Bikinis on Parade: LA-Bred Swim Designers Paddle into Miami

Updated 7:45 AM PST, Fri, Jul 3, 2009

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This month marks the annual lycra-fest that is Miami's Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week , dedicated solely to swimwear. Given the longstanding attendance of one Ed Hardy, we expected that the other LA-bred talent at the event would boast a similarly...er...flashy aesthetic. But, to our surprise, the participating SoCal contingent is mostly eschewing gaudy embellishment to create suits that we wouldn't be the least bit ashamed to wear in public. So, for those of you still seeking a new suit for pool party season, we present a few of our favorite Miami-bound locals (and where to find them):

L*SPACE SWIMWEAR— OC-based designer Monica Wise is the guest of honor at Miami Fashion Week this year, joining past "Mercedes-Benz Presents" honorees like Monique Lhuillier and Badgley Mischka. Her catalog for this season is ridiculously vast, but we're particularly digging this fringed one-piece, done up in subtle metallic gold. It can be found at, of all places, Dillards

MARYSIA SWIM—FIDM alum Maria Dobrzanska Reeves launched her line shortly after graduating in 2008, and although she's since moved it to South Carolina, the SoCal mix of sporty and sexy is still evident in her designs. Witness this colorblocked bandeau, the product of "extensive research" that spawned qualities like chlorine-resistance and UV protection. Couture Candy has it in stock for $200.

VITAMIN A—Yes, Vitamin A has been around for nearly a decade, but this marks its first season showing in Miami—and, as an LA label that's known for its perfectly fitting bikinis, we think it's worth an honorable mention. We were immediately drawn to the turquoise bikini with gold accents above, which is available at Everything but Water—see the website for local locations.

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