My efforts to find a great bathing suit for 2009 introduced me to a designer named Gottex. The Gottex Spring/Summer Swimsuit Collection is gorgeous, never before seen and so-so-elegant.

All photo credit to Gottex

 Pair with gold dangle earrings and/or a white, sheer, ankle-length waist wrap. The designer's choice to put the model's hair up makes this suit look extra sophisticated and shows off that great halter neckline.  

 The orchid print is gorgeous! The sleeves remind me of the terry cloth jumpers from the early 80's. The seam down the middle is a bit awkward to look at but is not a deal breaker for this suit as far as I am concerned.

 This suit is what dreams are made of! A hawaiian honeymoon meets a great romance novel! I love the addition of the wristbands. We would no doubt need to step up our "New Year's Resolution to get fit" to pull this one off but it would be SO worth it!

 Nautical has been trying to make a comeback these past few years but have not taken off of the runway, until now. This suit  is a great way to introduce nautical to those who were not old enough to live through it and bring back memories for those who were. [I love the hat! I am getting the hat.]

 So sweet and sexy all-in-one! Look at that neckline! A perfect honeymoon suit for luau evenings.

 I will need to do my Total Gym Workout twice as often for this one. I love the original waistline and the bow offers increased modesty in a no-so-modest suit.

Ok, this is the last one....

I picked this suit for the orchid on the top but especially for the sheer tank/turtleneck top. This is a great way to accentuate a beautiful, long neck. An original masterpiece!

Find Gottex at Neiman Marcus $150- $350 As of the date of this article's publication, these designs had not been rolled out into stores. Keep your eye out for them!