PRISM


When London-based fashion journalist Anna Laub first introduced Prism, her line of vintage-style specs in March 2009, the inspiration was purely functional. “I started with optical glasses because it was something that I wanted and needed and I couldn’t find,” explains Laub of the motivation behind the chic, understated eyewear that has become a definitive accessory for everyone from offbeat fashion mainstay Alexa Chung to the glam-and-often-glittery Elton John.Her latest venture—a comparably minimalist, breezily cool swim line that made a very playful début on the roof of Le Bain at New York’s Standard Hotel last September—takes this no-fuss attitude and streamlined aesthetic to new heights. “There’s been a lot of swimwear that’s very cut-out and very glamorous,” reflects Laub, “but I don’t think women necessarily want to feel like they’re on a catwalk when they’re lying on the beach. You can be into what you’re wearing and have an eye for fashion without being outlandish.” For Laub, this means 50‘s-influenced pin-up shapes modeled off women’s underwear (“We’re just trying to make women’s bodies look the best they can.”) and molded to be seamlessly comfortable (“Everything is double-lined, there’s support where you need it—and you won’t get tan lines.”) “It’s all about details and function,” says Laub. Of course, even in Laub’s land of refreshing practicality, there is an element of fantasy at play: each piece is named after a different favorite beach destination–Venice Beach (a string bikini top), Château (a one-piece cup suit), Puerto Viejo (a U-shaped bandeau), and Uluwatu (mini shorts) are a few. And the color palette—burnt orange, tarnished gold, dark green—is drawn from the iconic imagery of surrealist photographer Guy Bourdin. “The attitude is a bit more sexy,” quips Laub. “It’s all Helmut Newton.”

Prism is available now at Shop.PrismLondon.com and Barneys New York, colette, and Dover Street Market.

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