Red Carter 2007 Swim Suit Collection Sunglass Hut Swim Shows Miami Raleigh Hotel, Miami July 16, 2007 Written by Janet Perisa Photographed by Krisztina Fazekas

For his 2007 swim collection, designer Red Carter transformed the Cabana Grande tents at the Raleigh Hotel into a giddy scene from a retro 50’s beach party flick. The theme of his show was “Rock-a-billy Debutante,” and his itsey-bitsey bikinis, suits and accessories are a stunning combination of old-school Hollywood glamour and nautical fantasy, all with a dash of rock-star bling.

His sexy low-cut silhouettes were cutely adorned by ruffles, bows and studs and came in a variety of colors and patterns ranging from navy/white stripes, cheeky-cherry red and key-lime pie. The hairstylists were provided by Oribe, who toped each model with a girl-next-door do, while MAC cosmetics added a hint of “Lolita” to the look with blazing red lips and mile-long lashes.

Born and raised in L.A., Carter began his career in fashion as a junior sportswear designer for Esprit and than later joined the design teams of fashion giants, Oscar de la Renta and Victoria’s Secret. Carter has been living and working in Miami for five years, but it was not until 2003 that the peppy young designer started his own line of swimsuits for the city that he now calls home.

“When I came here five years ago, I noticed that designers were just coming and going, so I decided to stay here and begin my own line. Miami needed me and I am here for Miami and because it has embraced me, I am giving back by throwing this party tonight,” said Carter.

To view more of Red Carter’s sultry swim line and accessories, log on to: www.redcarter.com. And for more information on the Sunglass Hut Swim Shows, log on to : www.sunglasshutswimshowsmiami.com.