The swimsuit

So, are you a tankini, one piece, bikini or tiny piece of butt floss kind of swimsuit girl?

Believe it or not, I’ve never worn a bikini. I used to be shy, then I had all sorts of body issues and wished I’d worn one earlier but now, at the ripe old age of (yeah right, like I’m about to go there!)...I’ve decided to hell with it, I’m going to wear a bikini and whoever doesn’t like it can take a flying leap!

Being the Afrolicious diva that I am, the first thing I then thought was hmmm, I wonder if I can get my hands on some African inspired swim wear. Well, here’s what I came up with.

Mara Hoffman’s Spring 2011 collection of swimwear is African inspired!

You can see the entire look book here but this is a sample of what she has in store.

Courtesy of fashionologie.com

So, what's the verdict? Hot or not?

My personal opinion was that somehow they just weren’t African enough. Mainly because the designers weren’t African.

So I set about trying to discover African designers of swimwear. Guess what? They actually exist!!!

If you’re up on your African fashion then you’ve heard of Black Coffee, Stoned Cherrie and Aya Morrison just to name a few. If you haven’t, quick download: Black Coffee and Stoned Cherrie are both South African design powerhouses. Aya Morrison is a young Ghanaian talent. 

So I sifted through some of their designs and decided to share my favourites with you.

Aya Morrison designs

Now THAT’S what I’m talking about! Sexy, sassy and definitely with African flair. Do you think I was swayed by the models?! 

Then there was also Bantu Wax Beachwear designed by Kenyan Yodit Eklund. As well as looking good, these designs are socially conscious and support local economies.

I’m also loving these.

What do you guys think? Do you know of any more African designer swim wear? If you do, please share – I’m dying to get my bikini on!!

See you soon!