The aptly named British lingerie retailer, Agent Provocateur, has just come out with a bold Summer 2010 swimwear collection. Complementing their line of cheeky, luxe bras, knickers, suspenders, stockings, corsets, bridal wear, stockings, and beauty finds, the swimwear Agent Provocateur styles are daring, fashion forward, and feature both separates and two-pieces influenced by 1970’s glamour. Certainly not for the demure, the line is perfect for anyone with boundless confidence, a flair for the sexy pin-up look, and an appreciation for craftsmanship and detail.
The line includes the Portia swimsuit and bikini, which are slinky black and silver numbers with a wet-look snakeprint. The bandeau bikini top has a halterneck rouleau that can be tied under the bust or around the neck, and is paired with a ruched hipster brief. Both the bikini and one-piece feature inner wiring to create and enhance shape.
The eye-catching Tatum cut-out matte black swimsuit is tailored to sculpt a feminine form with a waist belt that cinches to create an hour-glass silhouette. The piece has also got gold ring detailing at the bust apex and breastbone – this just screams Rihanna or Samantha Jones from Sex and the City. A Tatum Bikini version was also created for the especially daring, and comes in a cerise pink.
For those looking for something more traditional, but still sexy, the Risa in matte black has a plunge line bikini top and hipster hot pant. The two piece is softened with pink stitching and gold buttons.
My personal favorite is the corset-like Zahra style. The seductive Dita Von Teese-appropriate silhouette has laced corsetry down the front of the swimsuit that reveals a flash of red underlining. The cleavage-enhancing collar-style bust cups add further drama to the boned structure, and there’s a back zip for both a functional and vampy finish.
Prices for these daring pieces start at $110 for separates and go up to $790 for the Zahra (though most of the one-piece looks retail for $250).
It seems that Agent Provocateur is maintaining a firm hold on their status as the leading brand for boldy, sexy, carefully crafted swimwear – although I do wonder when Kiki de Montparnasse will venture into swimwear and give them some competition as the downtown equivalent to La Perla.
