Swimming suits and lingerie shows always catch the limelight at fashion weeks. Last Wednesday, in the Beijing Hotel, contestants from the Hosa Cup Swim Suits Design Final and the debut show of 2007 Odifen Lingerie Innovative Design Contest, provided an extravaganza of sexy bikinis, beach suits and lingerie, sizzling and scorching the catwalks of China Fashion Week.
As the weatherglass for swimwear fashion in China, the Hosa Cup brought to life the latest designs for the season of 2007.
Continuing the nautical trend, which is all the rage this spring, nearly one third of the swimsuit show had a sailor and sea inspired look. And there were many unique spins on the bathing suit with its bold stripes and sexy cut mixed with feminine touches of pink trim and an embroidered anchor on the rear. For comfort, there was also a toggle chain at the
bust and ties around the neck and back to adjust the size.
One-piece swimwear returned to the spotlight, as the high-waisted designs in various colors and patterns swept the catwalk, with innovations like bold exposure at the waist, back and navel. Embellished swimwear also got a stronger role than in previous years, crystal-encrusted or lace-trimmed, these bathing suits might more aptly be called sunbathing suits. At the extreme end of the larger trend towards dressier ready-to-wear beach suits, the lingerie and evening-wear swimsuits were adorned with grommets, wooden rings and turquoise or coral beads.
The final award went to Qian Min, a Tsinghua University student majoring in design. Her designs, with delicate shades of blue and white and flowing lines inspired by the tides of the sea, won over the judges as well as the audience.
The debut show of the Odifen Contest on Wednesday wowed the audience of media and fashion professionals. Themed on Tang Dynasty splendor, the new collection by Odifen is inspired by the splendid murals in the Dunhuang Grottoes along the ancient Silk Road. The vintage lingerie was added with classic luxurious touches like shining silk, glamorous prints, contrasting stitching, complicated embroidery and intricate lace. The gorgeous Tang-Dynasty patterns, delicate brocade and cascading satin and gauze created a sense of oriental mystery.
(China Daily 03/28/2007 page5)
