THE SUMMER OF SWIM

A Brazilian Bikini Designer’s Guide To the Ultimate Beach Day

Patricia Bonaldi breaks down the perfect summer day, from exercise to a Caipirinhas.

by Sarah Zendejas

3. %22Courtesy of PatBo%22.jpg

Patricia Bonaldi established her brand PatBO in 2012 in her native Brazil after beginning her career designing glamorous custom gowns. So, it is no surprise that her swimwear, like her dresses, are sophisticated, colorful, and embellished with detailed embroidery done by the women of her hometown, Uberlândia. The bikini designer confidently mixes textures, colors, and materials making each of her pieces a fun—and wearable—piece of art. Being Brazilian, Bonaldi knows particularly well what women want to wear on the beach—especially women who are bold and want to make a statement on the sand. Here, the designer shares her insider beach tips.

What is your favorite beach?

São Miguel, a very beautiful and peaceful beach in Macei, Algoas. Located in the northeast of Brazil, the contrast between the white sand beach and crisp blue water brings together a breathtaking landscape. If you ever have the chance to visit, I recommend exploring the natural pools that appear during low tide.

What is your favorite thing to do pre- and post- beach?

I like to start the day off with some exercise, like a quick walk. Afterwards, I usually get a massage, to continue relaxing after a peaceful day at the beach.

Do you prefer the pool or the beach?

Beach! I like to feel the sensation of immensity from the ocean. In fact, my hometown of Uberlândia doesn’t have any beaches close by, so I have always been drawn to it.

A PatBo bikini.

What do you always bring to the beach?

A bag with SkinCeuticals oil free sunscreen for body, face, and hair, Caudalie grape water to refresh the skin, sunglasses, and my cell phone.

How does your favorite beach inspire your work?

It’s such a peaceful and serene beach, so when I’m there I allow myself to disconnect and focus on the things in my imagination.

How would you style your swimsuit from the beach to a night out?

In Brazil, a day at the beach means you’re allowed to wear your swimsuit all day, so I typically add a long wrap skirt, a clutch, and flats.

What is your ultimate do and don’t at the beach?

Everyone should relax and have some cocktails, preferably a Caipirinhas or Clericot, and never wear heels to the beach, ever.

Which swimsuit reference has influenced you most?

My collection includes a variety of swim silhouettes, for every type of woman. Recently, the Brazilian artist, Tarsila Do Amaral’s bold use of color and unique view on tropicalism inspired my upcoming Resort 2018 collection. Tarsila is a profound and well-known Brazilian artist whose work was central to the Brazilian Modernist Art Movement. I’ve always liked and felt inspired by her work.

PatBo designer Patricia Bonaldi.

What is your favorite memory at the beach?

New Year’s Eve. I gathered my closest friends in a beach house in Maceio. It was a weekend filled with amazing memories including midnight fireworks on the beach.

What are you reading this summer?

Mindfulness by Gill Hasson.

What are three songs on your summer playlist?

“Mas Que Nada” by Seu Jorge,”Tarde em Itapuã” by Toquinho, and “Wouldn’t It Be Nice” by the Beach Boys.

Nicole Kidman Could Go on “Survivor” and Crush It

The Ultimate Guide to Summer’s Best Swimsuits

There’s something about this bikini that just screams hot weather. Leave it to La Double J to get you excited for packing for your next beach vacation.

Buy now: La Double J printed bikini top, $120, modaoperandi.com and matching bikini bottom, $100, modaoperandi.com.

Headed to the south of France? Pack this Jacquemus bikini, as seen on the runway at his Summer 2019 show.

Buy now: Jacquemus bikini set, $240, modaoperandi.com.

Whether you’re headed to the tropics or Ibiza, a touch of crochet is always a good idea. This Anjuna bikini is reversible.

Buy now: Anjuna bikimi, $470, netaporter.com.

The Colombia-based label Verde Limon is known for its playful and tropical printed swimwear. This wrap-around bikini top and matching high rise bottom is an easy favorite.

Buy now: Verde Limon wrap-around bikini top, $190, shop.bikini.com and matching high waist bottom, $99, shop.bikini.com.

This Brazilian swimwear brand’s fun palm prints are just what you need for your next island getaway.

Buy now: Bromeliario Swimwear maillot, $99, shop.bromeliario.com

Onia has quickly become one of the most popular swimwear labels (the brand is worn by Jonas Brothers and their significant others, and is a blogger favorite thanks to a successful collaboration with Danielle Bernstein). We love this simple summery sketch on Onia’s classic silhouette one-piece.

Buy now: Onia printed one-piece, $195, onia.com.

