Marc Jacobs Bikinis

Behind the Brand

High designer Marc Jacobs is a native New Yorker. Born April 9, 1963, he graduated from the High School of Art and Design in 1981, whereupon he enrolled in Parson's School of Design. It was at Parson that Jacobs put together his first collection which consisted of hand-knit sweaters. The sweaters were immediately picked up by Barbara Weiser and sold with the label "Marc Jacobs for Marc and Barbara" at the Weiser stores, Charivari.

While at Parsons, Jacobs also achieved multiple honors such as the Perry Ellis Gold Thimble, the Chester Weinberg Gold Thimble, and Design Student of the Year. Three years after his enrollment, Marc Jacobs introduced his Senior Collection, which caught the eye of Robert Duffy, an executive for Reuben Thomas, Inc. Duffy called Jacobs the next day to talk about a new ready-to-wear collection. Later, the relationship between Jacobs and Duffy led to the partnership of Jacobs Duffy Design, Inc.

Jacobs didn't start his first truly personal collection under the Marc Jacobs label until 1986. A year later, Marc Jacobs was awarded the Council of Fashion Designers of America Perry Ellis Award for New Fashion Talent. He was the youngest recipient of this honor.

Today, Marc Jacobs has been commended for his personal line, as well as his famous diffusion line, Marc by Marc Jacobs, and for his contributions to the Louis Vuitton label. His swimwear displays the same dedication to quality and retro-style that is apparent in his retail personal line.

Characteristics of Marc Jacobs Bikinis

Marc Jacobs bikinis are always a colorful mix of '60s inspiration and adorable puerile designs that are more endearing than they are sophisticated. The majority of Marc Jacobs bikinis available for purchase are typically found within his diffusion line, Marc by Marc Jacobs. The goal of this diffusion collection has always been to provide Marc fans with the same quality and style of his high-profile collection, but at more affordable prices. And make no mistake, though the Marc by Marc Jacobs bikinis maybe be a few hundred dollars less than Jacobs' signature line, these swimsuits are still found within the range of luxury swimwear.

You'll note that most Marc by Marc Jacobs bikinis feature zany prints with a retro-spin: everything from halters to triangle tops and flirty bandeaus that are rich in polka dots and tiger stripes. Depending on the year, Marc Jacobs has also featured many one-pieces. For the most part, his diffusion line designs are very rich in contrasting colors.

Tiny Triangles

The triangle top string bikinis have always been at the pinnacle of sexiness. This style is difficult to pull off on a less than flawless figure, but fortunately, Marc Jacobs bikinis provide eye-catching prints that can serve as a distraction for problem areas.

Both feminine and floral, this plum flower print bikini has such a dazzling print it is bound to add attractive points to your beach get up. The Marc by Marc Jacobs 2007 swimwear line brought in a similar style labeled the Camille suit which is also committed to a floral pattern. This triangle suit is as tiny as it is tantalizing, but beware, it's definitely for those in peak condition. Approach string styles with caution.

Wicked Animal Prints

Marc Jacobs has set out to unleash the diva in all his fans with a 2007 line of swimwear that features many animal prints. The Le Tigre Swimsuit consists of a bold tiger stripe pattern that is played down by the subtle combination of dark ink colors. Keyhold styles such as this one are easier to pull off than bandeau and string based designs, but the dark color pattern will look best on medium to darker skin tones.

Purchasing Information

Marc Jacobs and Marc by Marc Jacobs bikinis can be found at any Marc Jacobs retail stores, as well as fine department stores such as Neiman Marcus and Saks Fifth Avenue. Discount bikini styles can be purchased online from authorized Marc Jacobs vendors such as Bluefly, and these swimsuits can also be obtained online from Shopbop.com.