Blame It on Rio

Childhood friends Alexia Niedzielski,the editor in chief of System magazine, and Bianca Brandolini d’Adda, a fashion plate and actress, were both born and raised in Paris and spent holidays at their family homes in Brazil. One hazard of such glamorous globe-trotting lives? “Wewear a lot of Brazilian bikinis but find they’re a bit tiny when we’re in Europe,” Niedzielski says. So the longtime fans of the Rio-based lifestyle brand Osklen contacted its founder, Oskar Metsavaht, and proposed that they design a collection together.Metsavaht, who, in his 25 years in business had never collaborated with anyone, readilyagreed.“They were muses of mine,” he explains. Debuting this month, Osklen Praia A&B combines sophisticated 1950s Côte d’Azur silhouettes with vibrant Copacabana colors and prints.Bandeau tops, high-waist bottoms, rompers, and one-pieces come in palm-frond patterns; fitted tops and filmy palazzo pants in cabana stripes. The line also includes accessories like stretchy belts, pineapple-shape bags, and block-heel sandals. “Everything a beachgoer needs to feel somewhat dressed,” Niedzielski notes. No matter what side of the equator she finds herself on.

Hair by Alex Polillo using Oribe at The Magnet Agency; Makeup by Kindra Mann for Chanel. Special Thanks to Viceroy Santa Monica/ viceroyhotelsandresorts.com. Photography assistant: Peter Juhl.