What’s hot Down Under

Although I can never get that killer tan, I still love summer. It is the perfect time to hit the beach, soak under the sun, listen to Chicane, sip piña coladas, and parade sexy outfits. The mainstay look is surfer-meets-runway-glam, which will definitely rule the waves and sand. Outfits to live by include bikinis, floral dresses, shorts, and flip-flops.

The nucleus of a good summer ensemble is swimwear. Bikinis, tankinis, and bathing suits in all shapes and sizes share the sexy summer vibe. Although swimwear is available everywhere, the best kinds come from Australia. The country can be considered the bikini capital of the world since it truly understands beach culture and has a natural affinity with the ocean. Australia’s reputation for swimwear is like Italy’s reputation for shoes: The quality and fit are excellent.

This is why the Australian fashion industry is gaining momentum in Asia. Its vibrant and exciting labels are deeply appreciated by the fashion- conscious. To showcase the best from Down Under, the Australian Trade Commission recently organized "FabulOZ Fashion" at the poolside of Edsa Shangri-La Hotel.

The fashion show included normal beach and party-savvy collections and full-on evening wear. Brands from Australian designer labels brought by Chocolate Clothing Company, Nothing but water, Rustan’s Department Store, and Stoked Inc. featured quintessential and trendy Aussie appeal fused for the international market.

Alan Morrell, senior trade commissioner of Austrade, says, "Fashion is close to the heart of Filipinos. The Philippines is a very interesting market so it is just fitting we let a vibrant and fun pack of Australian labels test their mettle on the market and see how they fare with other foreign brands."

Beachwear has never been more exciting. Time to flaunt beautiful bodies. Billabong maintained the surfer vibe with board shorts and fleece tops. Voodoo Dolls added chic to its floral swimwear sets with the triangle-lined bikini top and hipster bottoms. SMP and Shy’s skateboard, surfing and motocross gear focused on functional apparel for extreme beach activities.

Tiger Lily showed its raw-edged signature style of low bikinis and cleavage-baring shirts. Highlights of the collection included one- and two-piece suits featuring polka dots, fruit patterns, white fabric that doesn’t turn see-through when wet, side ties and subtle stripes. Similarly, Zimmermann’s latest swimsuit lineup combined asymmetrical shapes with polka dots and striped details.

Summer calls for bright colors. Wahine’s wonder featured hypnotic halter bikinis to match belted bottoms. Stylish trimmings in olive green, white and black with splashes of pink, yellow and turquoise are embellished with beads and shells. Seafolly was inspired by sexy retro styling from the ’70s and’80s, mixing fruit-inspired summery colors with dark hues. Prints are in style, from Hawaiian patterns in Pucci-inspired designs to tribal polka dots in geometric patterns.

Chocolate Clothing Company showed off its hip tube tops with tie bikini bottoms and funky bags for beach necessities, with details like beads and embroidery. They gave a funky and bold attitude to swimwear. Nothing but water’s collection was sassy. The geometric suits and checkered bikini triangle tops paired with board shorts will surely make beach babes rest easy this summer. The versatile pieces made use of quality fabrics and exclusive designs, which embody glamour and femininity.

The streetwear and party-savvy collections can be compared to high-voltage glamour gear. Baby Doll showed electric hues, which focused on an endless series of soft jersey dresses, twill pants, super-short shorts, and sassy printed racerback tops. For a look that goes from beachside to bar-side, the stripped racerback Margot dress or Trixie dress will do the trick. Zimmermann’s slinky jersey knits and tailored short sets stood out as the perfect party pieces. Third Millennium focused on bohemian, lacy negligee tops, dresses and denim in utilitarian shapes. There is definitely a girlish charm with these lingerie-inspired pieces infused with low-key basics.

Good to see also was the menswear collection. Morrissey sent out breezy dress shirts with classic tailoring and fine details. The clean white pieces and conservative black shirts bring out the "successful gentleman" look. Marcs veered away from the traditional all-white menswear line, keeping classic designs but mixing it with vibrant colors. Industrie is known for its cargo shorts and printed T-shirts. To spice up its collection, it added colorful and edgy polo shirts for the ultimate sex appeal.

"This fashion show is just the beginning. Expect more of Australia in the months to come with the Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week this May in Sydney and the Fashion Expo in March 2006," concludes Morrell.

All in the vibe, style is always blatantly visible. It is big fun and empowers men and women. With the sizzling summer heat, this is the best time to bask in the glowing sand and boost your wardrobe by becoming a devotee of Aussie fashion. But please, don’t forget to wear sunscreen.