Packing soon? Then hit the sand in style
Finally! It’s August tomorrow and time for holidays. Avoid the quicksand perils of the budgie smuggling and sports shorts wannabes to instead project a much more stylish image in today’s top swimwear.
1. Vilebrequin - sea anemone
Vilebrequin’s Sea anemone print is a symphony of sea blues perfect for teaming with your summer black and whites, from a PRL polo to a pair of canvas pumps.
SHOWN WITH: The Marc by Marc Jacobs black and white silicone watch and the luxury of Paul Smith’s hardbound idea-bank notepads. Know the time and while it away productively for once.
2. Vilebrequin - lobster
A lobster print? Damn straight. Added pineapple? Of course. South-of-France style comes with a deliciously surreal edge in these Vilebrequins. Team the bold, vibrant print with fresh, plain tops and pumps.
SHOWN WITH: The beach-and-beyond purity of white Supergas and Burberry Brit’s gold medal framed aviators.
3. Orlebar Brown - bulldog red
British, expertly engineered and constructed from luxury fabrics, Orlebar Brown is rightly described as the Rolls Royce of swimwear. Revel in it.
SHOWN WITH: Steve McQueen Persols and an iPad case from Sandqvist: an elitist duo of accessories from past and future to underscore your cool factor.
4. Vilebrequin - mackerel
Undersea inspiration has drenched many a designer this year (check out the shimmering fishskins on your better half’s dress) but we chaps like things to be relevant. Voila Vilebrequin, unmoved by short term trends but perfectly tuned for deep-sea style.
SHOWN WITH: It’s the perfect moment for the neon glow of Nixon’s silicone digi unit and erm… a snorkel. Well we did say it was on trend to be below sea level.
5. Orlebar Brown - bulldog blue
Forget the baby blue shorts shorts from Casino Royale. We reckon if James Bond was really going to go swimming, he’d do it in these Orlebar Brown navy blue tailored treats: cleverly cut and in manly blue. Great with Breton stripes.
SHOWN WITH: The impenetrable black versions of Persol’s Steve McQueens, which team with the OBs for understated beach bar luxury. And of course a little something shaken, not stirred.
6. Orlebar Brown - mezanine
Just because you are on holiday there’s no need to compromise your style cred. Make a statement in this underwater camouflage, which will make your seduction, self-confidence and class all the more conspicuous. PS they look great with navy or white.
SHOWN WITH: Sunshine yellow Converse and Burberry Brit’s 4116 keyhole shades to keep the glare away.
7. vilebrequin - turtle
So you really dig the whole print thing but are not sure about the rainbow of colours that goes with it? May we recommend Vilebrequin’s white and navy turtle print here? All of the fun, with zero technicolour histrionics.
SHOWN WITH: Wayfarers for instant East Coast charm, and an intellectual tome that you did not just pick up at the airport and definitely has no characters called Grey in it.
about the brands
Vilebrequin was born in Saint Tropez in 1971. Birthed into the acme of sun-drenched style, it has an undaunted design confidence which means its prints are often bold, its colours regularly vibrant. While they are the perfect foil for linen shirts, plain T-shirts, sandals and pumps, you can just add sunglasses for instant holiday style.
Orlebar Brown is a newcomer to the world of swimwear – it is just five years old – but the UK brand has already had a massive impact, bringing a rarefied sense of discernment and style to bear on the menswear scene. Its tailored and adjustable fit, quick drying fabrics and selection of lengths is beloved by many an enthused style pundit and come in both pain and print versions.
