In a sea of floral and tropical printed bathing suits, La Fille d'O's new swimwear line is making a splash. This experimental Belgian label, known for its dynamic silhouettes and innovative use of materials, has moved beyond its concept of embracing the body's natural curves and is now using it as a living canvas. And the results are stunning!
The collection was inspired by the "Pinceau Vivant" paintings from the late 1950s by avant garde artist Yves Klein. This performance-driven art scandalized the Paris of the day as Klein painted women's bodies with his signature ultramarine blue paint and used the models as a brush. While in some pieces he placed the women on the canvas, creating prints of their torsos, most of the paintings in the series allowed the women the freedom to play and move their bodies as they wished. The resulting paintings were sensuous and vibrant, full of movement and energy.
What better way to celebrate bodies in motion than with swimwear! La Fille d'O has reinterpreted Yves Klein's concept of living brushes to one where the body acts as the canvas itself. Energetic marks in ultramarine or black are reminiscent of finger painting, and give the sense of caressing and fondling, even grasping in passion. The brand's take on the utilization of this print is that it is a lover's touch, whereas I rather like to think that the wearer has marked herself. There's such a sense of vitality and strength in these pieces that, to me, the print is less about passively receiving and more about actively celebrating individuality. This idea of individuality is reinforced since the organic nature of the print makes each piece inherently unique. The placement of the prints is unexpected and exceptionally well done. I love that the print isn't just decorative and stamped front and center. Rather, the marks come from around the body, up, over, and under curves. It adds sinuous, sensual, and dynamic life to the collection.
Part of the print's success in this collection is due to its pairing with the graphic silhouettes that La Fille d'O is known for. You'll note the monowire design seen in the brand's SS14 collection that allows for a wide placement of cups that receive their shaping from center darts. There is also a structured bandeau style where vertical seams help to emphasize the points above the bust. A triangle cup style is elevated by a Y-shaped strappy back and front straps that extend to layer over the cups (the satin elastic is embossed with the brand's logo). There is also a version (not yet for sale on the site) of the high neck monowire style coveted in its lingerie form and recently seen in TLA columnist Rose's visit to Pleasurements. Just as with the color blocked bra, the swim top uses a dense version of the print to provide a similar color blocking effect.
It's worth noting that most of these swimwear styles are taken from the same patterns as the lingerie line because it is the brand's philosophy that the wearer should be empowered to experiment and break any preconceived fashion rules. La Fille d'O encourages wearing swimwear as lingerie and lingerie as swimwear, whatever strikes your fancy. The collection is sold as separates and is UK sized 6-14. Prices range from around $100 - $300.
What do you think of this new swimwear range by La Fille d'O? Are you a fan of the print? Do you prefer the print in the ultramarine or the black?