This is our pick of the hottest poolside pieces - all from new homegrown British brands.
The Celebrity Favourite...
Take one Jamaican supermodel, add one fashion buyer, and you have Bang! Influenced by the sexy, skimpy cuts of the Caribbean, but made in the UK, we are obsessed. We especially like the moulded cup details and their fun colours. Plus, Cara Delevingne and Rihanna are fans, so you know you're onto a good thing.
Our New Holiday Must-Have...
New London label VALIMARE only launched at Miami Swim Week last year but has the chic yet sexy look all sewn up. The label is named after the family beach hut on a private island in Spain (natch) and the pieces are inspired by the glamorous women who vacationed there. One half of the couple behind the brand, Paula Macineiras, tells us that 'VALIMARE’s design philosophy is focussed on creating swimwear and resortwear that is elegant, yet at the same time undeniably sexy and playful, conveying effortless style.' Sign us up.
Because Prints Are Having A Moment...
If you are after something flirty and fun with bold, colourful prints that look more high end then high street, Look Z at Wolf & Badger is your best bet. The independent label is based in London but uses all Italian fabrics. The prints are all exclusive to the brand and created by them, so you know you are getting a special one-off piece. We love.
The Fashion Editor Favourite...
Varley London, the new brand founded by husband and wife duo Ben and Lara Mead, is firmly on our radar. Think laidback designs (inspired by their second home in LA) but with gorgeous attention to detail. The brand doesn't just end at swimwear, look out for a shop opening this winter in London for more collections, including activewear. We'll take it.
The Mix And Match One...
Matchy-matchy is so 2012. This summer, ramp up your bikinis with a little choice. Violet Lake, the swim brand started by fashion director Ursula Lake, is our go-to. With nine different styles of bikinis, in 14 different colours, and from A to E cup, you are spoilt for choice. We have our eye on the new chevron print for summer, made with British fabric exclusive to them. Wear with colour-clashing bright bottoms for a fun and flirty look.
Yes, Interiors Have Got Sexy...
House of Hackney has been our interior design crush for a while now - we're pretty much living our interior dream through their Instagram - but it's not all printed wallpaper. Nope, we are all over its new swimwear collection. If you are after high, 50s-inspired bottoms and sexy cuts this is the collection for you. Launched this summer, it's the brand's first. Check out the Holiday Shop online; full of kimonos, swim and outdoor living, with beach bags and espadrilles on the way. We can't wait.
When You Don't Want To Be A Wallflower...
If you are more of a poolside poser, Forever Unique's new swim collection should be right up your street. This summer sees the launch of its first holiday collection of bikinis and kaftans. Think eye-catching colours with embellishment, laser-cut detail, chunky chains and fringing. This is not the style to perfect your butterfly stroke in, but it's the place to go if you want statement swimwear.
The Brazilian Inspired Option...
Just because we are British doesn't mean we can't celebrate the sexy high-cut styles that the Brazilians do so well. Larissa Virdee, founder of Lara Ventura, totally agrees with us. Get ready to show some skin, gals, Larissa uses a Brazilian cut on the fabrics to give the sexy shape.
The New Brit Girl In Town...
Take a collaboration between two friends (one hair stylist and one print designer), throw in their love of travel, and an obsession with water, and you have brand Mona. In their second season, the collection draws on the beauty of marine life, from rough tides to our very own dramatic rugged coastline, which means you get a shiny, sexy collection, full of bold pieces all designed, printed and manufactured in the UK. Think lizard, fish and tiger print pieces that give an iridescent wet look.
The Industry Insider...
Prism has probably been on your radar for a while, but if you only think of its amazing sunglasses and espadrilles, then think again. Former fashion trend forecaster Anna Laub has her finger firmly on the pulse with her swim collection (loved by Beyoncé FYI). If simple low key, classic designs in muted colours are your thing then you will soon be as obsessed as us. Find the collection in her brand spanking new London store on Chiltern Street, W1.
