Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim/Cruise 2009: Pistol Panties
Glamour, pop colors and retro kitsch were the look of Deborah Fleming’s “Nights in Deauville” collection. The London-based designer presented her art deco–inspired collection on July 20 at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim at The Raleigh hotel in Miami Beach, Fla. “It’s all about luxury glamour, beauty, just celebrating the feminine form and all that glitters and all that’s gold, basically,” Fleming said. “It’s very, very luxurious.” The designer, who spent six years growing up in Miami, was happy to return to the city for her U.S. runway debut. Fleming turned up the glamour for the occasion, creating sexy swimsuits bedazzled in Swarovski crystals. The collection featured Pistol Panties’ signature design elements: colorful pop prints and retro silhouettes. Think of a modern-day Bettie Page as her muse. Standout pieces included an ultra-sexy cutout one-piece covered in Swarovski crystals, a retro star-print bandeau and high-waist bottom, and a pearl-print maillot with an oversize matching hat. Fleming also added ready-to-wear to the collection, including beautiful silk chiffon caftans that can be thrown over a bikini or worn as eveningwear. —N.J.S.
