Miami SwimShow Cruise '06: Xtra Life Lycra

Xtra Life Lycra, the new swimwear fabrication by Invista, made its debut July 18 in The Raleigh’s Cabantilde;a Grande tent with some of the biggest names in fashion and swimwear, including Norma Kamali, Prada, Michael Kors, Anne Cole, JLO by Jennifer Lopez Swim, Juicy Couture Beach, Rosa Chaacute;, Roxy, Sauvage, Shan and Speedo.

“These are the leading designers that we wanted to showcase as the first ones to use it,” said Ninabeth Sowell, Invista’s North American swimwear business manager.The show, co-sponsored by Rock & Republic, melded swimwear with the lifestyle look of denim.

The company said the new fabric will provide between five and 10 times more chlorine resistance than other fibers and will help swimwear keep its original size and shape. —N. Jayne Seward