Evening Swimwear, Gottex, New York Fashion Week Spring 2010

By Laura Medina

Black Jewelled Halter-Neck Evening Swimsuit with Gold/Black Pleated Evening Gown & Jewelled Headband

Gottex sailed into more sophisicated terrority after Gideon Oberson's chic but cute nautical theme a year ago.

Asymmetric Blue Sea Print Silk Crepe Dress with laminated blue swimsuit & black grosgrain belt

With the recent hiring of Molly Grad, she steers swimwear into a pleasantly, startling direction of functionality, swimwear doubling as evening wear.

Desert Beige Lame Dress with Embellished Necklace Detail

With her past jobs at Stella McCartney and Yves Saint Laurent and her recent post at Gianfranco Ferre, Mr. Grad infused Gottex with haute couture draping and more delicate fabrications.

White ruched front cut-out silk swimsuit

Caftans turn into evening gowns out of chiffon, not plain screened silks. She embellishes them with wide belts in black and gold. Straps and neck lines metamorph into necklaces.

Ms. Grad even adds couture elements to the sleek but simple bathing suit, folds and ruching as in the swimsuit above.

Swim caps because jewelled handbands.

Black Bandeau Bikini with Coral Neckline with Coral Silk Caftan

The latest development is intricate laser cuts for delicate floral cut-outs on capes and shawls.

Gottex has reached another level of elegance for the stylish woman who wants to walk from pool to cocktail party in one step.

No two sets of clothes for this casually chic lady. Swimwear and cover-ups do double duty.