Retro Swimsuits

Inspired by ultra feminine and curve enhancing swimwear styles popular in the 1940's I designed the BATHING SUIT TOP.
  

Perfect for summer, the front is loose and relaxed while the back sweeps down from the halter neck to form a flattering low scoop.  Long ties secured at the back neck hold the top in place and allow for adjustment whilst the back is comfortably elasticated. 

Perfect as a casual Summer top it might also be a useful party option.  It's shown here with the MINNIE MINI; another summer staple that also loves a fun night out.

The pattern for the BATHING SUIT TOP is available in Australian sizes 8-14 from my Etsy shop.  Altering the pattern to make a dress is easy and it's explained right here.  All fabrics used were found at Tessuti in Melbourne.

Skimpy in the GIFT SHOP

Just added to the GIFT SHOP a SKIMPY knicker in Australian size 8 (US 4).  The knicker combines two Liberty print cotton fabrics; Baby Rainbow for the body and Tom for the waist binding.    

Fabric notes from Liberty...

"Baby Rainbow was based on a Liberty fabrics design from the 1970s and re-worked into hope, promise and peace-giving rainbows.  Rich in symbolism, rainbows have also been used in art as bridges to the heavens, paths to wisdom and celestial kaleidoscopes.

Based on an authentic Liberty archive design stretching back to 1935, Tom Liberty fabric was originally created by influential textile designers Silver Studio"

I love the idea of combining elements from different eras to create something unique and modern and I'm busy making up lots more knickers in all sorts of cute period mash-ups.

If you have the sewing skills to make your own The SKIMPY sewing pattern is also available.   Please remember folks, patterns sold may not be copied, distributed and/or commercially reproduced.

Navy

Just a few of my favourite naval inspired offerings from the recent Spring 2015 collections.  

For the very young...

Red Valentino

and See by Chloe.

Sophisticated iterations were offered by

Apiece Apart,

 Elizabeth and James,

 Lisa Marie Fernandez,

and Michael Kors.

Saving the best for last, a Japanese transposition worthy of a standing applause at Sacai.

To this I add my humble naval inspired DRESS-ME-UP collar in little red hearts.  I've trimmed it with heavy top-stitching and a hand painted vintage button.  The pattern is also available right here.