From the gorgeous mermaidgirl Tala Michelle, who pens her own blog Bathing News,a dreamy underwater concoction of swimwear fashion:

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kiki’s inspirashe!

one of my fave designers kiki of kikidoll swimwear sent me some of her oldies but goodies inspirashe following my vintage bikini pics, and i just looooved it! take a lookie at just a little peak at what makes the kikidoll tick (edie sedgwick, romy schneider, jennifer o’neil, francoise hardy, jane fonda, of course bardot although not featured)! designers…feel free to send your inspirashe of any kind over this way to share on bathing news we’d looooove to seeeee! xoxo to the doll kiki who’s got some amazing things involving birds and tropicals comin soon…ooohwiiii i can’t wait any longer!

From where this beach girl hangs, it does not look like any end is in sight for summer. Mind you that’s true in the tropics!

But, everywhere else other than on a paradisical beach, it seems that September beckons, and the dog days are winding down and into a back to school- back to work frenzy, and forward to Fall.

Labor Day–the traditional day to not work–is full of sales and even more closings. Close out the beach house, close out the pools, close out the holiday, last day at the seaside.

But is it really the end?

Indian Summer is not far away–that time of the early autumn when summer comes back for a drive-by–a last lingering glance at the love affair that was a full-on summer crush. Heat and humidity and sunshine roll in like a jilted lover taking over your life for a week or so. Then, poof–it’s gone, and what remains is often a frosty reproach!

Just like 5PM, though, remember it’s always summer somewhere!

Related articles

• The Dog Days Of Summer (pinkbananaworld.com)

Grab a copy of SurfGirl Magazine and find out who won the hot pink bikini designed by Kikidoll for the magazine’s summer bikini give-away contest.

Over 350 entries were logged by its August deadline–the contest question was, where was designer Kiki born?   Hint: it is the capital of Hawaii!

The answer if course is Honolulu!

http://bit.ly/ocuji4

Related articles

• Kikidoll Previews 2012 Collection ‘Waikiki Wahines’ in Miami during Mercedes Benz Swim Week (kikidollbeach.com)
• Kikidoll at Salon Allure, W Hotel, Miami Beach, 15 – 19 July Press Release (kikidollbeach.com)

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What a week–hot, hot and more hot!

Miami was incandescent with heat, both in temps hitting 100 degrees, and on the catwalks and daily fashion shows previewing next year’s swim and beach fashions for all the world’s buyers, press and agents to see.

As in every year, prevalent  themes emerge and others wane–the fash mag editors will be filing those pieces once they kick the sand out of their suitcases– but the overall feel was glamor, vintage and brights, with neon and animal still popping in.

Just two years old, Kikidoll 2012 is channelling an endless summer 70′s surf chick vibe–Day-Glo and Popsicle acid colors in solids and bold tropical flower-child prints; geometric Polynesian tattoo symbols and vintage native artisan crafts inform the signature Hawaiian prints all designed by Kikidoll’s founder Kiki Farmer.

Born in Honolulu, Kiki draws on her idyllic childhood spent on Waikiki Beach, where surrounded by the islands’ lush flora and sea life, she is continually inspired by the pristine elegance and  barefoot chic of living in paradise.

The 2012 swimwear collection features racy pompom edging on cheeky cut bottoms; eyelet -laced  hipster boy-cut shorts; cutaway or laced tanks with interchangeable separate bandeaux and drawstring bustiers. For after-beach wear, resort pieces reference the Hawaiian muu muu in an updated hippie silhouette with bohemian ruching, crochet, eyelet and laced ties.  Beach skirts and silky hoodies to the knee all carry the look from beach to bistro.  With elements of tie-dye, sun-faded plaids,  embroidered appliqués, coconut shell beads and tiny sea shells, mingled with crochet—these make up all the iconic hallmarks of the 70′s laid-back beach style of Waikiki wahines.

