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# Bizarre Beach Fashion
"Project Runway" Designers Don't Know Beachwear

By Katherinev123 | Published 2009-09-04 | Fashion
Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/project-runway-beachwear
References: [nymag](http://nymag.com/daily/fashion/2009/09/project_runway_recap.html#end-slideshow) & [bravotv](http://www.bravotv.com/project-runway)

Would you wear a black ruffled gown with a gold-trimmed bustier to the beach? Well, at least two of the "Project Runway" designers from this season would.

This week, Tim Gunn presented the "Project Runway" designers with a challenging task: to create a “[fun and fashionable surfwear look](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/triangls-mirage-drop)”. Somehow this got lost in translation, because what ended up on the judgment runway was a dramatic ball gown with ultra-long trains, a dress with super-sized petticoats and sweeps of black crinoline, and an outfit that incorporated a strange green and brown cape for wearing over a one-piece--a one-piece with buttons.

And did I mention there was a [full lace-up body suit](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bathing-belle-swimwear) as well? Maybe this group of "Project Runway" designers don’t get out much.

## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter)

- Score: 3.7/10
- Popularity: 78% | Activity: 24% | Freshness: 8%
- Audience gender: 10% men, 90% women
- Primary generations: Millennial, Gen X
- Top markets: North America, Europe

## Categories

[Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Fashion](https://www.trendhunter.com/fashion) > [Hip Fashion](https://www.trendhunter.com/hipfashion)

## Key Themes

### What Makes This Trend Stand Out

- **Innovative Beachwear Design:** There is an opportunity for disruptive innovation in the beachwear industry by creating designs that are both fashionable and functional for beachgoers.
- **Surf-inspired Fashion:** The trend of surf-inspired fashion is on the rise and presents an opportunity for disruptive innovation in the intersection of sportswear and streetwear.
- **Minimalist Beach Attire:** The trend towards minimalist beach attire opens up a market for disruptive innovation in creating simple, versatile and sustainable beachwear options.

### Sectors Adopting This

- **Fashion Design:** Fashion designers can tap into the opportunity of creating innovative beachwear designs that cater to the needs and preferences of beachgoers.
- **Sports Apparel:** The surf-inspired fashion trend presents an opportunity for sports apparel brands to create trendy and functional clothing that can be worn both on and off the beach.
- **Sustainable Fashion:** The demand for minimalist and sustainable beach attire creates a space for the sustainable fashion industry to innovate and provide eco-friendly options for beachgoers.

## Related on Trend Hunter

- [Stylish Beach-Ready Swimwear](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/new-swim-collection.md)
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- [Modern Vacation Pieces](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/resort-wear-collection.md)
- [Sustainable Statement Swimwear](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/animalia.md)
- [Vintage Miami Beachwear Capsules](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/spring-2024-menswear-collection.md)
- [Stylish Holiday-Ready Apparel](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bain-de-minuit.md)
- [Bespoke Swimwear Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bathing-belle-swimwear.md)
- [Frilly Feminine Swimwear](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/hunza-g.md)