Forget Spring; PRISM says Viva Summer

PRISM’s Spring/Summer 2012 collection of eyewear and swimwear was set perfectly on the roof of Le Bain at the Standard Hotel, complete with Popsicles and a sunny view reflected of the many  shades with mirrored lenses. This is was the first Fashion Week presentation for Prism, and with pieces named Montauk, Venice Beach, and Puerto Viejo, every item suggested possible vacations for next spring.

Inspired by Guy Bourdin’s palette, the attitude of Helmut Newton, and Egon Schiele sketches, the one- and two-piece bathing suits of solid colors like burgundy, dark green, antique gold, and burnt orange can be freely mixed and matched.  The high-sheen jersey added to the vintage but modern feel. “I started with glasses, and it was really, for me, about utility and aesthetics together—a product that you need but could be just as beautiful as any other accessory,” designer Anna Laub says of the story behind her line, whose sunglasses were just used in Rachel Comey’s runway show.

But it also sounds like the addition of swimwear to PRISM couldn’t be smoother. “I’ve always been obsessed with swimwear and I just really wanted to use that same aesthetic to think about detail and fit and just do something modern, minimal and chic,” says Laub. “Looking at things like detachable straps, so you don’t get tan lines, and underwire where you need it.”