Come Spring/Summer 2009 we're all going to be eager to hit the beach; preferably one of many from the beauty of the Mediterranean. But which swimwear pieces and bikinis will women be wearing? 2009 fashion trends will again be a major influencer and, in particular, the year's one shoulder fashion trend.

 

    * One-Shoulder Bikinis and Monokinis
    * Cut-Away Bikinis
    * Accessorizing A Bikini

2009 Bikini Trends

One-Shoulder Bikinis / Monokinis

Taking their cues from the one shoulder fashion trend, one-shouldered bikinis will be the must have swimwear in 2009.

Thankfully, a standout one-shouldered swimwear piece isn't going to be hard to come by.

one shoulder fashion bikini trend 2009

   1. Marios Schwab married the one-shouldered bikini with the cutaway bikini trend on his Spring/Summer 2009 runway at London Fashion Week. This particular piece also uses Summer florals taking what a risqué bikini to a girl level. It's cut and under-strapping make this a particular good piece for smaller chested girls.
   2. Victoria's Secret included a single-shouldered piece in their 2008 line-up. More notable for it's side-tie briefs, this attention grabbing feature makes it a good bikini for girls whose legs are stand out.
   3. A one-shouldered monokini was naturually used on Hervé Léger by Max Azria's Spring/Summer 2009 catwalk but sadly with no-where near the same sex appeal as other pieces in the collection. Read cut-away swimwear below for more
   4. Under his own name Max Azria also sent a single-shouldered monikini down the catwalk, again pairing it with the cut-away trend. This particular piece stands out for it's use of a buckle clasp to join the body fabric with the shoulder. As with piece 3, smaller breasted girls are probably to avoid these particular cuts as they their black fabric will need some filling out to look best.
   5. While not truly a one-shoulder monokini, Gottex's piece from their Spring/Summer 2009 collection has the same visual effect. It's clever halter neck also allows for a more revealing but and better support.
   6. Finally, if you still have access to 2008 pieces; Gucci debuted their sophisticated take on the one-shouldered monokini as a part of their Spring/Summer 2008 collection.

As it did with bohemian inspired looks as one of the first 2009 fashion trends, fashion has gone global for Spring/Summer 2009, with designers drawing inspiration from every corner of the globe. A look which started with Yves Saint Laurent's legendary safari jump suits has been re-interpreted this season, and designers from Christopher Kane to Paul Smith have looked to Africa and the Orient for their muse.

Ethnic and tribal influences on the runway

Tribal themes can be seen with the strong use of animal prints at Christopher Kane, in cheetah and leopard print tops, combined with geometric shaped skirts in earthy hues such as grass green. Turbans also crop up again and again, another simple way to update your wardrobe for this season's fascination with global fashion.

An African feel is also apparent in the Egyptian style drapery and sheer neutral toned fabrics at Paul Smith and Max Azria, which give the ensemble a regal chic reminiscent of Queen of the Nile, Cleopatra. Further majesty can be seen in the flowing kaftans at Reem Arca and Gucci in dusty gold and sapphire blue respectively.

Sensuality is also prevalent in these globally-inspired collections. Look no further than the use of the sheer trend, with semi-transparent fabrics, at Proenza Schouler to see what I am talking about. On the other hand, Safari style practicality is another recurring theme, seen with the re-worked and practical jump suits in neutral tones at Ralph Lauren and Lacoste.

To pull off this look you need to pick one of the outlined themes and stick to it - don't wear a sheer jumpsuit with a leopard print cardigan! For the daytime, the animal print look of Christopher Kane is a safe bet, as is the Safari casual, with beige shorts and simple sandals. Obviously, these will work best in summer and might look a bit out of place in the winter. The regal side of the trend is perfect for evening wear, with sheer flowing fabrics draped to perfection. It couldn't be easier. That said, avoid tribal overkill by keeping accessories to a minimum, and footwear appropriate - don't combine a maxi with 6 inch platform heels! Becky Cope