While fleeting seasonal trends capture our attention each year, the essence of summer style—bright, breezy, and unburdened—remains a constant. We eagerly await the chance to refresh our warm-weather wardrobes with new swimwear, cover-ups, tote bags, and sandals. However, the foundation of our resortwear aesthetic owes a significant debt to a select group of iconic brands that have consistently defined summer elegance for decades.
Vogue’s Guide to Iconic Swimwear Labels
The Chic CoverupMissoni short cover-upJump to review
The Playful Cut-outPucci Iride cutout swimsuitJump to review
The Printed SwimsuitEtro paisley-printed swimsuitJump to review
The Minimalist BikiniEres Les Essentiels Show bikini topJump to reviewThese esteemed brands, with origins spanning Italy to Los Angeles, have established that the spirit of summer is indeed eternal. Missoni imbues its creations, from swimwear to knitwear, with its signature kaleidoscopic chevron patterns. Pucci similarly adorns its collections year-round with its iconic, vibrant psychedelic prints. Etro champions a bohemian, nomadic aesthetic, evident in its swimsuits, cover-ups, and embellished accessories, while Dolce & Gabbana embodies a romantic, alluring vision that calls for beachside glamour in high-waisted bikinis. And let’s not forget Rudi Gernreich, whose groundbreaking designs in the 1960s continue to influence fashion today.
If you haven’t yet acquired a piece from these celebrated houses, it’s merely a matter of time, especially if sun-drenched escapes are part of your inherent style. Regardless of your summer itinerary, these iconic resort wear brands offer the perfect pieces to elevate your look, whether you’re embracing bold bodycon dresses for an Italian coastal holiday or opting for chic French swimwear for an afternoon of sunbathing in your garden. Explore these legendary fashion houses and discover timeless pieces to join their enduring legacy.
Missoni
Achieving instant brand recognition, let alone inspiring imitators, is no small feat. Yet, Ottavio “Tai” and Rosita Missoni achieved just that when they founded their eponymous knitwear label in 1953. The brand rapidly gained the support of prominent fashion figures, blossoming into an international success, particularly in the 1970s. The distinctive, almost optically mesmerizing chevrons and patterns synonymous with Missoni stem from their innovative approach to weaving. By adapting and optimizing the Caperdoni loom and Raschel knitting techniques, they ingeniously incorporated over 200 colors into a single textile. This mastery of multicolored patterns now graces everything from slinky dresses and relaxed pull-on pants to daring string bikinis, all poised to enhance your resort wardrobe.
Missoni
Mare striped triangle bikini
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Missoni
striped crochet-knit dress
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Missoni
short cover-up
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Missoni
flared trousers
MISSONI
Missoni
long pareo skirt
MISSONI
Missoni
Mare striped swimsuit
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Missoni
striped crochet-knit bikini
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Missoni
long caftan cover-up
NORDSTROM
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Pucci
Emilio Pucci, a former Olympic skier, opened his first boutique in Capri in 1951, introducing vibrant, psychedelic prints to a clientele eager for stylish beachwear. The designer’s influence quickly extended beyond apparel, encompassing home goods, wallpaper, and jewelry, attracting admirers such as Sophia Loren, Jackie Kennedy, and Marilyn Monroe. Today, under the direction of its first female artistic director, Camille Micheli, the house continues to reimagine Pucci’s iconic prints on contemporary silhouettes, perfectly suited for the very Capri beaches that inspired Emilio.
Pucci
Vivara layered maxi dress
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Pucci
printed triangle bikini top + briefs
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Pucci
printed swimsuit
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Pucci
printed silk-twill scarf
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Pucci
Occhi silk maxi dress
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Pucci
Iride bikini top + bottoms
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Pucci
Iride cutout swimsuit
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Pucci
printed wide-leg pants
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Etro
Gerolamo “Gimmo” Etro established his eponymous textile company in 1968, founded on a principle of la dolce vita bohemianism. The introduction of the iconic paisley print in 1981 marked a pivotal moment, cementing its place in the brand’s identity. Today, Etro’s distinctive prints adorn a wide range of garments, from one-piece swimsuits and flowing chiffon gowns to casual denim, embodying a spirit of carefree summer style that transcends seasons. The brand’s inherent eclecticism ensures that each piece integrates seamlessly into any wardrobe, offering effortless sophistication.
