Heavy Metal: Aqua di Lara

There are bathing suits that sink a woman’s figure. Then there’s Aqua Di Lara swimwear.

Launched in 2005 by award-winning designer Reyhan Sofraci, the Montreal-based luxury label has earned international kudos for its smoking hot styles and innovative design philosophy.

Famous for its sexy, one-piece bathing suits with cutouts, this distinctive brand raises the design bar with its new collection for Spring 2009.

“This season we’ve designed accessories directly onto our bathing suits. We’ve also created swimwear with removable straps,” says Sofraci. “It’s an added touch that offers women a tremendous level of versatility.”

Dubbed “The Elements,” three distinct groupings define this new spring collection. Aqua Di Lara’s new, futuristic swimwear shines with metal-inspired hues and sleek detail finishes.

Classic ’20s glamour is another dominant theme.

“It’s all about pairing gold with rich shades of plum,” says Sofraci. “The whole look is very evocative of early Hollywood glam.”

Finally, sleek, ’60s-inspired shapes make Aqua Di Lara’s spring silhouettes gleam with understated sex appeal.

“I’d never tell a woman to buy a bathing suit she didn’t feel comfortable in,” says Sofaci, who credits the label’s unique blend of great style, high-quality fabrics and comfort for its success.”

Working recently in Paris, Sofraci says she happened to be on hand to hear the comments from women trying on her swimwear.

“They were shocked at how confident they felt in these bathing suits,” says Sofraci. “These women finally felt like people were looking at them, not the swimsuit.”

As Sofraci says, “With Aqua Di Lara the woman is the star, not the bathing suit.”

By Constance Droganes, CTV.ca