Forget the jean shorts. The latest in beachwear harkens back to the glamour of the late sixties and seventies. Back then, the jet-set saw suiting up as an extension of the good life. Sarongs, scarves and heaps of jewellery took a summertime staple from banal to gloriously bohemian; the exotic locales that the fashion elite flocked to, including Monaco and Marrakech, helped inspire this look with an emphasis on colour (not to mention joie de vivre). So pile on the psychedelic patterns and mismatched prints, says Odessa Paloma Parker, who ventured to lush Barbados to showcase the hottest takes on a decadent trend. Photography by Javier Lovera.
Drop case
A true seventies siren knew the power of accessorizing, and a decadent cascading necklace, such as this one from Aldo, packs even more punch alongside Sappho’s luxuriously long lace earrings and a vintage printed scarf; the gold tones of the jewellery also play up the metal detailing on this multicoloured Vix bikini top.
Bikini top, $116 through vixpaulahermanny.com.
Scarf (worn as headwrap), $395 through vintagecouture.com.
Necklace, $20 at Aldo.
Sappho earrings, $415 through kimsmiley.com.
Summer of love
Michael Kors couldn’t resist a little pattern play this season, pairing paisley with florals and topping the look off with a generous drape of fringe. A muted colour palette keeps this bikini-and-sarong combo subtle, but the boho vibe is still strong – especially when it’s paired with statement gold jewellery.
Michael Michael Kors bikini top, $62, shawl, $195 through michaelkors.com.
Bracelets, $58 each through alexandani.com.
Necklace, $110 (U.S.) through jenny-bird.com.
Earrings, $65 through ilovebiko.com.
Take the plunge
In the seventies, skin was in, with glamazons like Jerry Hall baring it beach-side. Montreal-based brand Shan serves up the same surf-side sexiness in a snake-print one-piece with plunging neckline, while a tassel detail at the waistline lends extra retro cred.
Bathing suit, $310 at Shan.
Bracelet, $135, earrings, $59 through ilovebiko.com.
Necklace, $150 (U.S.) through jenny-bird.com.
Free flow
When the sun goes down, VMT’s elegant sheer cover-up is an easy, breezy piece that looks just as striking over a camisole or tank dress. It’s particularly groovy when worn with a trippy print such as the one on this Filosofia bikini, inspired by the Tropicália art movement of late-1960s Brazil.
Cover-up, $595 through vmt-losangeles.com.
Bikini top, $70, bikini bottom, $75 through filosofiaswimwear.com.
Short necklace, $98 through alexandani.com.
Long necklace, $395 through hillbergandberk.com.
Hook line
Crochet has been revived as the weave of choice this season, and swimwear in particular has benefited from its sultry appeal. With its mesh-like bodice and generous cut-outs, this La Vie En Rose one-piece is a major head turner. For a more demure look, pair with a playful wrap, such as Laura Siegel’s graphic skirt.
Bathing suit, $59.95 at La Vie En Rose.
Scarf (worn as headwrap), $395 through vintagecouture.com.
Collar, $158, earrings, $59, bracelet, $135 through ilovebiko.com.
Necklace, $150 (U.S.) through jenny-bird.com.
Skirt, $420 (U.S.) through laurasiegelcollection.com.
Anything goes
The divas of yesteryear were far from demure – an eye-popping print (or two) worked wonders for the likes of glam seventies models Marisa Berenson and Pat Cleveland. The combination of turquoise, orange and leopard print on this Sofia by Vix two-piece recalls the vibrant Marrakech scene they frequented.
Sofia by Vix bikini top, $60 (U.S.), and bikini bottoms, $64 (U.S.) through vixpaulahermanny.com.
Necklace, $1,495, bracelet, $445 through hillbergandberk.com.
Bracelets (worn around ankle), $18 at Aldo.
On location
Looking to experience this decadent island vibe first-hand? Crane Beach at The Crane Resort in Barbados makes for a spectacular scene. Voted one of the top beaches in the world by The Travel Channel and CNN, it rests just below the resort’s sprawling property, which includes five outdoor pools (as well as private pools in guest suites). Cruises, yoga classes and tennis courts are available to guests, and Barbados Golf Club is just minutes away. Those particularly taken with the property also have the option to buy.
For more information, visit thecrane.com and visitbarbados.org.
Styling by Odessa Paloma Parker; makeup and hair by Robert Weir for MAC/judyinc.com.
Shot on location at Crane Beach, St. Philip, Barbados.
Accommodations and additional support were provided by The Crane Resort, Barbados Tourism Marketing and Air Canada Vacations.
None approved or reviewed this article prior to publication.