Related articles

• Kikidoll at Salon Allure, W Hotel, Miami Beach, 15 – 19 July Press Release (kikidollbeach.com)

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT:
Julia Brown
Brown+Company PR
julia@brownbuzz.com
(305) 546-9882
SALON ALLURE – THE FIRST AND ONLY EXCLUSIVELY LUXURY TRADESHOW DURING
MIAMI SWIM WEEK – REFLECTS ONGOING GROWTH OF GLOBAL SWIM WEAR INDUSTRY
Show Takes Place July 15-19 at W South Beach Hotel & Residences
(June XX, 2011, Miami) – SALON ALLURE – the first and only exclusively luxury swim, fiber, resort, and now
accessories, tradeshow during Miami Swim Week – will showcase many of the world’s leading designers from
July 16-19 at W South Beach Hotel & Residences. The significant representation of designers from as far as
India, United Arab Emirates, and Australia, as well as Colombia, Mexico and Great Britain, aptly reflects the
persistent growth of the swimwear industry, slated to reach $17.6 billion globally by 2015.
Showcasing a total of 32 designers, a third more than in the previous year, the four-day event will offer major
retailers, press, and other industry executives a preview of 2012 Collections. Brands will be featured in private
studios and suites on the 5th Floor of the hotel. This year an Accessories Suite showcasing luxury resort
handbags, shoes, and jewelry will be an added component. A Media Lounge located on the show floor will
offer press a luxe outpost from which to log stories or relax with complimentary WIFI, refreshments, and goodie
bags.
This year’s international designers at Salon Allure include:
Anna&Boy: Anna&Boy is fast becoming notorious for bold colour palettes and an eclectic array of signature prints. The
Summer 1112 collection evokes images of a sixties Malibu beach scene with backless mini-dresses, cropped cigarette
pants, cute crop tops worn back with the label’s coveted swimsuits.
biKa: biKa is conceptualized and launched by AmbiKa Sanjana in spring 2011. biKa’s corporate vision is to constantly
provide unique designs that are a fusion of the traditional and the contemporary, individual and yet global. biKa
specializes in garments hand made by talented Indian craftsman who have inherited this skill through several generations.
Each exquisite piece is one of a kind
Josa Tulum: JOSA tulum is a lifestyle-clothing brand that is inspired by the calm beaches of Tulum and the sophisticated,
chic style of New York City. Their idea was simple – to take their favorite vintage kaftans and transform them into
contemporary, sexy dresses for the beach that were chic enough for the evening as well. The line’s multiple styles are all
wrinkle-resistant and are offered in one size that is flattering to all.
Olga Olsson: Designed in London and produced in Rio de Janeiro, Olga Olsson Swim combines South American
glamour with European Elegance, and a hint of English Eccentricity. Designer and Founder Ruth Ferguson honed her
design and technical skills with Alexander Mcqueen and Matthew Williamson before starting the label (named after her
grandmother) in 2010. The Olga Olsson secret: Limited Edition, Innovative Cut, Exclusive Prints, Luxuriously soft fabrics,
Sustainable Design.
Martha Rey: Colombian native Martha Rey creates a completely hand-crafted, bohemian luxury collection keeping only
one object in mind: to connect a woman’s outer core with her inner spirit by outlining and defining her true self. By
deconstructing the ultra chic and the avant garde, Martha Rey designs apparel and accessories made for the luxurious
woman whose heart still beats to the sound of the earth and the ocean
Reina Swimwear: Inspired by the glamour of the world’s most exotic beaches and cosmopolitan trends, Reina resort
collection has launched a swimwear line for the fashion-conscious world traveler who wants to look at ease while
remaining stylish and sexy. Through luxurious fabrics, a flattering fits and couture designs, Reina swimwear evokes self
confidence and beauty in any woman. While on holiday, express yourself through Reina’s fashion forward swimwear
options that are both timeless and elegant.
