffle triangle tops, you name it, it’s there. Designers like Vix Swimwear, OndadeMar, and Maaji are adopting this trend. Not only does it add to the fashionable look, but it makes you look feminine, and kind of girly, but by playing with the color tones it can also result in a more mature, glamorous look. We love both kinds!

Dipcasus Diagonal by Maaji Swimwear

Bandeau Bikinis – We’ve discussed this in our previous posts. Bandeau swimsuit tops have always been a part of swimwear design, but now more than ever, the bandeau bikini style is being incorporated as a pivotal part of the storyline. Everything from twisted bandeaus to tube strapless with the one strap option is taking center stage with designers such as Maaji and OndadeMar. For women with smaller cup sizes, bandeaus may be a bit of a challenge, but thankfully the removable padding included in most collections saves the day!

Hardware/Embellishments – Whether its goldtone hardware such as rings, hand-beading, or crochet patterns, swimsuit designers this year are upping their game with glam embellishments. And thumbs up for that! Nothing adds a touch of sophistication and glamour like having a hardware embellishment to complement the suit’s color and look. Designers from Sabz Luxury to Despi Swimwear are creating their bathing suits with that extra oomph, and we love it.

Shirring – Nobody does shirring better than Badgley Mischka Swimwear. Internationally renowned for their dress designs, the Badgley Mischka designers create their swimwear styles for women who like a swim-ready gown. Whether its shirred tops, bottoms, or one-piece swimsuits, the shirred look is very in. And might we add, a must-have for those trying to avoid the “love-handle” look.

Hot Tamale by Lady Lux Swimwear

Black Swimsuits – the traditional black and white look is no longer as blah as it used to be. Swimwear designers take it up a notch this year with styles of fabulous black swimsuits. Not only does black hide minor imperfections, but it also spells out class and sophistication, for which we know it will be huge for 2010.

There you have it, these are the hottest trends for designer swimwear 2010! If you have any questions, one of our fashion specialists would be happy to help you. Feel free to give us a call at 1-877-288-9564 and ask to speak to a fashion specialist.