Shopping for swimwear is never a particularly edifying experience, but forget the reflection in the mirror, the biggest shock might just come from the price tag.
Phoebe Philo, the new benchmark for haute pricing, has lately launched a bikini which will set you back a mindboggling £1,300 for the set. The black studded high-waist bottoms come with the dampening disclaimer that “this item cannot be in contact with water or any form of liquid for an extended period of time”. There go your morning lengths. But she’s hardly alone, Net-a-porter is stocking a £1,500 Balenciaga one-piece, Eres — the Chanel-owned luxury swim line — runs up to around £800 for its more intricate styles, while Harrods has a bead-edged Valentino cut-out number for a Cayman Island address-requiring £2,500.
