L A P I S M A R

Britney Spears wearing Vix Jazz bikini

Lapismar Swimwear — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 20:22:08 +0000

Britney Spears in Jazz Vix Swimwear bikini (Star Magazine, July 2009)

To shop this Vix Swimwear Jazz bikini set, click on image above

Julianne Hough graces Shape Magazine’s cover with Sauvage’s Gold Sparta bikini

Lapismar Swimwear — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 19:44:24 +0000

Sauvage is known year after year for making the cut in Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition magazine for their sexy swimsuits adorned with crystals, rhinestones, and other embellishments like ruffles and beading. This past July in Shape Magazine, on the cover is Country sweetheart Julianne Hough wearing one of Sauvage’s best-selling gold beaded bikini sets.

Julianne Hough wears Sauvage Gold Sparta Bikini Set (July Shape Magazine)

Country's cover models : LeAnn Rimes, Martina McBride, and Julianne Hough

Beyonce wearing Luli Fama “Belleza” bikini

Lapismar Swimwear — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 18:14:03 +0000

Luli Fama has one of the best fits in itsy-bitsy bikinis. Definitely not for the shy. Their best selling bottoms are normally a smaller Brazilian cut that bares more of the back side than the average full bikini style. Beyonce was seen in the “Belleza”. This collection was also seen in Sports Illustrated Swimsuits Issue 2009, worn by Bar Refaeli. To get your own, go here.

Beyonce vacationing - seen here in Luli Fama Belleza Bikini

L*Space fashion show : Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Miami

Lapismar Swimwear — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 19:48:44 +0000

L* Space rocks the runway during the Mercedes-Benz fashion Week-Swim with their electric prints and mix and match solids.

beach-chic : Monica Wise talks about her vision for L*Space

Lapismar Swimwear — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 19:07:40 +0000

Monica Wise backstage at L*Space 2010 fashion show during the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim in Miami Beach. (Photo courtesy of L*Space)

During the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week-Swim in Miami, Monica Wise, designer of L*Space, unleashes yet another stunning collection of women’s swimwear embellished with gorgeous gold and silver hardware, as well as ultra-luxe fabrics. L*Space is a household name in the swimwear world, as Monica is a seasoned designer who knows what a woman wants, in fit and style. The beauty of L*Space is that it’s extremely versatile. The swim tops and bottoms are meant to be mix and match depending on the moment. Wildly popular is L* Space’s Slinky Solid fabrication, soft and eco-friendly, this group drapes a woman’s body with smooth lines and seamless construction.

Monica keeps her swimwear collection fresh and innovative by re-inventing the formula season after season. The 2010 L* Space Collection is striking in its abstract prints, not overtly girly, but each suit exudes sensuality through its silhouette.

L* Space 2010 Collection - fashion show during the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim in Miami Beach.

NL for Lapismar : When did you first realize you wanted to design swimwear?

Monica Wise : Swimwear was always a favorite part of my wardrobe growing up. I seemed to be wearing swimwear 24/7 during the inception of L*Space back in Florida due to the hot/humid climate. It just seemed so natural to start designing something I was so passionate about putting on my body.

NL : You have stated that your inspiration originated from living in coastal areas such as Florida and now So. Cal, but what inspires you today in your design and how do you keep motivated?

Monica Wise : Now that I have a number of season’s under my belt designing swimwear and resort wear I find inspiration everywhere from handbag detail to vintage fabrications. It’s very easy to stay motivated. Having won my third year of  “Best swimwear brand of the Year” from Sima also keeps me excited to continually re-create my collection!

NL : What does the L* Space 2010 collection embody?

Monica Wise : I love this season’s collection! it’s all about the combination of fabrics, hardware and design. Obviously very LUXE Looks with great detail to the hardware which we incorporate throughout the entire line as well as Slinky Solid Eco-Chic fabrications, Super Sexy One-pieces with Plunging Necklines. We’ve also focused the 2010 collection on Numerous vintage prints as well as geometric prints.

NL : Whom do you design for?

Monica Wise : An L*Space girl is fit and comfortable with her body. She’s not shy to stand around in a Bikini in front of strangers. She absolutely loves color and loves to stand out on the Beach. It’s all about the attitude and confidence.

NL : What do you enjoy most about being a swimwear designer?

