MARIA CALVO

Summer 1964. Brigitte Bardot is photographed by Monique Valentin in her villa “La Madrague” in Saint Tropez. Possibly, this scene is one of those that best exemplifies the essence of a Mediterranean summer. Aside from her square-rimmed sunglasses and her headscarves, the bikinis she wore on the beach at Pampelonne are perhaps the best example of what is seen on our shores today. Most of those two-piece swimsuits that conquered a world still in black and white had the common denominator of the 'balconette' neckline, a cut that continues to be the epitome of sensuality and no other has managed to unseat it.

Traditionally, this type of neckline is used in underwear. It was - and is - the most feminine and used in the world, since Marilyn Monroe rescued it from some artist's trunk and popularized it in the 50s. Over the decades, it has come out of the privacy of the linen drawer to adapt to other types of garments such as dresses, tops or, as is the case, swimwear.

Its name is true to its function, since the effect it produces is the same as that of a balcony: it collects and hides what is below, but shows part of what is on it. Also called "demi" ("semi" in English), since the cup only covers the lower part, giving hold and support, lifting and rounding the chest evenly. You will recognize it by the straight line that it forms in the neckline and because many times the seams of the cups are exposed.

Although the fashion experts have predicted before the arrival of the good weather that high-waisted swimsuits, sports bikinis, ruffles or fluorine colors were going to be worn, the truth is that, at the Moment of truth, social networks are the best scale to measure what is really taking each season. Surely, your Instagram feed is already full of bikini poses and, if you have looked carefully, you will have been able to appreciate that actresses, models, influencers, designers and other lovers of trends have used the 'balconette' neckline for their first summer getaways. And it doesn't matter if they are tall or short, curvy or long, if they have more or less chest, because the magic of this type of silhouette is that it suits all types of women, as we demonstrate below.

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A few days ago, María Pombo announced that she was pregnant, although no one would say so, judging by the imperceptible tummy that she wore during her first summer pose. She has been her in Madrid, during a day at the pool with family and friends, in which she has released one of the bikinis that she is giving the most talk about on social networks. It is a sky blue two-piece with white polka dots from the firm Calzedonia, which is for sale on its website for 30 euros. Its 'balconette' neckline favors it, as it is one of the most practical and comfortable options for women with a large chest. Its cups place the bust and provide great support. In addition, there are some tricks to take into account for those who use the largest bra sizes: they have to make sure that the back band holds well, the straps can be wider and not be placed on the sides, also, if the penda is made with non-elastic fabrics, the support will be even greater.

And here is another graphic example of how the same bikini model favors two different types of silhouettes. Paula Echeverría has also fallen for the charm of polka dots and has been one of the first to wear this star model from Calzedonia. In the purest Brigitte Bardot style in Saint Tropez, she has combined it with a masculine white shirt and 'retro' style glasses like the ones the actress wore.

From the capital we traveled to Marbella with Lucía Rivera, who is there spending a few days on vacation. An expert in dealing with summer poses, the young model has shared with her followers the different models she has carried in her suitcase, although the one that has received the most applause from her legion of fans has been the white 'balconette' from Women's Secret (16 euros), which is tied between the cups with a loop. As we can see, they also favor girls with little chest, since the straps can be adjusted in such a way that they raise the bust and produce the 'effect of one more size'. In her case, she has combined it with matching panties with ties on the sides.

Also in Andalusia is the Sevillian model Rocío Crusset. “This summer will be especially different. I will take advantage of staying in the south, because I can never enjoy it as I would like. I will be able to disconnect and enjoy at home, something that, for me, is a luxury. This reflection is accompanied by a pose on the coast, with a light open shirt and a flattering white bikini that contrasts with her brown skin. In her case, it is also 'balconette', and is updated with a small 'v' opening between the cups.

From the south, we cross the peninsula to Galicia, where the designer Blanca Rodríguez, from Bleis Madrid, has spent a few days with her partner, the actor Álex González. Showing off a smile and abs, the woman from Madrid has shown off her discreet elegance when it comes to dressing in a simple white jacquard 'balconette' bikini, which can be found right now at Oysho for 32.98 euros a set. It has an adjustable back closure and adjustable straps, so it adapts to each type of silhouette and manages to naturally enhance the chest without being exaggerated.

The 'influencer' Álex Rivière is spending a few days on the Côte d'Azur with his partner, Christian Sieber. At her stop in Saint Tropez, the Catalan could not choose a more appropriate bikini, merging with the essence that Brigitte Bardot left behind forever thanks to a design with a balconette neckline and retro-style culotte panties. This is the set named 'Cannes', from the capsule collection that he designed last year for the firm All That She Loves.

And from the Mediterranean, we move on to the crystal clear waters of some paradisiacal place in which Devon Windsor is located. The model and Victoria's Secret angel launched her own swimwear collection three days ago under her namesake brand. On this occasion, it has been inspired by the divas of the golden age of Hollywood, among which is the iconic Brigitte Bardot, so references to their favorite bikinis could not be missing in the new collection. This is the 'Everly' model, a textured top with a 'balconette' neckline and wide straps in old gold, which is also available in three other colors and patterns and has even been incorporated into one-piece swimsuits .