White Sands: Reflecting a love of exotic destinations and haute fashion, designer Leah Madden crafts seaside chic
statement pieces that are infinitely wearable, referencing vintage icons and faraway locales in ways that are purely of-theminute.
Earning accolades at Australian Fashion Week and Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Miami, Madden designs for
the woman who demands her beachwear be as fashion-forward as her lifestyle.
Other domestically-based SALON ALLURE brands include: 6 Shore Road (New York), Acacia Swimwear
(Hawaii), Belusso (California), Callula Lillibelle (New York), Charlie by Matthew Zink (New York), Crystal
Jin (New York), Diesel (New York), Ed Hardy (Los Angeles), Elizabeth Kosich (New York), Jessica
Simpson (Miami), Kikidoll (Hawaii), Lisa Curran (New Jersey), Lisa Marie Fernandez (New York), Mara
Hoffman (New York), Marysia Swim (New York), Mikoh Swimwear (California), Nycked (New York), Red
Carter (Miami), So De Mel (California), Sorella Swim (California), True Religion (Los Angeles) and Tori
Praver (Hawaii).
The unique four-day trade show will host a series of events including a multi-faceted Opening Night Party on
Friday, July 15th with live entertainment, art presentations, featuring Lebo, and a fashion presentation
showcasing all SALON ALLURE brands and a visual overview of luxury swim and resort trends for 2012. Daily
Cocktail Receptions will also be hosted from the SALON ALLURE Media Lounge where VIP guests will receive
special gift bags. Artwork will be featured throughout the Salon Allure Show Floor, media lounge and other
common areas provided by Lebo, Mindy Mikous, and Robert Christian Malmberg. All events are by invitation
only.
RAJ Manufacturing, featuring Luxe by Lisa Vogel, Athena, Ella Moss, Splendid, Hurley, Guess, Next,
Reef, St. John, and Nautica will show in partnership with Salon Allure at the Shore Club Penthouse. SALON
ALLURE participants will have access, by appointment, to a complimentary wellness & beauty bar on the
rooftop of the Shore Club Penthouse.
Salon Allure is sponsored by California Apparel News; The Beacon Council; Where World’s Meet; W South
Beach Hotel & Residences; Zico Coconut Water; and INVISTA, owner of the Xtra Life LYCRA ® brand1, the
official fiber sponsor of Salon Allure. Partners for Salon Allure include The Arts Fund and RAJ Manufacturing.
SALON ALLURE SCHEDULE
**All events take place at W South Beach Hotel & Residences
Registration/Credential Office on ground floor of W South Beach, Studio #1
Friday, July 15 – Poolside
8:00 pm – 12:00am SALON ALLURE Opening Night Party and Fashion Show
9:00pm Designer’s Swimwear Presentation
Saturday, July 16 – 5th Floor
1:00 pm – 6:00 pm SALON ALLURE Tradeshow
1 LYCRA ® is a trademark of INVISTA
4:30pm – 6:00 pm Cocktail Reception
Sunday, July 17th through Tuesday, July 19 – 5th Floor
9:00 am – 6:00 pm SALON ALLURE Tradeshow
11:00am – 12:00pm Meet The Designer: One on One (By appointment)
3:00pm- 4:00pm Meet The Designer: One on One (By appointment)
4:30pm – 6:00 pm Cocktail Reception
About W South Beach Hotel & Residences
W South Beach Hotel & Residences opened its doors July 2009. This 408-unit condo hotel features magnificent views of the Atlantic
Ocean from every room and unique amenities such as WALL ultra-lounge, Living Room and Grove. With Bliss Spa and an impressive
list of restaurant partners including celebrity-magnet Mr Chow and Soleà, W South Beach solidifies its spot as the choice destination
hotel for both W’s jet set guests and Miami’s most fashionable locals. The property teamed with some of the most innovative designers
and artists including Anna Busta of Studio B Design, conceptual landscape designer Paula Hayes, legendary photographer Danny
Clinch and architectural firms Costas Kondylis and NBWW & Associates. For more information, please visit www.wsouthbeach.com.
***MEDIA ATTENDANCE ***
Media registration is required to attend SALON ALLURE, access the Media Lounge,
and to make One on One appointments with designers.
Please pre-register by July 8 at www.salonallure-online.com.

