WORDS BY LUCY HARDY
From Adriana Degreas’ celebration of South America’s vibrancy to Lygia & Nanny’s ’80s-inspired designs, Brazil’s latest crop of swimwear designers is making waves way beyond the beaches of Rio de Janeiro. Here’s our pick of the nation’s very best.
Brigitte
In addition to swimwear, if there are two things Brazil is famous for, it’s beautiful beaches and the colorful Carnival. Brigitte takes inspiration from both. The brand infuses its signature high-waisted bikinis and itsy-bitsy triangle sets with tropical prints. Putting a spin on the classic one-piece, swimsuits are updated with cut-out details, feminine twists and two-tone colorways.
Adriana Degreas
‘We consider Brazilian women as international women — they are strong, rooted and passionate. My Brazilian roots tend to be reflected in my designs and encompass all things tropical, vibrant and full of life. l also like to add a touch of vintage undertones in cut and design.’ Adriana Degreas, Creative Director.
In Brazil what you wear on the beach is just as important as what you wear on any other occasion, and Adriana Degreas’ designs embody this. Her cut-out swimsuits, plunging necklines and signature hand-print bandeau bikini tops wouldn’t look out of place on a night out. You can expect signature vintage touches, including high-waists, floral prints and puff sleeves.
Lygia & Nanny
Lygia & Nanny’s ‘80s-inspired designs look like they have come straight from a vintage Vogue Brazil cover. Channel your inner Gisele Bündchen with the brand’s ruched swimsuits and high-cut bikinis featuring tropical prints and block colors. There’s a style for everyone.
Amir Slama
Amir Slama is a legendary name in the Brazilian swimwear scene. If he didn’t invent it, then he certainly pioneered the style as a lifestyle concept emulated across the globe. Formally the designer and owner of Brazilian beach brand Rosa Chá, Amir Slama now runs his namesake label, famous for its Indio print, frilled bikinis, cut-out swimsuits and a Brazilian classic — the high-cut leg.
Clube Bossa
‘I think about the bikini all day, I even dream about it.’ Clube Bossa designer, Guilherme Vieira, takes inspiration from evening wear. The sophisticated elegance of a flowing, feminine evening gown is replicated across the brand’s signature ruffle swimsuits and bikinis. Look out for the Barbette, Laven and Malgosia styles. There are shapes, sizes and colors to suit everybod