Monica Wise : I love the challenge of beating my last collection as well asI love the phase of designing hardware and building the collection! Holding L*space in store Trunk shows and hearing the testimonies from our customers gives me a total sense of accomplishment.

NL : L* Space has been a favorite of celebrities like Lindsay Lohan, Cameron Diaz, and Jessica Alba, just to name a few, and its great fit is obvious why L* Space is a big name, but in your opinion, why do you think your collection year after year has continued to receive rave reviews?

Monica Wise : I’ve always felt that we had to re-create each collection to keep it fresh on the retail level. Too many designers continually recolor, repeat their previous collections. I want to deliver product that is different, compelling and very special! Entertain your customers/audience!

NL : Do you have any fashion designers as an important point of reference for your designs? And if so, who?

Monica Wise : I’ve always loved and followed the musician and designer Gwenn Stefani who continually pushes the envelope with her Brand LAMB. I try to do the same thing in the swimwear sense: push the envelope!

NL : Your collaboration with the Omni Peace Foundation to create the Omni Peace Collection is beautiful and so purposeful, do you see anymore partnerships in the near future with other non-profit organizations?

Monica Wise: I will absolutely do some type of collaboration with every collection! I love giving back to a GREAT cause. I am super excited for the charitable foundation that I chose for 2011 and I think EVERYONE will feel the same once we’ve announced it!

NL : How do you intend women to feel when wearing L*Space swimsuits?

Monica Wise : Someone once quoted “ a Bikini is not a bikini unless it can be pulled through a wedding ring”. With that said it’s all about feeling SEXY, confident and comfortable with the Suit and the body~

NL : How do you see L*Space will evolve in the next 5 years?

Monica Wise : My vision of L*space is to become an iconic Brand known worldwide expanding into an extensive resort line and beyond. Swimwear is Just the beginning!

luli quiere rumba : an interview with Lourdes Hanimian

Lapismar Swimwear — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 20:26:27 +0000

Lourdes Hanimian and Augusto Hanimian at the Luli Fama 2010 fashion show during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim in Miami Beach. The show was held at the Oasis at The Raleigh on July 19, 2009. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images)

Vibrant. Hypnotic. Playful. Seductive. These are some of the words one associates with the essence of Luli Fama. Namely, the 2010 collection has an electric mix of prints and rich colors that were inspired by Miami’s explosive energy and picturesque beaches. This collection is the most exciting collection yet for Luli Fama. Their hottest swim trends range from sexy cut-outs , to paisley and confetti prints, to cover-ups that are versatile for the pool or party.

I had a chance recently to find out first hand from Lili Fama’s designer, Lourdes Hanimian, about her 2010 Collection aptly named “Luli Quiere Rumba.”

NL for LAPISMAR : When did you first realize you wanted to design swimwear?

LOURDES for LULI FAMA : I loved swimwear all my life. Living in Miami and having the beach as my playground was great. I started working for a swimwear company and then was hooked for life.

NL : The seduction of Miami does offer a lot of inspiration. What inspires you to design and how do you keep motivated?

LOURDES : I love to travel and get inspiration from my trips. Music is also one of my passions and believe it or not I do get inspired by music.

NL : What does the Luli Fama 2010 collection embody?

LOURDES :The Luli Fama 2010 collection was designed with life in the city of Miami. The colors from the ocean and the sky at sunset the high energy and electric vibe. The strong sounds of Latin beats and the sexiness of the city. A party of life!

NL : I love the sexy silhouettes and the sophisticated styles of Luli Fama from the 2010 collection, but how do you think it differs from the previous seasons?

LOURDES : This year it’s brighter and prints are stronger. The cuts are sexier and easier to wear. We design bottoms that do not dig into your hips. They were seen in “People Stylewatch” magazine as the “no muffin top” bottoms.

NL : Who do you design for? (as in the story behind the girl who wears your suits)

LOURDES : The “Luli” girl loves fashion. She is sexy yet has a soulful heart. She loves to be the “star” on the beach!

NL : How do you stay abreast of the trends?

LOURDES : It’s not so much to stay abreast of the trends, but more to create them. When you come up with a fabulous suit, somehow it becomes a trend.

NL : What makes Luli Fama stand apart from the other lines?

LOURDES : We stay to ourselves. If we see another designer doing something, we respect them for it and do something else.

NL : You serve a wide range of prints and silhouettes; when a woman is looking for something suitable to wear, how should they choose the suit most suitable for them?