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April turned it’s nose up over the weekend and May popped out like a Springy jack-in-the-box.  Banish winter and its slashings of wet, May is here in all its Springtime allure and abundance and promise of  gorgeousness.

The light is clearer, the air is fresher and, of course, the sneak peeks of summer are everywhere, but none so where as much as on the fingernail sliver of sand and sea off the southern French coast stretching from St. Tropez to Monaco, its crown jewel in the center, Cannes, glistening  like the Hope diamond in a tiara, beckoning and brightening all things lush and beachy.

In May, on the 11th,  the Film Festival in Cannes hosts the globe’s bronzed and the beautiful, the veterans and the vedettes, and the tone of the coming international summer beach scene is set in Cannes.

It was in Cannes that the world’s first-ever worn bikini was unveiled.

It was in Cannes that the doyenne of the forme feminine–Brigitte Bardot– was first ‘created’ as God’s gift to Men.

It was in Cannes that ‘going topless’ on the beach began (and continues!)

It was in Cannes that playboys and supermodels cavorted and films and deals were made, and contracts broken, and a few hearts along the way, too!

Holding court at La Croissette, would-bes, wannabees and It Girls have held center stage for over half a century, 64 years to be exact. In Bardot’s era the sweetly demure gingham checked demi-balconette push up bra bikini made schoolgirls blush and grown men worship a teenaged real-life Lolita goddess. Capri trousers, mid-riff peasant tops and hippie sandals still abound several generations later, and of course, that same style Bardot-esque bikini, re-worked is omnipresent!

Related articles

• Seeing stars at Cannes Film Festival (inside-digital.blog.lonelyplanet.com)
• The stars of Cannes (guardian.co.uk)

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It is not your imagination that Granny’s trusty G-Hook is being employed with multi-colored Crayon colored cotton threads into this season’s surprise trending item–all things crochet–for beach and leisure wear.

No longer just the purvue of table-top doilies or those kitschy dolls camoflauging the toilet paper roll, crochet has earned its fashion chops and come of age.

Channelling the 70′s and Boho Hippie vintage ponchos, capes, shawls, and pull-overs, the knotting fascination has even produced form-fitting and wearable bikinis!

Yes, crochet is swimmable!  Thanks to the combo of some poly in the cotton, crochet can get wet, though, mind you, it is not an endurance fiber with the 4-way muscle of spandex, and certainly will not withstand the rigors of windsurfing, wake boarding or heavy shredding.

But with some strategically placed lining and careful tying and adjusting, crochet as beach wear is a total runaway hit and must-have for summer 2011.  And, fab for posing!

Tight weaves are the norm for bikinis and even beading, shells and feathers find their way into the mix.  Add a chunkier, open weave poncho or skirt in bright dayglo colors, and even Janis Joplin and Jimmi Hendrix would be jealous!

Relaxing and fun, crochet has become the go-to stress buster on the beach. It is not uncommon among the surf crowd to see both genders busily hooking and knotting a bracelet, beanie or bikini into shape.

So, get started on those ‘Granny squares’ and see if you can fashion a wearable, beachable, swimmable piece for this summer!

Related articles

• Knitting mayhem, pole dancing crochet bikinis, and other stuff (timesunion.com)
• What to Wear This Weekend: Crochet (blogs.smarter.com)

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Ah, Coachella!  You appear in the Spring like a harbinger of all the wondrous offerings that musical festival devotees love.

California sunshine, a plethora of juicy music and the spoiler-alert for all summer festival fashion to follow!

This year Coachella, you did not disappoint.  The weather behaved, the attendees behaved and the best surprise for all the BoHo princesses and Hippie goddesses was that bikinis behaved as tank tops (at least the top portion allowed for maximum style, coverage and tanning!)

Add to the de rigeur bikini some native American lashings like feathers entwined in the hair, or better, a feather headband cum bonnet, some amazeball bone/skeletal jewellery bits, the UOD–cut-off jean short-shorts– and Havis–and, presto!  You are ready now for the Queen Bee of summer music festivals, Glastonbury.

We’ll have to see what mercurial Kate is going to trot out in this summer. (And we don’t mean the newly-minted Duchess, either!) La Moss always sets us all straight (and dashing back to the knock-off shops/sites to get Her Royal Festival Queenliness’s latest look).

Whether it is macrame ponchos, 20′s beaded fringed vests or feather capes, we will all emulate the look.

Just don’t forget the Wellies.  Glasto is predictably a mudslide slim with nary a blue horizon.

At least in your bikini you won’t be feeling out of place to be drenched!

Related articles

• Wardrobe Oxygen: How to Dress for Coachella and Other Music Festivals (savings.com)
• From Catwalk to Coachella: Fashion Week Accessory Trends Spotted at Indio (marieclaire.com)
• YouTube Streaming Live Coachella 2011 (socialtimes.com)