Denim-inspired bikinis with higher waists reflect a retro influence.
Photos by Tom Wallace
The ASR Runway show is one of the highlights at the ASR fashion trade show (full story posting soon) which showcased collections for Spring and Summer 2011 from brands in action sports apparel, footwear, and accessories, August 13-15 at the San Diego Convention Center. The swimsuit and beach lifestyle show features some of the latest trends from top brands in surf and beach culture, such as Lost, Rip Curl, Gossip Swim, T-Vik, Reef, Hot Tuna, Split, Volcom, Rusty, Despi, Lucy Love, Vans, Martha Rey, Insight, Fox, O’Neill, Quiksilver, and others.
Key trends in last weekend’s runway show featured a retro yet modern version of the bikini with a higher waist (including short shorts), more neon which is a trend stemming from emo-punk roots and has been important in youth culture for some time now, plus lots of patterns such as paisleys mixed with ethnic weaves and blocks, beach scenes, metallics, fringe, and a high volume of one-pieces. 
One piece swimsuits were on trend, especially those with a ’70’s flair.
In some cases, the beach lifestyle took on a more urban edge, with fedoras by Peter Grimm, lots of off-the-shoulder tops and coveralls belted with wide belts from Betty Belts, oversized bags, denim and ripped denim shorts, onesies, and army-inspired short shorts from brands like Metal Mulisha, Gossip Swim, Rip Curl, and Fox, and a number of vests especially from Volcom and Lost.
Here’s a look at some of the top trends from the ASR Runway show:
Black with bright patches of neon were among top trends in bikinis.
Fringe and tassles in swimsuits are key for 2011.
More fringe, especially in tops.
Mixes of various patterns is also important. Here, it’s coupled with high-waisted shorts.
Bold, block colors with flirty patterns such as polka-dots are an important combo.
This pink bikini with ruffles and sequins, coupled with a leather vest kicked off the show. Indicative of what to expect in 2011.
One pieces with sophistication–including metallics.
Military inspired themes and camo in bikinis are important new trends.
Colorful denim cut-offs and band merch inspired T’s and tanks coupled with boots are key styles.
Volcom had a hot black bikini with neon colored pills or planets in a blur pattern.
Hippy, super long skirts and dresses with modern takes on paisley patterns were key beach culture features.
Beach scenes as graphics coupled with a denim skirt and boots are important aspects of style.
Ethnic prints in electric blue with plaid shirt cover top indicated the mix-up of patterns and styles.
Not as many onesies this year, but they are still on the radar. This time however, as with many of the swimsuit styles, they are coupled with boots.
