F A S H I O N

Nanette Lepore Marseilles One-Piece Review (published Bikini Buys February 2012)

Nanette Lepore challenges the notion that a swimsuit needs to show a lot of skin to turn heads with the Marseilles.

It makes sense that this swimsuit is named after a coastal city in one of the world's most fashionable countries. It's got a real catwalk appeal that we don't often see in swimwear. Its bold red body is treated with a waffle-like texture for an extra kick. The wide white trim pops against the scarlet fabric, and emphasizes that plunging neckline.

While the Marseilles' neckline definitely dips, it's not as scandalous as many plunging necklines on the market. This is like an entry-level plunging neckline, the kind of style an ordinarily conservative woman could wear to test the waters. Personally I'm not sure I'd graduate to anything more provocative though. The Marseilles manages to tease without losing its class.

The Marseilles is one of those rare swimsuits that makes a powerful style statement from the front and back. The Marseilles back scoops low to just above the tailbone. It's dramatic and very sexy. You'll need a bit of confidence to wear it, but it's worth summoning the courage. This swimsuit is guaranteed to attract compliments and phone numbers.

At $154 the Marseilles is not exactly cheap, but I think it's reasonable for such a well made and original swimsuit.