Fashion Exclusive! Sea & Be Seen Summer Swimwear

Thursday, 21 July 2011 10:43 | Written by Byron

WET HAUTE FASHIONS: Michael Merrill is a dear friend and a crazy genius.

Recently I had a chance to catch up with the former Portlander when he was here on a visit. We chatted about the weather, family, friends, fashion and how we missed working together. Toward the end of our talk he suggested that he get a few of his friends together and create a summery fashion shoot that could appear exclusively on byronbeck.com. I said, "sure..that's sounds great."

And, voila, this is what he and his team came up with!

I should have expected an "under-the-sea-out-of-this-world spread." This is the same team that made fashion out of food when I worked at Willamette Week.

And Merrill said these looks are perfect for Portland's ultra wet summer. "Portland weather kind of sucks most of the year," says Michael. "But you really should pay attention to cool swimwear for those days when it is nice enough to go out and be seen by the river."

And these looks are just as cool for club hopping as they are for pool hopping.

"These looks are perfect for clubs," says Merrill. "They are waterproof for spilling drinks, keeps you cool when you are sweating on the dance floor, and with a few crazy accessories—shoulder pads, knee high socks—you can have an awesome outfit for indoor use all year long. Just toss on a heavy parka and check it at the Fish Grotto door and you are set to be a star for the night!"

Now, kids, are you set for summer swimwear fashion? I know I am.

Credits: Photographer—Tim Gunther, Timgunther.com. Stylist—Michael Merrill. Make-Up—Terra Herzel. Models (Woman)—Arti Danes, optionmodelandmedia.com. Boy #1— Nakoa Goss. Boy #2 - Sam Kuster. Special thanks to Lane Vandeventer, Stef Pinniger (aka Madame Bouffant).

Popina Vintage Yellow Polka-Dot Frill one-piece, $85, 318 NW 11th Ave.,www.popinaswimwear.com. Yellow Ski Boots, Goodwill Enterprises, 1943 Southeast 6th Avenue and other locations. Boys are wearing Mossimo Yellow Boy/Girl Trunks, $12, shopstyle.com. Sailor Hats, $3, Lippman Co., 50 SE Yamhill St.

Andrew Christian Bikini Boy Trunks, $32, UnderUForMen, 507 SW Broadway and other locations, www.underu4men.com. Vintage Nike Football Jersey, $12, Rad Summer, 2712 E. Burnside St.

Andrew Christian Bikini Boy Trunks www.underu4men.com/ $32 Vintage Nike Football Jersey Rad Summer 2712 E. Burnside $12Andrew Christian Bikini Boy Trunks www.underu4men.com/ $32 Vintage Nike Football Jersey Rad Summer 2712 E. Burnside $12

Elle Macpherson Intimates Serengeti Plains Bikini - Powder Pink, $32, Nordstrom, shop.nordstrom.com

Vintage Wild White Pony Shirt Dress, $17, Bohemian Vintage 1627 N.E. 42nd Ave. Silver Sparkelets Belt $5 Goodwill Enterprises 1943 Southeast 6th Avenue and other locations. BohoLuxe Head Wrap, Courtesy Madame Bouffant.