Finding the Perfect Bikini with Agustina, owner of Nina Swimwear

Agustina Palacio: Owner/Designer Nina Swimwear

I am a self-proclaimed bikini-aholic. I have more swimsuits than I know what to do with, just ask my husband. And honestly, it’s never enough. I’m constantly searching the globe for new styles, colors and designs. I love mixing and matching my colors and styles. Yet, it was not until I began visiting South America that I realized that if there was such a place as “Bikini Heaven”, this would be it! The beaches of Punta del Este and Rio de Janeiro were filled with the best bikinis (and bodies) that I had EVER seen. I thought that obviously it was the body that made the bikini look great. And that may be true, but as I spent more time on these beaches, I began to realize that these bikinis looked great on even non-perfect Brazilian and Argentine bodies. At that moment I did what any normal girl would do, I hunted down top South American bikini designers and soon they became my favorites! One of my absolute favorites for a sexy, high end, perfectly fitting, unbelievably well made bikini is Nina Swimwear.
The owner and lead designer Agustina Palacio is one of the hottest swimwear designers in the world. Woman everywhere covet her swimsuit designs year after year. And I was lucky enough to get her to answer all the questions that my jet set ladies have regarding choosing the perfect swimsuit.

How did you start designing swimwear?

I always loved swimsuits since I was very little. I used to take one piece of a bathing suit and put it to another. Also I used to wear a different top with a different bottom and I was only 7 years old!! By the age of nine I designed my first bikini and ask my mom to get someone who could sew it. But, I didn’t start designing till I moved to Miami when I was 20. I felt that there was nothing to buy. So it was there where I started up my business.

Nina Swimwear is always able to create and stay ahead of the current trends in swimwear. Where do you find your inspiration for designing new swimwear styles?

I find inspiration in everything specially living in NYC! Many times I dream of a bathing suit and when I wake up, I try to draw it. Our concept is doing bathing suits in a fashionable way, like clothing. So fashion magazines are a great source. When I see a dress or even a sweater or any piece that catches my eye, I try to see in what way I could do something similar in a bathing suit.

From exploring the beaches of South America I have found that a swimsuit is about more than being practical, it’s fashion. One thing that I noticed is that South Americans love to accessorize on the beach. What accessories would you suggest adding to your summer beach attire to enhance the overall outfit without overdoing it?

Yes, in some beaches of South America everything is about fashion and the swimsuit is the protagonist. I love when our clients can’t wait to show their new bikinis to friends or walk in the beach making people turn around to see them. Accessories are a must. I love wearing them when going to the beach. I suggest wearing a very light scarf or pareo that you can also wear it over the head or a cool hat. Wearing loose pieces, harem pants, tunics with belts. Always casual rather than fancy. However, my rule number one is that most of the pieces I wear don’t have to match the bikini. I hate when everything matches!

Many women don’t know which type of bikini would fit their body type. As the designer, I’d love to find out which body types would best fit in your suits.

It’s often hard for woman to find a swimsuit that they love in an actual store. It’s seems it would be impossible for a woman to find a suit online that they will and love and fit well. What tips can you give for women who want to purchase swimwear online?

Finding the right bathing suits is not an easy task. The big advantage of buying online is that you can try them in the comfort of your house and without the pressure of sales personnel and weird lighting in the fitting rooms! Nina makes very easy to return the suits if the client is not happy. To buy online the most important thing is to know your body and take your body measurement of the following: breast, back and hips. Once you know your measurements go to the reference table and choose your size. The most important thing when you are looking for the ideal bathing suit is to feel comfortable and feel sexy.

In the USA, women are shyer about wearing less coverage on the bottom. Explain how the right fit of the bottom (i.e. Brazilian, Argentine, American, full coverage etc..) can enhance or detract from a woman’s figure.

Most of American women are not comfortable with smaller bottom and they think that more fabric will be more flattering. And actually that might be the opposite. If you cover your whole behind, the butt will look bigger. For a lift and more flattering look the best is a “V” shape. One piece suit are very elegant and can be as sexy as a two piece, but if you have wide hips, then avoid low rise bottoms.

Do you have any tips on choosing colors that are more flattering for skin tones?

The color of your skin is very important, if you are fair skin go for stronger colors. If you are thinking of tanning then any print with white background will look very flattering.

What suit styles, colors etc… should I be packing for my 2009 summer vacation?

You should be packing some pieces with tribal prints and earth colors (browns, green, orange, etc). Also strong colors (yellow, green, silver). Maybe a cutout bikini or a one piece and all the rest should be two pieces.

What are the most common mistakes that women make when purchasing a swimsuit/bikini?

Women think that if the bathing suit is bigger and has more fabric then they will look smaller and usually is the opposite you just need to have the right fabric and cover the right place.

Where can my readers find your swimwear?

They can shop our line at http://ninaswim.com/

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