Racked is no longer publishing. Thank you to everyone who read our work over the years. The archives will remain available here; for new stories, head over to Vox.com, where our staff is covering consumer culture for The Goods by Vox. You can also see what we’re up to by signing up here.
Miami Swim Week is most likely the craziest of all fashion weeks, and in its recent wake, it's a shame that more people aren't discussing what just happened there. For starters, there were Britney Spears-esque snakes on the runway. Also, there was an entire show featuring models in next-to-nothing bikinis wearing oversize motorcycle helmuts. And then, there were the trends—the legitimately exciting styles that will be all over the beach next year.
Racked caught up with a bunch of the nation's top swim buyers, from Barneys to Shopbop, to get a little insight into what they were loving, and what we'll soon be seeing in stores.—Ashley Brozic
Mara Hoffman
Barneys New York:
Tomoko Ogura, Senior Fashion Director: "We've seen a lot of one-piece swimsuits with cutout details. It's something we're seeing a positive response to from customers now, and we're also seeing this style make a strong statement for Resort 2015. It's a nice option if you'd like to expose less but still feel feminine and sexy."
Wildfox Swim
Shopbop
Jenny Fuchs, Buyer: "I'm obsessed with the '90s-inspired, super-sexy-but-minimal Cindy Crawford look! Think a classic maillot, but with a high-cut leg, or a string bikini that looks like an old-school Calvin Klein one. It's quite forward, but I like that it's minimal, and I think our customers will get it. It also plays into the sporty/active trend prevalent in a lot of the collections."
L*Space.
Nordstrom
Megan Minarik, National Swimwear Buyer: "One-piece suits continue to be a trend, featuring cutout details, high necks and alluring strappy backs. Sporty fabrics like neoprene are still being seen throughout the swimwear market, and there's also a lot of print mixing."
Luli Fama.
Everything But Water
Sabra Krock, Creative Director: "We loved the Mara Hoffman collection—especially her long-sleeved swimsuit and fresh maxi dresses—and the Luli Fama show, which is always so fun. We especially enjoyed her tropical-print jumpsuit! We also liked the sleek, sporty suits at the Suboo show, as well as Marysia's collection."
Indah.
Macy's
Dustin Jones, GVP/DMM of Coats, Swim and Active: "Some of the trends we loved included kimonos, high collars, strappy swimwear, crotchet and laser-cut. We also loved yellow as the hit color with pops of hot pink!"
Minimale Animale.
Gilt City Miami
Hillary Strickland, Associate Curator: "I loved seeing a few of my Miami-based favorites like Del Toro Shoes and Style Mafia on the runway, and I'm also really excited about the recent sunglass collaboration between Del Toro and Red's Outfitters. Another favorite brand of mine was Flagpole Swim, a new line started by two Florida girls originally from Palm Beach who are now living in New York. Trends I found on and off the runway were high-neck racerback tops, strappy crochet details, futuristic and geometric silhouettes and round retro sunglasses in all colors."
Frankie's Bikinis.
Planet Blue
Ling Su Chinn, Founder and Creative Director, and Kimberly Bishop, Buyer and Merchandiser: "We were so into all the muted hues showing up this season, especially the taupes, browns and skin-toned pinks. We also couldn't get enough of the scenic prints. Another trend that we know our customer will totally get behind is fitness-inspired designs, like sexy, sporty takes on the bikini with lots of elastic and hardware details that make them stand out!"
Suboo.
Alene Too
Lizzy Schwartz, Owner: "What I loved most about Swim Week was that everyone showed one-piece bathing suits and rash guards. They're great because they can also be worn as tops and bodysuits, so it gives you the ability to spend money on a suit and wear it in different ways. Lots of designers also showed coverups that can work from day to night, which is great for my customers who travel. It allows them to pack less, and they can add a slip under sheer coverups, which hardly takes up any room in their suitcase."
Mikoh.
Nic Del Mar
Jeannette Nicole Roger and Lyanne Marie Roger, Owners: "High-neck tops are in everyone's line for 2015. One of our favorites comes from Mikoh, and it features a solid neck. They also have it with a macrame neck. Other designers used a crochet or mesh neck that's really beautiful."
· How to Do More Than Tan at the Beach: A Without Walls Tutorial [Racked]
· How Marysia SWIM Became a Fashion Girl Favorite [Racked]