Epic! Never was more of a declaration of freedom packed into one design than this - our version of the flag-themed "slingshot." From the plunging V-front to the string straight up the back in classic flag proportions. Never formally in a catalog, we thought it too ubiquitous at the time. Little did we know that time was fleeting, and this has now become a nostalgic and highly sought after piece...a collectible indeed. *Just for fun, we also offer this one in the neon pink and neon yellow slick fabric, as those stand-out-proudly colors were everywhere back then!
Iconic! Who could forget the mid 2000's Playboy cover with Nikki Zeiring wearing just the straps to this adorable bikini! Obviously on the rebound from the events of 9/11, it seemed everyone was in on the patriotic game and here we were capturing the authentic zeitgeist. In a twist on a normal microkini, we squared the top and opened up one side of the bottoms, with the stars perfectly placed, and just straps on the other side, it exudes the confidence we all remember...simple, yet striking!
One of the most popular styles we made in the mid 2000's was this hot little lava-kini. It's easy to wear, with Peek-a-boo cut-outs, leaving just enough to the imagination. You get drawn in by precise swoops and curves, it's fitted-to-perfection cut, that covers just in the right areas. You can find a modernized version in our 2023 collection where we added the thong back, see our "Wave Bikini" (#2914).
Need a not-so-basic nautical bikini that is kind of conservative, but not really? How about this super sexy, fitted, booty hugging open shorts bottoms with surprise cut-outs on top. The revealing halter and shorts set has unexpected eye-catching open areas, all accented with rich gold chain, rings, and hooks.
At the turn of the century there was a bit of an unpredictable "up for anything" nature. This is one of our all-time favorite designs, which has now become our "classic" Halter tank. With a squared off design at the neck, it's fabricated in sheer mesh with metallic sheen which it adds the unexpected sexy see through factor that is always present in our designs.
In a surprise design twist, we created this unique one piece with more coverage on top that then dramatically tapers down to a skimpy bottom. Sexy slingshots are a Colleen Kelly specialty! This hot little bathing suit, cut in a blend of beautiful tropical floral prints and balanced with soft denims and exotic cheetah straps, flaunts your curves in a streamlined and very flattering effect by leaving you bare at the hips. Up top, the bandeau design is scrunched (or ruched) in the middle and connects to bottoms at the sides. Straps on the top tie in back and are fully adjustable. In the back, both bottom straps tie in cute little bows just above the thong, giving this design a very uniquely custom look.
Boho beginnings in the mid 2000's had us swooning with lace with new to the swim market "stretch suede" fabrics - heaven! Ultra feminine and lacy, this beautiful suit is an expression of classic western sexy! Made of a delicate scalloped-edge lace, the top is a semi-sheer crop-top bandeau with capped sleeves and suede accents. A matching western concho pinches the top in the middle to give it a slightly ruffled look. Looking just as good from behind, the lace top ties in a big lacy knot that hangs down behind the back. The bottoms are low cut in our stretch faux-suede and tied on one side in a flowing length of lace. The top on this design is semi-sheer and unavailable for custom lining.
All of our swimsuit designs are created from scratch, even the bikinis like this, tried-and-true, timeless 2-piece. We add extremely subtle curves and tapers, the width to length proportions are all carefully decided. Rediscover an uncomplicated, unfussy bikini, fabricated in 2000 style rich gem-tone shades of metallic sheen on mesh, which also has tie sides at the hips for adjustability.
Is this where the phrase "nauti nautical" originated? In the mid 2000's, we designed a series of provocative daring, silhouettes with scoops, and cutouts and peek-a-boos with added bold chain. This expressive sling has open sides high waisted, surprise "under-boob," and gold chain connected to ring accents, all paired with classic nautical solids. Happy Sailing!