Swim Fan

Here's the 411 on the recent Poko Pano, True Religion, Aqua di Lara and Qiss Qiss swim shows.

We made a splash at this past Saturday night's Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim events at The Raleigh and here's what we saw:

POKO PANO

OVERVIEW: Consider Poko Pano the answer to the quintessential itty-bitty Brazilian bikini. Tropical prints and skimpy cuts were aplenty. The music was bossa nova (no surprise there) and watermelon and toucan patterns were boss.

COLOR SCHEME: Green and white stripes paired with reds, pink-and-white gingham, purples, browns and whites.

TRENDS: The styles here included cutesy watermelon printed bottoms paired with green and white stripe bikini tops. Sequined red heart printed bikinis, tropical banana flower patterns, pink-and-white gingham prints, and all-white crochet maillots were also aplenty. Twist bandeau tops were abundant as were side-tie bikini bottoms with minimal coverage (how Brazilian!)

HIGHLIGHT: The standout was called “Amazonas” — a Toucan print one-piece. In addition, the watermelon printed suits were adorably sweet yet sexy at the same time.

TEXTURE: Lycra, crochet, sequins, crystals, metal rings, terry zippered hoodie dresses and lace.

ACCENTS: Chunky wooden bangles encrusted with crystals, hibiscus flowers worn behind ears and sultry hair. CELEBRITIES: Donald and Lisa Pliner.

TRUE RELIGION SWIMWEAR

OVERVIEW: The opening tune, Grateful Dead’s “I Will Get By” set the all American, hippie-esque and groovy vibe for the True Religion swim show. From the bathing suits’ patterns to the accessories to the barefoot models — it was all about peace and love.

COLOR SCHEME: Loads of light and dark-washed denims, pops of neon colors, baby blue True Religion patterns, metallics, blacks, whites, army green and fuschia.

TRENDS: Denim was the underlying theme here (used in suits, vests and Daisy Duke shorts) and so was the horseshoe print synonymous with the True Religion brand.

HIGHLIGHT: The bright fuchsia colored bikini with fringe beading and ruffle detail was our favorite.

TEXTURE: Denim, Lycra, grommets, crystals and suede.

ACCENTS: Brigitte Bardot hair, colorful anklets with peace charms, feather accessories, aviators, seashell necklaces, chunky leather belts, fringe handbags, straw fedoras, guitars and skim boards.

CELEBRITIES: Phoebe Price, Donald and Lisa Pliner and Americas Next Top Model contestant Anchal Joseph.

AQUA DI LARA

OVERVIEW: The Canadian-based label boasts a futuristic appeal. Shiny fabrics and kaleidoscopic splashes of color were aplenty in the “Luxurious Warrior Goddess” inspired collection.

COLOR SCHEME: Jewel tones dominated while earthy hues, bursts of limes and deep purples, airy colors, solid black and splays of rainbow rays were present, too.

TRENDS: Shiny fabrics reigned at Aqua di Lara as did swirl patterns. Cowl neck bikini tops were a nice surprise.

HIGHLIGHT: The silk splatter-painted caftans with open backs were the hit of this show. Jackson Pollock would be proud.

TEXTURE: Shiny technical fabrics, draping, silk cover-ups and jersey tops. ACCENTS: Silver and gold beaded necklaces and chokers, ornate metal headpieces, and long dangly earrings.

QISS QISS

OVERVIEW: Think boudoir meets the beach with Qiss Qiss. Delicate laces, burnout bows, buckles, beads, sparkles, shines and neutrals created a flirty and fun collection.

COLOR SCHEME: Lavender, peach, hot pink, ivory and geometric prints. TRENDS: Lingerie-inspired bikinis, see-through harem pants, high-waisted pants and ruffles were rampant. Fifties silhouettes sizzled the catwalk. Geisha-printed caftans and giraffe patterns made unexpected appearances. HIGHLIGHT: The fantastic Flamingo print monokini shouted “Miami!”

HIGHLIGHT: The hit of this collection was a racy lace-trimmed  bikini that looked like it just crept out of bed.

TEXTURE: Lace, silk, Lycra and shiny accessories.

ACCENTS: Feather boas, fishnet socks and bow-adorned headbands.

Aqua di Lara