Optic Verve
Sunglasses are more than eye protection for Mossimo Giannulli. The Irvine-based designer sees his Mossimo Optic line as an extension of one’s image, with shape, color and texture dictating design. “I’m a huge fan of colored zyl (acetate plastic). I find combining zyl and metal makes a great contrast of hard and soft,” he says, noting the metal nosepiece against the zyl frames (about $165). The mix of materials make his Italian-made shades classically contemporary.
Country & Western
Countrified sounds might dominate the Billboard charts, but what’s “blowin’ off the charts right now,” says Raisin spokeswoman Raili Walton, are the label’s swimsuits dubbed Country Kitsch and Honky Tonk (about $60). The first is gingham trimmed with a mini-floral print, available in red, purple or blue. “It’s reminiscent of a ‘50s picnic,” she says. The second is bandanna, in red, black or blue. It falls under the Radio Fiji label, Raisin’s junior division. The San Juan Capistrano-based company offers both in one and two-piece styles.
Hawaiian Punch
The locals are going Hawaiian this summer, says Quiksilver vice president Seth Ellison, but it’s not pure Don Ho. “We’ve taken authentic Hawaiian prints and tweaked them slightly using a heat transfer onto sanded nylon. The print screened over colors such as dark green, navy, maroon and brown gives it a muted look that’s slightly modern.” Style alone doesn’t ride. “There’s a heavy emphasis on what I consider bullet-proof board shorts,” he notes. To ensure quality, durability and performance, the Costa Mesa-based label uses flight satin nylon similar to what’s used in police jackets.
In the Bag
Besides sunscreen, a good tote is essential for the coming months, especially one that’ll hold all your needs for the beach (meaning everything but the kitchen sink). Antera Le Products offers a model in natural retted jute--heavy-duty enough for that sink. Available in three sizes (about $9 to $13), the bag features a matching braided handle on the small one and a shoulder strap on the other two. Nine years since introducing them, they’ve never been more popular, says a spokesman. The appeal? People are into natural fibers now, he says, and they’re big among environmental shoppers who shun paper and plastic.
