The calendar says we are smack dab in the middle of fall, while the weather tells a different tale. As our neighbors to the north are dusting off their winter coats and boots, our consistent 90 degree forecast makes one feel that the warm, lazy days of summer are lingering on.

While our balmy weather still permits lying on the beach on a Sunday afternoon in a sizzling hot bikini, check out the new Imani line from Aura Amore designed by local swimwear designer Nicki Hastings.

At 22, Nicki is one of the Bahamas’ young designers to watch. Although she made the decision to pursue fashion design over four years ago, it was not until recently that Nicki manifested her dreams and took the plunge.

Motivated by a desire to provide quality, affordable pieces with the luxury of a custom fit, Nicki launched Aura Amore Swimwear in 2008. Her moment to shine came in July 2008, when she debuted her first collection consisting of the “Gold” and “Silver” lines at her first fashion showcase during The Bahamas Fashion Week.

Describing herself as “a natural at sewing” and without any formal training, Nicki whips up sexy, flattering suits for the myriad of frames and body types she encounters. Although she does design other apparel such as dresses, tops and trousers for her personal needs, at the moment her heart is set on swimwear.

Boasting a local and international following, Nicki’s clientele includes Bahamian born international celebrity model and actress Jeanine Fox, for whom she designed a custom made, sailor inspired bandeau bikini set, which was featured in the art exhibition Kinesis in November 2008.

Although Nicki’s designs are a favorite of many local models, don’t be discouraged if your figure is not exactly waif thin, as Nicki has already outfitted numerous clients in flattering full-figured swimsuits.  Her designs can be custom fit to your specific measurements or she can sit with you and design a suit according to your specifications. From high fashion one piece monokinis, to bandeau style tops and boy short bottoms, the options are endless with your own personal designer on hand.

It’s no surprise that Nicki finds her inspiration at the beach, albeit in the form of what she doesn’t like. “I love going to the beach. Just seeing those tacky swimsuits on people makes me want to take them right off!”   At the beach was precisely where she was inspired to create her latest collection, the Imani line.

Comprised of seven styles, the Imani line caters to the vixen, hippie and island goddess in all of us. The line is dominated by bold prints, featuring primarily monokinis and bikinis fabricated from cheetah, paisley and floral motifs.

The “Angel” suit is by far the boldest suit in the line. In a captivating holographic pink cheetah print, the monokini features a sweetheart neckline with ruching detail in the front, with the ruching technique mimicked in the back to create a daring butterfly silhouette.

Circular metallic details and dainty bows and crystals embellish the remainder of the suits within the line. Prices are affordable with bikinis priced at $66.00 and monokinis at $88.00 and can be purchased online at auraamoreswimwear.com

In just a year, Aura Amore is carving out a niche as a custom-made swimwear company with an accessible e-commerce business model. Nicki admits that at times the process of running a full service business alone can be overwhelming and stressful, “because I am doing this alone I must market, I must take and design orders and I must make personal deliveries to build relationships with my clients. It's tough, but I love to see my clients happy.” A recurring them throughout our interview, Nicki’s ultimate goal is to ensure that her clients are happy, comfortable and confident when they are wearing her designs.

When asked to describe the new Imani line in three words, her answer was simple, “gotta have it!”

Tyrina Talks Fashion is your weekly serving of fashion forecasting, trend reporting, figure analysis and helpful fashion tips and tricks. Email Tyrina with your fashion questions and photos at tyrinaalicia@hotmail.com.

Tyrina Neely