No matter what locale you plan to visit this summer, you can’t go wrong with packing this chic Hermès one-shoulder maillot. We love this strategically placed cut-out, too.

Buy now: Hermès one-piece swimsuit, $530, hermes.com.

We love this Cali Dreaming swimsuit’s boyish neckline, and the classic pairing of peachy nude and navy.

Buy now: Cali Dreaming maillot, $245, goop.com.

This minimalist bikini shows just the right amount of skin. Wear in the city with a high-waist pant or on a sandy beach of your choosing.

Buy now: ACK bikini, $170, [farfetch.com](https://www.farfetch.com/shopping/women/ack-filo-bikini-item-13539721.aspx?storeid=9359).

A sunny marigold bathing suit is sure to get you into vacation mode. Packing this double-strap Jade Swim one-piece for your next trip to southern Italy.

Buy now: Jade one-piece swimsuit, $220, jadeswim.com.

Rochelle Sara’s minimalist-meets-sporty cuts are sure to be a winner amongst those who love to hit the waves. We especially love this suit in nude.

Buy now: Rochelle Sara bikini, $330, farfetch.com.

Matteau has become the minimalist fashion lover’s favorite swimwear label. This season our favorite silhouette is a surf-inspired cropped swim top paired with a bikini bottom.

Buy now: Matteau sleeve sun tee and bikini bottom set, $342, farfetch.com.

There is no slowing down the gingham swimwear trend, but we especially love Miu Miu’s extra-sweet take on the look.

Buy now: Miu Miu gingham bikini, $595, farfetch.com.

It feels like this burgeoning label is everywhere you turn, and you’d be right. With a charming new New York City store, LoveShackFancy is for the girl who loves Brock Collection but is a little more bohemian.

Buy now: LoveShackFancy swimsuit, $270, intermixonline.com.

Kisuii’s Liberty-esque floral prints are perfect for sunny days out east. Pair with an easy cotton dress, and you’ll be ready for a weekend out of town.

Buy now: Kisuii bikini top, $120, intermixonline.com and matching bottoms, $100, intermixonline.com.

She Made Me is known for their uber-feminine crochet swimwear, but this season, with the addition of floral swim separates, their collection is even more covetable.

Buy now: She Made Me bikini, $280, farfetch.com.

What’s sweeter than a core Marysia swim silhouette done up in gingham, with a pink flower on top? Marysia’s collection is a girly girl’s go-to, never more so than this season.

Buy now: Marysia maillot, $460, netaporter.com.

The beloved contemporary brand launched swimwear this year, complete with a jet-set trip with some of the label’s favorite influencers, like Evangelie Smyrniotaki. Each swim separate is designed to pair easily with ready-to-wear. We love a bikini top that pulls double duty.

Buy now: Self-Portrait bikini top, $235, [self-portrait-studio.com] (https://www.self-portrait-studio.com/swimwear/floral-printed-draped-bikini-top](https://www.self-portrait-studio.com/swimwear/floral-printed-draped-bikini-top) and matching bottom, $79, self-portrait-studio.com.

Not only does Eres have some of the best-fitting swim, they have some of the chicest. Wear this one during your next desert excursion.

Buy now: Eres bandeau top, $260, farfetch.com and matching Eres bottom, $215, farfetch.com.

Fans of Zimmermann’s girly frocks and swimwear need not worry that the brand is abandoning their pretty prints. But we must admit, this solid color minimal one-piece is a welcome addition to the Zimmermann offerings.

Buy now: Zimmermann strapless swimsuit, $331, farfetch.com.

Known for their sleek and clean designs, Haight bathing suits also offer such a flattering fit. Wear this one poolside or swimming in the ocean, or toss a skirt and heels and head out for seaside dinner.

Buy now: Haight one-piece maillot, $212, modaoperandi.com.

For a sporty-sleek take on swimwear, Skin’s deep red one-piece is a must-have.

Buy now: Skin one-piece bathing suit, $265, netaporter.com.

This low-cut v-neck swimsuit from Gucci is perfect for 4th of July weekend. We love the chic oversized tie at the hip.

Buy now: Gucci swimsuit, $790, farfetch.com.

Chic and sustainable, Mara Hoffman’s maillot is a classic. The sweet ties at the shoulders are just the cherry on top.

Buy now: Mara Hoffman one-piece swim, $250, goop.com.

Little hardware details are what makes this summer’s swimsuits feel so special. We especially love Lisa Marie Fernandez’s tortoise shell buttons and belt on this high-waist bikini.

Buy now: Lisa Marie Fernandez bikini, $395, fwrd.com.

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