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.
Amber&Thomas Shakuhachi Amber&Thomas Nookie Lingerie-inspired underwire cups give swimwear a feminine allure / Demi neckline is key / Convertible spaghetti straps / 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 and latticework details / Mod geometric prints / Crochet patterns in larger, more distinctive shapes / Intricate panels highlighted 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 influences continue in minimalist tank styles / High-neck halter is key / Tube tops have youthful appeal / Lingerie-inspired bustier tops / Hipster bottoms retain sporty aesthetic / High-waisted briefs make it more modest, exposing just a bit of midsection
Lisa Maree Nookie Kooey Ultra-long ties and wrapping details revamp string bikinis / Ties extend from back closure, front cups or halter necks / Bra cups overlap, surplice style / Bikini bottoms have matching long ties / Strings connecting top to bottom for a monokini look / Bikinis with wider self-ties resemble ballerina tops / Ties in the back arranged in unique 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 color blocking capture a sporty vibe / Skirted and side string variations / Glossy hot pants embrace the 70s revival Related report: Speed to Market > The Hipster Bikini
Talulah Nookie Zimmermann Karla Spetic Amber&Thomas Crop tops provide easy cover-ups for the beach / Exaggerated high-low hems revamp jersey tees / Wide, boxy silhouettes, 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 and prints 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 skirtlike look / Romper versions / Fluid washed silks, chiffon and rayon / Nature-inspired prints / Elastic waistbands provide 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 prints also 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 the sarong / A-line or circle skirt construction / Layered or tiered prairie skirts / Broom skirts made out of crinkled cotton / 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
Limedrop Nookie Stolen Girlfriends Manning Cartell Kirrily Johnston 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 shirtdress versions / Casual jersey tee dresses / Front drawstrings allow hems to be adjusted / Narrow belts or elastic define 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 extra ease around the hips / Strapless sarong-style constrcutions / Tank and halter bodices / Sheer fabrics continue to trend / Side slits facilitate movement and leg-show
Zimmermann Nookie Pooppa Pemmaraju Kirrily Johnston Karen Neilsen 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