Etro
Ruffles tiered maxi dress
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Etro
Kalispera shoulder bag
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Etro
paisley-printed swimsuit
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Etro
paisley-print cover-up
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Etro
Silk mini tunic dress
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Etro
paisley-print swimsuit
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Etro
paisley-print bikini
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Etro
paisley jeans
NORDSTROM
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Eres
Eres, a brand revered by fashion cognoscenti and style mavens worldwide, epitomizes understated luxury. Founded by Irène Leroux in Paris in 1968, Eres revolutionized the swimwear industry by departing from restrictive, structured designs in favor of second-skin pieces with clean, minimalist lines. This design philosophy remains central to the brand today, offering an extensive selection of swim styles and colors crafted from exquisite materials and engineered for a flawless fit. Complement your swimwear with ethereal dresses, pareos, and caftans in featherlight linen or soft jersey.
Eres
Les Essentiels Show bikini top
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Eres
Découverte swimsuit
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Eres
Oda strapless maxi dress
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Eres
Cabine pareo
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Eres
Maharani swimsuit
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Eres
Les Permanents Mouna bikini top + briefs
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Eres
Les Permanents Asia swimsuit
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Eres
Holi belted cover-up
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Dolce & Gabbana
Hailing from Sicily, Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana founded their renowned house in Milan in 1985, driven by a vision of unadulterated glamour. Their designs, particularly in swimwear, resort wear, and lingerie, draw inspiration from vintage pin-up aesthetics. Signature Sicilian-inspired prints—bursting with fruit, floral motifs, and intricate filigree—adorn everything from full skirts and daring hot pants to elegant bustiers, classic string bikinis, and sarongs. Dolce & Gabbana unapologetically celebrates the bombshell archetype, inviting you to channel your inner siren with their captivating resort collections.
Dolce & Gabbana
Majolica-print swimsuit
BERGDORF GOODMAN
Dolce & Gabbana
Majolica-print midi skirt
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Dolce & Gabbana
leopard-print bikini top + briefs
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Dolce & Gabbana
leopard-print silk-twill scarf
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Dolce & Gabbana
floral-print bikini
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Dolce & Gabbana
Majolica cover-up
MYTHERESA
Dolce & Gabbana
floral bouquet dress
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Dolce & Gabbana
floral swimsuit
MYTHERESA
Rudi Gernreich
While Rudi Gernreich’s name might not be immediately recognizable, his impact on fashion is undeniable. A true pioneer, this dancer-turned-designer fearlessly challenged conventions and liberated the body from societal constraints. His masterwork, the 1964 Monokini, a minimalist swimsuit with slender straps, pushed boundaries with its daringly high cut. Gernreich also popularized the thong silhouette and challenged gender norms in design, with his avant-garde creations famously captured by Helmut Newton and worn by icons like Sharon Tate and Jerry Hall. Though Gernreich passed away in 1985, the label was revived in 2018, allowing for the continued appreciation of his iconoclastic designs. As noted by Laird Borrelli-Persson, “It’s mind-boggling that more than half a century later Gernreich’s most iconic design is unpostable on Instagram with its institutionalized nipple ban.”
Rudi Gernreich
The Monokini swimsuit
RUDI GERNREICH
Rudi Gernreich
The Sharon Tate swimsuit
RUDI GERNREICH
Rudi Gernreich
The Original Thong swimsuit
RUDI GERNREICH
Rudi Gernreich
The Racer swimsuit
RUDI GERNREICH
Business Style Takeaway: The enduring appeal of these heritage resort wear brands underscores the value of timeless design and quality craftsmanship in the luxury market. For professionals, investing in pieces from such esteemed houses offers a sophisticated way to convey personal style and an appreciation for fashion history, enhancing their presence both in and out of the office.
According to the portal: www.vogue.com