And just like that, Hong Kong’s air has become as thick as treacle. At this point, when the mercury has hit a humid high that makes stepping outside feel akin to popping yourself in a humming oven, there are only two options. You can spend the next six months within air-conditioned walls, or, you can accept the inevitable, choose to upgrade your oceanside look and board your yacht in enviable style. So, the latter it is.
Where to start, you may ask. It’s simple: pick powerful prints and swimwear designs with unique details to bring more than a hint of tropical magic to your days on Hong Kong’s high seas. Heaven knows, I’m the strongest advocate for a hefty helping of timeless noir, but this sunshine-season give black a break and dial up the colour with something that has a little more volume.
We’re stocked up on Solid & Striped, Marysia and Kiini from last summer (aren’t you?), so it’s time to turn your attention to our latest label obsessions – a quartet of brands that make slipping on a bathing suit a pleasure rather than a chore. Whether you live in a two- or one-piece when you’re out on the deep blue, get set to find a new favourite in our edit of the best in show.
Hunza G
If there’s one brand that dominated the swimwear market of the 1980s, it was Hunza, more recently reincarnated as Hunza G – thanks to Creative Director Georgiana Huddart teaming up with original founder Peter Meadows. The brand’s distinctive stretch-crinkle fabric used on each style is designed to fit every figure and marks the perfect starting point for your new look. This season, silhouettes are undeniably modern with a sweet nod to the label’s spirited past (think high leg lines) and will make an easy addition to your summertime swim portfolio. With blown-up bows, heady hues and (literally) seamless cuts, this is swimwear made to leave you feeling fabulous. Join A-listers such as Hailey Baldwin and Emrata in snapping up a one-piece or twin-set from the London label.
Johanna Ortiz
We love her energetic dresses and now we can’t get enough of the Colombian designer’s animated bikinis. Macro ruffles cascade over the shoulder of Ortiz’s asymmetric styles – much like her ready-to-wear line – which are rendered in burnt orange and bright red. Ruching at the sides of the high-waist briefs or creeping up swimsuit waistlines means the fit is as flattering as the look is striking. While you’d be forgiven for making a beeline straight to the paradise-print two-piece, there’s something to be said for the white La Perla swimsuit (available exclusively on Moda Operandi) with its removable asymmetric ruffle. Perhaps best of all, every style will work beyond daytime hours – paired with a sweeping midi skirt or alongside wide-leg trousers, you’ve got your evening look sorted.
Made by Dawn
For statement swimwear that doesn’t involve brighter-than-bright shades, look to Made by Dawn, founded by husband-and-wife duo Dawn and Kirk Peterson. The line’s appeal is in the tight frills that trim each style and the plethora of tie-dye and off-kilter block shades on offer. From the bikinis (which you can mix and match) to the singlet styles, there’s an easy, feminine vibe we love. Much of it features a signature ribbed fabric finish that adds not only to the low-fi South Californian vibe but also to the comfortable, supportive fit. This is standout beachwear that doesn’t immediately demand attention, but once you’ve seen it, you won’t want to look anywhere else.
Leslie Amon
Central Saint Martins’ graduate Leslie Cohen Amon is the lady behind this ultra-feminine swimwear brand. The designer may perhaps be better known in high-society circles for saying “I do” in the stunning Palace of Versailles, but we’d hazard a guess her couture-like designs are bound to be on every fashionistas wish-list this summer. High-shine metallic colourways, waist-cinching belts and gathered shoulder straps run across the collection, which features fine Italian fabrics. Amon is an advocate for letting her high-octane swimwear work harder in your wardrobe, whether you’re adding shredded denim for festival vibes or a flowing cotton skirt for zen Ibiza yoga retreats. But for day, less is more – a low chignon, blackout sunglasses and bare feet will see you lounging on the upper deck of that 64-metre Sanlorenzo in effortless luxury.
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