Splish Splash Flash

Each swimsuit that Jennifer Schuman designs was inspired by--and named for--one of her girlfriends. She hasn’t run out of names yet, but then her company, Luce di Sole--”Italian for sunlight”--has only been around for about six months. “My inspiration also comes from the ocean and sun and the colors of watermelon,” adds the 26-year-old native Angeleno, who admits to having no previous design experience beyond whipping up the occasional prom dress and a “Charlie’s Angels” Halloween costume. Regardless, as a self-described bikini-clad sun-worshiper, Schuman couldn’t be more on the mark: “My suits seem to fit everybody,” she says of the woven nylon-Lycra-spandex designs, “and I guess they’re pretty cute.”

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Produced by Jill Barrett. Luce di Sole swimsuits are available at Barneys New York, Beverly Hills; Steinberg & Sons, Los Angeles; Diane Merrick, West Hollywood; Fred Segal Feeling, Santa Monica; Canyon Beachwear, Beverly Center and Santa Monica; and Lulu’s, Manhattan Beach.

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“Shannan”

One-piece bathing suit, about $135.

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“Heather”

Halter and hot pants bikini with pockets, about $120.

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“Jewels”

String bikini with exposed stitching, about $106.

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“Lauren”

String bikini, about $106.