Be the butterfly... in the pool!

IN STORE

There's nothing quite as refreshing as a dip in the pool in the summer and when it comes to choosing a new swimsuit for the season, the hotter the better! A series of 2008 summer-spring collections are now available from various designers and high-end labels.

All these promise to keep the look this season glamourous "" by way of new colours and cuts. Believe us, you'd want to stay in the pool much after the sun goes down.

For the "bold" look

Boudoir London's Aguaclara line of lingerie and swimwear certainly brings sexy back. You've got stunning cut-away suits, bold bikinis and daringly different tankinis in trendy animal prints, retro designs, tropical prints and vibrant colours.

What's more, there's a range of exclusive accessories like flip-flops, sarongs and kaftans to coordinate your swimwear with. Available at Boudoir London, Juhu Tara Road, Shop unit 8, Mumbai. Price: Rs 4,000 onwards.

The resort collection

Alberta Ferretti's resort collection is inspired by blue skies, sandy beaches and crashing waves, as they say. Contemporary, stylish and understated, this swimwear collection stands out because it looks much like chic evening wear "" only, it's for the pool... The low neck cuts are striking and the line's darker colour tones lend it a classy feel. Available on request (contact 9971117690). Price: Rs15,990 onwards.

The Jack Sparrow effect

Captain Jack Sparrow is alive and well, and you can spy him at Gaultier. The pirate conceit gave this layer-loving designer an opportunity to really do something new and not just by way of accessories. (Which, by the way, also includes all manners of fringed scarves, skullcaps, pipes et al.)

The pirate-inspired collection, made in France, could be your summer bling too "" if you like sequinned, sheath swimwear. Available on request (contact 9871391399). Price: Rs 15,990 onwards.

Swim with street art

The Moschino collection plays with contrasts and this season, it's street art graphics on couture shapes and fabrics that you can take with you for a swim.

The swimwear is decorated with colourfully chaotic spray-painting; a smiley, for instance, marks a decidedly carefree look. The line has tones of white, black, grey and strong colours like strawberry, turquoise and yellow. Available at Taj Mahal Palace and Towers, Apollo Bunder, Colaba, Mumbai. Price: Rs 15,990 onwards.