June 5, 2007

Welcome to the Jungle

JungleGurl Bikinis

You’ve raided Nana’s room in search of cameos and pillbox hats. But her skirt-bottom bathing suits with extra bosom support? Even the Bal Harbour blue hairs would laugh you off the beach.

Natalie Golonka wants you to look ravishing in retro. Born in Fiji and now living in L.A., the former model figured her next career move was a no-brainer: swimsuit design. So she started turning all the vintage fabrics she had scored on trips around the world into bikinis and soon had enough to start her line, JungleGurl (her childhood nickname, as her dad was called Jungle).

The suits come in two styles, named after her nieces — the Kelia (bandeau top, low-cut brief) and the Mikaela (triangle top, string-tie bottom) — and meticulously designed to accent a woman’s curves.

Plus, because they’re made of recycled materials, each suit is not only ecofriendly but also unique.

Just like Nana.

Available at Atrium, 1931 Collins Avenue, Miami Beach (305-695-0757); Studio LX, 5814 Sunset Drive, South Miami (305-666-0748). To see styles, go to junglegurl.com.