Fashion for everyone

My favorite look from Rosa Cha by Alexandre Herchcovitch, a tie-dye and lace paneled scuba-dress. All photos by Alexandre Schneider/UOL

When I heard that Brazilian designer Alexandre Herchcovitch was taking over as the head designer of swimwear company Rosa Cha, I was intrigued, but somewhat dubious about the appropriateness of the pairing. Known for his rapturous use of colors and clashing prints to create avant-garde designs with a decidedly Southern Hemisphere spin, Herchcovitch seems a little bit off-kilter for a company best known for flashy beach clothes that are meant to show off flesh rather than fabric cuts and combinations.

My entire view was turned upside down when I stopped by Fiftytwo Showroom and took a peek at the new collections. Fiftytwo now represents Herchcovitch's eponymous collection as well as Rosa Cha, and while it was definitely strong, I have to say I was surprisingly more impressed with his work for Rosa Cha. Herchcovitch took all the elements of his dynamic designs, and transposed them on the decidedly oomph-oriented swimwear line to create a collection that is utterly unique, while delivering that signature Brazilian sex appeal. I loved the cheeky bathing suits that looked like lingerie, as well as a group of lace and tie-dye printed scuba-suits and dresses. They're so perfect for the surf-trend, and I don't think any designer has ever made me want to wear a swimming cap so badly. I have to say, of all the pieces I've seen in person so far this season, the one I want the most is the dress pictured above, and if it's not too prohibitively expensive, I just might have to place a personal. I'm already picturing myself this summer wearing this to Rockaway Beach while listening to The Drums and Passion Pit on repeat...

This never ending heat wave has me wishing I was at the beach every day of the week. I would be heading for the Far Rockaways right this moment if it wasn't over an hour an half away by subway. Like the incredible Rockaways, Nycked, by Lorenzo Martone and Jules Kim, magically combines elements of the surf and New York City for Resort 2012. While the two seem at odds, the surreal juxtaposition of lounging on a beautiful beach in front of a housing project perfectly reflects what this strange and wonderful city is all about. Similarly, Nycked draws inspiration from elements of New York life that seem to have nothing in common with a romp in the sand. New York's architecture is reflected in the swimsuits' sexy cutouts, which have an art deco feel. Nightlife and clubkids are referenced in the disco sequins and the neon coral, electric green, and bold blue colors. And of course, black and white have a heavy presence as they are the foundations of a Manhattanite's daily uniform. Who needs to getaway, when you can take these out to the streets for a sultry staycation?

Bill swimsuit and Round Zyl Frame sunglasses courtesy of Norma Kamali, vintage Christian Lacroix skirt, Proenza Schouler nail shoes, French and English Confectioners backpack, Forever 21 hat, Triskaidekaphobia tooth necklace.

The lovely people at Norma Kamali asked me to participate in their Summer Looks Facebook contest, and since I'm a true fan of Ms. Kamali, and her timeless classic styles, I couldn't say no. Along with a few other bloggers, I got to play around with the 50's style ruched Bill swimsuit, and a pair of her Round Zyl Frame sunglasses, which I've secretly been lusting after for a long time. While there wasn't any water to dip my swimsuit in on 4th of July weekend, I found that the Bill makes an excellent bodysuit, and wore it under my favorite vintage Christian Lacroix skirt (the modest style can also double as a dress since I'm so short). I did get a chance to test it out in real water this past weekend at Rockaway Beach, where it was perfect for the Open Ocean Sessions Yoga and Surfing class. "Like" Norma Kamali and "like" my look on Facebook for a chance to win your own Bill swimsuit!



Another shot that my dear friend Izzy of The Dandy Project took of me this weekend wearing my Zyl sunglasses. Dress courtesy of Margarita Saplala, Gerard Yosca necklace.

The Mermaid Parade may have happened a few weeks ago, but Norma Kamali's new Resort collection contains many cute suits fit for a long day out in the sea, and fishtailed dresses and flared pants for the little mermaid who made it to land. Made from plenty of black and nude lace, the collection has a bit of a late 80's, early 90's feel to it. The nude ruffle bikini is perfect for an aspiring Ariel, and the black lace bell-bottom jumpsuit has a deliciously camp feel to it, good for when you're feeling more like Ursula the Sea Witch. Like most of Norma Kamali's work, this collection consists of form-fitting, basic silhouettes with a twist, rendered in practical mesh and polyjersey fabrics that allow for real movement and wear. Her simple, sexy designs have inspired plenty of imitators (American Apparel comes to mind), but there's nothing quite as cool and effortless as the originals, making it a brand that populates my Mom's closet as well as my own.

The Los Angeles. All photos from We Are Handsome.

I have a long list of things on my Birthday wishlist, but right now, a swimsuit from Australian label We Are Handsome is at the top of it. I spied these beauties in the window of Opening Ceremony earlier today, and knew I had to take a peek. Created as a collaboration by designers Indhra Chagoury (Oscar and Elvis) and Jeremy Somers (People Like Us), each piece is made by hand and laboriously designed, with their graphic artists using dozens of images sourced from different places to achieve the exact look they're aiming for. The images are then printed with high-density-ink, resulting in super-vivid, ultra-realistic prints that are meant to turn heads by the pool-side. This season, they were clearly influenced by Americana, with multiple styles named after American states or cities, and one swimsuit donning the iconic mug of James Dean. Unfortunately, there's nary a New York style suit in sight, but I'll be happy to get a hold of the gorgeous Los Angeles style any day...

The Miami

The Africa

The Delaware