Text size:

Swimming in Hollywood glamour

By Korin Miller | korin.miller@am-ny.com

April 7, 2008

Carmen Marcval (Handout)

Classic Hollywood glamour has not only taken over the runway -- it's seeped into swimwear as well. Ruched one-pieces and high-waisted bikini briefs have popped everywhere from Victoria's Secret to haute couture.

"Swimsuits follow through the trends of fashion," explains Danielle de Marne, fashion director for Scoop NYC. "Last season was very feminine [and] more demure."

Plus, many women want more coverage when it comes to swimsuits, says designer Melissa Odabash. "Sometimes more fabric is just as sexy as a string bikini," she says.

Get ready to indulge your inner beach-bound Marilyn Monroe with these vintage looks.

Victoria's Secret High-waisted bikini briefs just got a whole lot higher, with a vintage-inspired waistline that ends at the lower ribcage. "Anything with a high waist can accentuate your curves beautifully," says Marisa Miller, the face of Victoria's Secret swimwear.

Victoria's Secret Very Sexy polkadot balconet top ($42); ultra high-waist bottom ($38) at Victoriassecret.com

Jessica Simpson Not willing to cover up that much? Go nautical in Jessica Simpson's bikini with a glam twist.

Jessica Simpson striped halter top (similar top $54); boyshorts (similar briefs $46) at Nordstrom

Carmen Marc Valvo "I love glamour. It permeates everything I do," says Carmen Marc Valvo. Star quality aside, Valvo's swim dress looks great on most body types -- the suit's bottom layer works like a girdle; the ruching hides flaws.

Carmen Marc Valvo swimdress, $167. Saks Fifth Avenue, 611 Fifth Ave.

DKNY DKNY's ultra high-waisted briefs are perfect for the fashion-forward woman who isn't afraid to take style risks. And let's not forget: The higher the waistline, the more it holds in your stomach.

DKNY striped triangle top ($56) at Bloomingdales, 59th St and Lexington Avenue ; high waist bottom ($56) at www.swimwear-anywhere.com

Red Carter Modeled after the ever-classic tuxedo, designer Red Carter's bikini reveals just enough skin to keep things sexy, yet elegant. "I think that the trend of vintage-inspired styles is catching on because we care about quality more than ever, and having a choice of personal style is the hottest trend today," Carter says.

Red Carter pleated top ($66), high waist bottom ($79) at California Sunshine, 519 Kings Highway, Brooklyn