Miami’s Swim Week all about subtle sexy this year

MIAMI – Swim Week is still all about sexy this year, but with a little less skin as designers focused on refined and conservative with one pieces, high necks and monokinis and fewer thongs.

Designers, buyers and models from around the world descended on Miami Beach for Swim Week 2016, a swimwear fashion and trade show now in its 12th year that has become one of the most recognized in the industry.

Funkshion, which showcases emerging designers, kicked off the week with models in flagrant two-pieces and monokinis strutting across a runway bedded on top of water. Rapper Kent Jones performed his hit song, "Don't Mind."

Luli Fama played to the subtle sexy trend and was heavy on crochet pieces and open cut shoulders.

"We are using a lot of mesh and sheer fashions," said designer Lourdes "Luli" Hanimian.

The Cuban designer, who hosted a show Saturday, tapped into her Latin roots with bold prints and lively colours showing the "happy people of Cuba."

Sinesia Karol, a Brazilian designer, said she also drew inspiration from the free spirit of the Latin culture with pieces that were flattering for all sizes, especially curvy women.

"It doesn't matter what size you are," she said. "I want you to feel good about your body."

Australian designer Camilla Franks' resort collection also drew from international inspiration and incorporated the soul, energy and love of Africa.

KAOHS, a celebrity favourite, featured suits with reversible designs, one pieces with plunging necklines and red halter crop top bikinis. They also included swimwear with "a larger variation of coverage" to appeal to a wider audience, said designer Ali Hoffman.

Kay & Elle showed classy bikinis that looked like midriff tops instead of bikini tops. Some of the one piece swimsuits could be zipped from the front, offering sexy and conservative options.

Frankie's Bikinis paid homage to the 70s as models started the show behind a multi-colored billboard version of a "shaggin' wagon." The designer played with psychedelic patterns and paired some bikinis with colorful blue and pink denim jeans. Models wore white daisies in their hair and some strutted the runway with posters reading "Free The Nipple" and "We Rise By Lifting Others."

The looks were modestly sexy, revealing a little bit of booty but not too much.

The shows will continue until Tuesday.