Mara Hoffman: Colorful Prints and Modern Styling

After offering a few swim pieces for several seasons, New York–based designer Mara Hoffman has added a full swim collection to her eponymous highend contemporary line. Mara Hoffman Swim, which debuted for Holiday/Resort 2008 with swimwear and swim-related accessories, features the designer’s trademark touch of colorful prints and modern styling.

“Our mini swim collections have always garnered positive feedback from both the fashion industry as well as from consumers around the world,” the designer said. Inspired by the exotic beaches of India and Africa, the Resort 2009 collection features intricate prints and sexy cuts. Silhouettes range from classic side-tie bikinis to demure maillot suits. One maillot features an oversize feather print with a plunging neckline and cutout sides. Bikinis feature colorblocking details, pleats and ruching.

In all, Hoffman’s expanded swim collection includes eight bikini styles, five maillot styles in both custom prints and solids, and a variety of matching coverups and chiffon dashikis. Knit coverups that fit close to the body but offer little in the vein of coverage are both sexy and intricate. Complementary beach bags round out Hoffman’s swim offerings. The collection—which sells in high-end boutiques and upper-tier department stores such as Henri Bendel, H. Lorenzo and Shopbop.com—wholesales from $70 for a bikini to $297 for a dashiki.

For more information, call (213) 614-9292 or visit www.marahoffman.com. —Erin Barajas