Sponsored Post by InStyle Swimwear

In the fashion world, designers are always one-step ahead of the game, and the same goes for the designer swimwear industry.  Although winter is right around the corner, we’re already starting to receive the 2012 swim and resort collections!  In the world of swimwear, this is by far our favorite time of year.  We’re receiving new shipments of gorgeous styles each day, making every day feel like Christmas!  Not only do the new styles help us look to warmer days ahead, but they also let us preview the hottest designer swimwear trends before anyone else.  Here’s a sneak peek at three of the top designer swimwear trends for 2012, straight from the mouth of an industry insider.  It’ll be our little secret.

Tangier by Vitamin A. Chevron stripe inspired pattern with a unique geometric look & feel

Artsy Fartsy

For 2012, designer swimwear is getting artsy and abstract.  A number of designers, such as Vitamin A, Gottex, diNeila and Seafolly, have created abstract brushstroke prints and gorgeous watercolor-inspired patterns that are reminiscent of impressionist works of art.  Others have experimented with lines and shapes to create innovative laser-cut geometric-inspired designs and patterns.  Similarly, Brazilian footwear brand Melissa Shoes has created new styles of sandals and flip-flops that feature unique dream-like designs, showcasing surrealism at its best!

Fashion Show by Salinas: Rainbow-inspired color-blocking

Color-blocking

As I’m sure you’ve all noticed, color-blocking is huge right now and the trend is carrying over to designer swimwear.  Designer brands like L SPACE, MICHAEL by Michael Kors, Salinas and Karla Colletto have all created bold new color-block pieces that are sure to show off your fun-loving personality.  For 2012, color-blocking in designer swimwear is popping up in different ways.  Some styles feature bold blocks of color while others feature a subtle color-block strip.  Whichever style you prefer, color-block swimwear will have you looking totally on-trend.

Jangala by ViX: Bold turquoise leopard print with contrasting gold hardware details

Fierce Colored Animal Prints

Animal prints are always classic in both fashion and designer swimwear, but for 2012, they got a colorful new makeover!  Like the color-block trend, colored animal prints can be done in different ways, using a variety of different colors; the possibilities are endless!  Think orange python prints, classic zebra prints with pops of electric yellow and classic leopard prints with magenta ties and embellishments.  Designers like Cia.Maritima, ViX and Melissa Odabash have a number of fierce colored animal print swimwear styles that are a little bit edgy and a whole lot sassy!

Which 2012 designer swimwear trend are you dying to try!?

Susan Bodack is the Director of Social Media Marketing at InStyleSwimwear.com.  Check out their blog, Beauty and the Beach, for the latest in designer swimwear!