Milan Fashion Week: Marni’s bathing beauties

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There was a glimpse of the beach in Milan, Italy, when the graphic lines and prints of ocean sportswear washed over Consuelo Castiglioni’s quirky and cute Marni collection.

Less Esther Williams and more Gidget, the look began with a South Beach palette of aqua, mint green, peach, flamingo pink and sunshine yellow.

Castiglioni’s water babies wore two-tone swim caps (could they replace the turban as the chic headgear of the moment?), and sandals nearly as wide and flat as flippers.

Stretchy shorts and tops color-blocked like rash guards were the foundations. On top were wet-look leather miniskirts, and zipper-front, SCUBA-inspired jackets that were either waist-cinching or finished with a frill at the hem. Mesh insets also added athletic appeal.

Mini dresses and tops came in a charming white daisy chain lace, or splashed with psychedelic-colored florals and geometric prints.

By the time the finale dresses rolled out -- sheaths color-blocked with dime-sized paillettes in the graphic style of wetsuits -- I was ready to dive in.

-- Booth Moore

Marni spring-summer 2011 runway collection photo gallery