LOURDES : They have to choose something that makes them feel confident.

NL : What are 3 best accessories to wear with a great Luli Fama bikini?

LOURDES : A great cover up, sexy sandals and a confident attitude!

NL : How do you intend women to feel when wearing Luli Fama swimsuits?

LOURDES : Happy !!

NL : What’s in store for Luli Fama in 5 years?

LOURDES : Wow…. that’s far ahead! Re-inventing ourselves each year and maybe a flagship store.

Luli Fama gives us another reason to fly to Miami, all in the name of work.

Luli Fama 2010 on the runway

Lapismar Swimwear — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 19:34:47 +0000

Luli Fama’s 2010 Collection sizzles at the Raleigh Hotel in Miami during the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim. Check it out!

find the perfect bathing suit style for your body type.

Lapismar Swimwear — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 06:28:38 +0000

The beauty of the female body is that it comes in all shapes and sizes. With a plethora of swimwear designers addressing the many different body types, it is no longer hard to find something that is both flattering and accentuating. One of the most important things in dressing is to accentuate your best features and downplay your least favorite, but this method works best when you are completely honest with yourself. If you’re unsure, recruit an honest friend who doesn’t sugar coat and ask her for her advice on what she thinks is your best feature to work around. Still unsure which styles are best for your body? I’ve complied a list of Do’s and Don’ts when it comes to swimwear styles for different types of body. Keep in mind that these are not “hard” rules, they’re better used as guidelines when shopping for swimwear.

	Do’s	Don’ts
Small Bust	· You have more versatility in styles here from triangles to bandeaus.· Light padding is great. · Thin string triangles look clean. · Tops that have light embellishments such as beading, ruffles and crystals also add volume	· If you’re really small, stay away from hard, molded, and/or thick padding, as this will only overwhelm the chest and making the pads too visible.
Large Bust	· Anyone over the size of 36C would be considered to have a larger bust.· Thick strap triangle tops are excellent for support, even better would be an additional thick band at the bottom of the cup sizes. · Well-constructed bra-style tops are another good alternative.	· Avoid spaghetti string triangle tops for the obvious reason that it causes the look of saggy breasts.· Bandeau tops are also dangerous and should be avoided at all costs, unless you get one with removable straps that can be worn and then removed when you tan.
Muffin Top (fuller middle)	· Adjustable side ties bikinis allow versatility and doesn’t pinch the skin.· Some wavy bottoms are soft enough too that they don’t pinch. · Fold-over soft fabrication at the waist.	· Thick elastic waisted bands.· Small string bikinis, as this reveals too much skin. The point is you want to conceal the fuller middle, not expose as much of the stomach and thighs as possible.
Short Legs	· Bikini bottoms that are cut high are ideal.· If you like the “boy shorts” look, try a hipster cut, which is higher cut but is an updated version of the boy short.	· Stay away from boy shorts and skirted swim bottoms, as this shortens your legs.
Wide Shoulders	· The key is to emphasize your bottom and downplay the top.· Be a little creative and mix and match tops and bottoms. Maybe try a vibrant, colorful bottom with patterns and pair it with a solid colored top, to draw the eyes to the bottom. · Bra-style tops are also good.	· Avoid deep-plunging halter-tops.· Tops that have too much fabric or embellishments.
Pear-shape (bottom heavy)	· This is the opposite of the “wide shoulders.”· You’d want to draw more attention to the chest area with gorgeous swim tops embellished with beads, crystals, and ruffles. · Choose a moderate coverage bottom in the smoothes fabrication possible.	· Keep swim bottoms simple, solid colored, and easy on the eyes.· Avoid unnecessary fabrics in styles like the skirted or boy-short bottoms. · Because you are bottom heavy, also avoid skimpy, Brazilian-cut bottoms. · Avoid bottoms with ruffles.
Long Torso or Body	· You want to balance the “vertical” length of your body. Try horizontal stripes, patterns and embellishments.· Instead of a solid one-piece, try breaking the line with a cutout monokini or a two-piece bikini set.	· One-pieces and vertical stripes and patterns.· Plunging “v” necklines.
Short Torso or Body	· Similar to the “Short Legs” dilemma, the best bikini bottoms for you will be low-rise and high leg cuts to lengthen the mid section.	· Avoid fuller bikini cuts with too much fabric and coverage.· Skirted bottoms and boy shorts, as this will make your body look “stumpy.” · One-pieces and horizontal patterns and stripes.
Boy Shape Figures	· Feminine details are key to the balance.· Create and accentuate your waistline with styles that have side rings, a belt, sash, or other details that add “flair” to your swimsuit.	· Solid colors.· “Basic” styles with no detailing.

in pursuit of water.

