Retro Fitting
And minding your p’s and q’s doesn't end when you hit the beach or pool. Flashing too much flesh is a serious fashion faux pas.
Local swimwear designer Suzanna Kuhlemann agrees. Her new line of bikinis is full of ladylike suits with ruffled halter-tie tops, high-waisted boyshorts and spankies-style bottoms. 
Your friends don’t call you Miss Manners for nothing. You always know who to introduce first, whether to bring a gift, and − most important − what to wear where.
Don’t let the collection's name fool you − the line is called 1979, but the look is 1959 all the way. Kuhlemann chose the name as an homage to the year her sister was born − her sister Pia named her line of recycled sailbags Soozou, a play on Suzanna’s name, and etiquette calls for always returning a favor.
No matter what they’re called, 1979 suits have impeccable timing. With Hawai‘i marking 50 years as a state in August, they bring to life the era that seems to be on everyone’s mind right now. Some of the suits are even cut from vintage aloha shirts and mu‘umu‘us, then lined with lycra to make them sea-worthy.
They hit stores next week, but you can get a sneak peak tonight at Night Market at Aloha Tower. A full fashion show of 1979 suits goes on at 7:30.
You’ll see swimwear from a whole new vintage point.
1979 Swimwear fashion show is tonight at 7:30 at Night Market at Aloha Tower. More info on the event is at www.nightmarkethonolulu.com. Click to www.1-9-7-9.com or email info@1-9-7-9.com for more information on the collection. Check back next week for details on which stores will carry it.
