Miami Swim Cruise 13: Dolores Cortés

Elaborate artistic prints and artisinal touches are just a few hallmarks of Dolores Cortés’ designs. Gleaning a rich heritage from her more than 50-year-old family-owned swim business, the Spanish designer has a decidedly original yet modern flair. It’s not surprising to learn that Cortés designed the Spanish synchronized-swimming team’s outfits for the London 2012 Olympics.

To create her Cruise ’13 collection, Dolores Cortés took inspiration from Miami Beach, where she showed the collection on the runway on July 20 at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim. There were plenty of artsy prints and handcrafted crochet details as well as elaborate cutouts and criss-cross strapping. The palette—in pink, light blue, yellow, purple and black—captured the Miami theme with art deco motifs, animal prints and painted effects. The look was chic on bandeaus, one-pieces and a column dress where the prints could be seen to maximum effect. Lingerie styling including bra tops, and corset detailing added a sexy sophistication to the collection.

—N. Jayne Seward

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