Fashion FIX: The Hottest Summer Swimwear Styles

Hello readers, and welcome to your Fashion FIX!

My name is Steve Kenneth Soto, and I'll be sharing my fashion obsessions with you. I am a Fort Lauderdale-based fashion designer and costume maker. My work (DeSoto Design Studios) is in custom ladies apparel, samples, pattern work, alterations, and small run sportswear manufacturing, and I have a swimwear collection in the works (Hearts on Fire Swimwear).

In this column you'll read about highlights from current shows, trends in fashion from all lifestyles as well as designer and model spotlights. We have some fun things planned to share with you as the summer continues and as we head into fall. There are PLENTY of events going on around South Florida, and there is definitely no shortage of talented designers and beautiful models here to keep us busy! So stay tuned and stay connected to the constantly evolving world of FASHION!

This week I'm sharing some of the latest trends in swimwear with you. First up: The fellas. Current trends in men's swimwear are following the 1950s trend in mimicking underwear silhouettes. Men's boxer and brief cuts are seen everywhere on runways right now, some with nostalgic notions from other eras like the use of studs from the '90s and tab closures from the '70s. Pops of color follow the trend of bright pastels while graphic print repeats and floral patterns maintain the staple we saw in the spring/summer collections. The hemlines continue to rise and the waistbands are still at the dropped waist, meaning the men are showing more skin this summer. Enjoy!

One of my favorite looks for men this season comes from Diesel. These boxer-length swim trunks have polyurethane coating and pyramid stud accents, creating an updated retro '70s/'90s hybrid that I LOVE! It's a perfect blend of chic and punk. Diesel is an Italian lifestyle brand that was started in the late '70s; they always seems to do a great job of finding a happy medium between trend-conscious and trendsetter, and the brand's offerings are a definite "must have!" in menswear.

J.Crew is also on trend with similar silhouettes, but they are using men's tailoring techniques to achieve a more polished alternative to this season's trends. The colors in this collection are bold and the use of nautical stripes return again for another swim season. Tab closures at the waist, zip fly, welt pockets, and even keychain loops are all incorporated to keep up with the company's aesthetic of a clean, refined "put together" look. J.Crew is an American lifestyle brand whose roots go back to the 1940s.

Last but definitely not least... Versace. As always chic and luxe, but in a turn away from its naturally opulent and flamboyant nature, these pieces are simple and sexy. With trend conscious design, bold use of color (and the ever present Grecian key & Gorgon/Medusa Head) this collection managed to maintain the elegance that is synonymous with the aesthetic of the Italian design monster that is... Versace. Bravo Donatella, Gianni would be proud!

Next up, the ladies. Current trends that are slated to carry over into 2016 continue to draw on silhouettes from the past. This season it's the '70s! High-waisted bottoms are still around, as are the tiers of flounce in both tops and bottoms, hip-riding bottoms and high-cut leg openings continue the vintage silhouette trend. Pops of bright pastels and hues from the citrus family are everywhere, and slogans, photo prints and tribal patterns continue to show strong influence on the runways.

Dolores Cortes is a bold company that is not afraid to take on the challenge of creating its own trend! A swimwear company from Spain which was founded over 50 years ago, Dolores Cortes has produced some of my favorite looks for this season. With warrior-inspired pieces that are so chic...I don't know who would want to get them wet! But the fact that you can... BONUS! The tops on both of these looks are so beautiful that you could wear them with a pair of jeans and some heels, and you're basically the most interesting girl in the room. Although they push the envelope with such bold designs, they continue the '70s trend with the low hip-riding bottoms.

That's it for now. Thanks for taking the time to check out the column, and look to us in the future for your Fashion FIX!