Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swimshy;/Cruise 2009: ANK by Mirla Sabino
Designer Mirla Sabino’s July 19 runway presentation at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim at The Raleigh hotel in Miami Beach, Fla., put the focus squarely on her chic swimwear designs. No big hair, no kooky styling, no front-row shenanigans—nothing but amazons in little suits that prettily toed the line between all-out sexy and sophisticatedly demure. Prints ran the gamut from Pucci-inspired and abstracted snake print to all-American stripes and Moroccan-flavored trellis patterns. Pulling the whole thing together was Sabino’s trademark understated delivery. Bandeau tops featured intricate ruching but got a dose of sweetness with oversized, gold heart-shaped hardware. A one-shoulder maillot featured a sporty silhouette, but pleating, a Brazilian-style bottom and a plunging back made it better suited for hailing a waiter poolside than chasing the kids. A va-va-voom bikini in gold was anything but standard, with layers and layers of tiny ruffles. —E.B.
