The Girl Behind the World Cup Bikinis

Take a peek and Tracy B’s sexy World Cup bikinis and find out which style would suit you best

Swimwear designer Tracy B recently launched a range of sexy swimwear inspired by the World Cup. We spoke to her about choosing the right bikini for your body shape and found out which Cape Town beach is her personal favourite.

CTMag: You’re known for designing swimwear that flatters the female form. Are there any guidelines for choosing swimsuit to suit specific body shapes?

Tracy B: I think with swimwear it is always important to consider your body shape and not what the current trends are – it’s important to choose a colour that flatters your skin tone so if you are pale then opt for darker colours and prints that have darker colours in them like black, chocolate, aubergine and navy.  If you are dark or tanned then bright colours and bold prints always look good. 

CTMag: Do you have any advice for women who are body conscious in terms of gaining more confidence in their natural shape?

Tracy B: The best advice I can give woman for gaining confidence in their body shape  is to not be so hard on yourself - everyone has imperfections and only as you get older do you realise that they weren't that important in the first place - workout, eat healthy, enjoy life and don't stress about things that aren't life threatening. As far as styles are concerned, a plain full-piece always looks chic if you are concerned that your tummy is not in shape.  Hotpants work well with a boyish figure and a string bikini looks great on an hourglass body shape. 

CTMag: Which is your favourite beach in Cape Town and why?

Tracy B: My favourite beach in Cape Town is Llandudno because of the beautiful sunsets and the natural beauty although I think we have so many beautiful beaches here it’s hard to choose. 

CTMag: What’s with the monokini? Is this just a trend or do you think it’s here to stay?

Tracy B: The mono-kini is a hot favourite and looks stunning and sexy on someone that is in shape - there are so many styles of monokinis available now - they are also great for someone that wants to wear a bikini but may have some flaws in the tummy area to hide. 

CTMag: What is your personal favourite style of swimwear?

Tracy B: I love the monokini and bright, bold prints and am always inspired by the new fabrics for the season which I source from Spain and Italy. I travel every year with my family to a different Greek island to get away from our rainy winters here and to see some sun and it is always inspiring to see the latest trends and fashions in Athens as I feel they have a very sexy, sultry style which I enjoy. 

CTMag: Yes or no to accessories on the beach? Why and how?

Tracy B:  Accessories like chunky bangles and head scarves are fantastic for making your swimsuit look chic and sunglasses are a must. 

CTMag: Are there any specific items of clothing you would recommend for wearing over a swimsuit?

Tracy B: A kaftan can be slipped over your swimsuit to take you from the beach to the bar in style provided it isn't too transparent! Kaftans can also be worn by woman on the beach if they are not confident about their bodies over their swimsuit to give them confidence to walk along the beach without feeling half naked.

CTMag: Who has been your most famous client so far?

Tracy B: My most famous client was Geri Haliwell who bought a bikini in Cape Town. 

CTMag: Which models do you enjoy working with and why?

Tracy B: Working with the Cowley sisters is always a pleasure as their bodies are in great shape - very curvy and sexy - it is very hard to work with a swimwear model that is pale and too thin - I am not a big fan of bones showing on a woman’s body - I like my models to look like woman and not someone that’s been starving themselves for the past few months.

CTMag: What has inspired you to become a swimwear designer?

Tracy B: I have always been passionate about swimwear and used to sew swimsuits for my dolls as a child out of any scrap fabric lying around the house.

CTMag: What made you design a range of World Cup bikinis and where can we buy them?

I was doing a shoot for Sports Illustrated for the World Cup and incorporated the two - I am only selling from Blackbeard and Dare at the moment at Cavendish Square shopping Centre in Cape Town.

By Lize de Kock | Photographs by Jess de Bruin

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