Lapismar Swimwear — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 21:11:22 +0000

Photo by charity : water

Take away all the clutter of political involvement and grand solutions and you have charity: water, a non-profit organization whose mission is simple and clear: to fund freshwater wells in developing nations as an effort to provide access to safe clean water.

The crisis is not in the shortage of water, but the lack of safe accessible drinking water for children and women who often travel on foot several hours a day to collect water from polluted swamps. Namely 17% of the global population faces this water crisis (WHO, estimation for 2002). Children are most affected by water-related diseases and deaths. But there is hope.

Founder Scott Harrison gives background on how charity : water was born.

Charity : water offers a few ways to get involved:

Start a campaign: give up your birthday gifts, wedding gifts, holiday gifts, or whatever else you can think of that will help bring awareness and raise money to provide clean drinking water and improve living conditions.

Donate : for $20, you can give one person safe drinking water for 20 years. 100% of your money will go directly to freshwater projects in developing nations.

Sponsor a well : for $5,000, a well will provide a small village of 250 plus people with ongoing freshwater.

Monthly giving donations : from $20 to $500, you can give a family clean drinking water for 20 years.

Photo by charity : water

Merchandise & Sponsorship : profits from merchandise not only help spread the word about the water crisis, but also help support the staff at charity : water so they can continue raising money and building wells for the billion of individuals still without drinking water.

Links to more sources:

World Water Council

my charity : water

World Health Organization

The Little Black (Swim)Suit

Lapismar Swimwear — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 21:03:37 +0000

Black is my favorite color to wear as far as clothing is concerned. It can be as understated or as elegant as you want it to. My beach wardrobe is no different, every season, I add another black bikini to my collection. One can never have enough black. But as a rule of thumb, I always pair it with a vibrant beach dress, bold jewelry, over sized sunglasses, or a colorful beach bag. One of my favorite movie icons of all time is Marilyn Monroe, and the other day, while reading up on her, I came across a picture of her in a bandeau one-piece that inspired me to write this post. Each swimsuit below has its own appeal – updated with understated embellishments for a modern, yet sophisticated look.

Inspiration: Marilyn Monroe in a Vintage Black Bandeau One Piece

Here are 4 of our faves from the 2010 Collection.

1. The Sexy Socialite – Sauvage’s crystal encrusted snake running up the torso is sure to turn heads. This cut-out one-piece has a low plunging neckline.

Photo courtesy of Sauvage Swimwear

2. Eco Beach Babe – I love this new Slinky Solids line from L Space, the fabric is made partially with agricultural feedstock instead of petrochemicals. The softness of the fabric allows a snug fit without to much pinching to prevent muffin tops and the likes.

Photo courtesy of L*Space

3. The Girly Tomboy – OndadeMar’s Gypsy Ruffles Bikinis have been so popular, the company brought back the silhouette for another season, and this time they added black. This hipster cut is perfect for the girl who wants a little more coverage, but still appreciates the comfort of the updated boy-shorts bottom.

Photo courtesy of OndadeMar

4. The Party Girl – From L*Space is another hot celebrity one-piece cut-out monokini that’s been made popular by Audrina Patridge.

Photo courtesy of L*Space

L A P I S M A R

Britney Spears wearing Vix Jazz bikini

Julianne Hough graces Shape Magazine’s cover with Sauvage’s Gold Sparta bikini

Beyonce wearing Luli Fama “Belleza” bikini

L*Space fashion show : Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Miami

beach-chic : Monica Wise talks about her vision for L*Space

luli quiere rumba : an interview with Lourdes Hanimian

Luli Fama 2010 on the runway

find the perfect bathing suit style for your body type.

Do’s

Don’ts

Small Bust

Large Bust

Muffin Top (fuller middle)

Short Legs

Wide Shoulders

Pear-shape (bottom heavy)

Long Torso or Body

Short Torso or Body

Boy Shape Figures

in pursuit of water.

The Little Black (Swim)Suit