By Victoria Loomes

Swimwear. The one word that can drive fear into the very hearts of women everywhere, regardless of shape or size. It’s easy to get swimwear very, very wrong, even for the most stylish of women. I have fond memories of my very first swimsuit, a rather fetching one-piece with a frilly hem and a yellow appliquéd teddy-bear. However life is nowhere near as simple as it was when I was two years old. If I had the body of Gisele surely things would be so much easier?

I had a quick chat with Agnes Cushnie, founder of the premium swimwear label Agnes Valentine, hoping she could shed some light on this perplexing situation.
Don’t forget to check out Agnes Valentine in the main fashion feature.

fashion156.com: Swimwear is certainly a very niche market. Is it something you have always been interested in?
Agnes Cushnie: Not particularly. I have always been inspired by Fashion in general. It’s only recently that swimwear became a particular focus. I realised there was scope for differentiation in the luxury recreational segment. I focus on a modern silhouette with clean lines, sharp design, and minimal embroidery.

f156: Agnes Valentine swimwear is bold and directional. Who do you design for?
Agnes: My suits are designed for the modern woman who is fashion forward yet sophisticated. She wants to make an impact whether she’s pool lounging or at her local spa.
For a long time the swimsuit has been seen as a safe option. I wanted to inject some power dressing into it.

f156: Who or what inspires your collections?
Agnes: Although the collection has a subtle vintage appeal, city life and architectural drawings have been my strongest inspiration. The colour palette has taken inspiration from natural elements. Generally speaking, I design with a modern style-savvy woman in mind.

f156: Has the one-piece swimsuit finally replaced the bikini?
Agnes: There's definitely greater appreciation for one-pieces today, but I think they are rather complimentary. The bikini is a great alternative, offering less coverage and multiple combinations possible. The one piece on the other hand is taking us to a timeless journey, from the beach to the bar, to the boat, to an evening cocktail. It conveys sophistication and versatility in a way that the bikini ultimately can’t match.

f156: I seem to spend most of my time in a swimsuit trying to appear as fabulous as Ursula Andress as she emerges from the sea in Dr No. Who is your swimwear idol?
Agnes: Possibly Bo Derek in the running along the beach sequence that everyone remembers. But it is most likely to be any woman who exults beach confidence.

f156: Do you have any tips for elegant swimwear attire? Any expert tips on ways to avoid embarrassing swimwear malfunctions?
Agnes: A black or monochrome swimsuit is always timeless and elegant. Go for contrasting colors against your skin. Nude is a big trend but for maximum impact, save it for when your skin has achieved a little bit of glow.
More generally, accessorizing is key to achieve that beach babe look. Go with what makes you feel comfortable. I prefer strong and focused choices like a long structured chain or multiple bangles on one arm. But statement sunglasses are always a must!

f156: Do you remember your first swimsuit?
Agnes: No, since it was a very long time ago and I was a city girl. It was most likely taken off the shelves with little thought, as back in the days you would struggle to find a shop selling swimwear all year round. Customers today are more style savvy and informed, through the rise of the internet and a change in lifestyle that means they spend a considerable amount in warm-weather spots.

f156: Where is your favourite holiday destination?
Agnes: Mauritius for a relaxing vacation, or Marrakech for a city break. Not
surprisingly, I am a summer person.

f156: What are your plans for the future?
Agnes: I will be exhibiting my new range in New York in September and am
currently launching the children collection. It’s all happening very fast and I love it.