A bikini encrusted with 5,000 crystals goes on sale in London with a price
tag of 2,000 pounds (2,900 USD), making it the world's most expensive
swimsuit.


BIKINI ATOLL, PACIFIC REUTERS -
It's been more than half a century since the bikini first burst
onto the scene.

This swimsuit, named after the atom bomb test at Bikini atoll in 1946,
has come a long way since its launch and has seen numerous designs and various
colours.

And this summer, as everyone prepares to head to the beach, the latest
and the most expensive version of the bikini will probably hit a sun lounger
at an exclusive seaside resort.

Beach lovers willing to fork out 2,000 pounds (2,900 USD) can get their
hands on the "bling bikini" - a handmade swimsuit encrusted with not
one, not two, but 5,000 Swarovski crystals, making it the world's most
expensive swimsuit.

The bikini, called Anita, went on sale at the Selfridge's department
store in London on Wednesday (April 22) and, despite the global economic
recession, there is already a waiting list of buyers.

"It's beyond a swimming suit. It's also a piece of
jewellery," said Sebastian Manes, director of Lingerie and Swimwear at
Selfridges, the sole distributor of the bikini which costs 100 pounds (145
USD) per centimetre.

But cost-conscious shoppers did not seem that impressed.
"No absolutely not! 2,000 pounds? No I can't believe it...Well, I
can't imagine anyone spending 2,000 pounds on a bikini," gasped Angela
Nicols.

"No. No way. I don't know why not. I wouldn't even dream of
spending 2,000 pounds on a bikini," said 49-year-old Amanda Curry.

Curry's concern was shared by her 21-year-old daughter Isabella.
"I don't think so, probably not, just because, I don't know, it's
a bit sparkly. I don't know. I wouldn't buy it," she said.
There were also concerns about its practicality - or the lack of
it.

"It is very pretty and it's a great thing for the catwalk and for
drumming up interest. But I can't see many people buying it really. It's not
very practical for beach wear. I think you probably actually wouldn't dare
wear it to swimming, and at the end of the day, that's what you're supposed to
buy a swimwear for," said assistant buyer Sarah Proctor.

And what do men think? Well, they are just as concerned about the
cost.

"It's too much. 2,000 pounds, that makes in Swiss francs it's
about 3,800 Swiss francs, you can nearly buy a car," said Swiss tourist
Marcel Buhler.

But Selfridges says it's all about niche marketing and supporting less
well-known designers.

"This is showing that we just, we fall in love with the creator,
the designer, and we just supporting her and we'll showcase the best swimming
suit, and I think we should offer that to our customers," said Manes,
adding that this limited design is limited to three piece.

One has already been sold and two more pieces - the one on display and
another one in a different colour - are expected to be snapped up.