'50 Shades of Grey' credited with return of bondage-inspired swimsuits

New York, July 2 (ANI): While modest ladies would normally rejoice at news that little string bikinis are out and the tank suit is making a comeback - these are more cut-out than cut-in.

Bondage bathing suits, like the 590-dollar Agent Provocateur "braided one-piece," do their best to barely cover your rear.

"There's a resurgence in popularity of the one-piece, which is not to say it's more conservative than the bikini," the New York Post quoted Fashionista.com editor Leah Chernikoff as saying.

Gold rings and ropes strapped around the pelvis look like they were inspired by the S and M novel '50 Shades of Grey' and are sure to leave wearers with artistic tan lines.

"There was a trend in bondage fashion before ' 50 Shades of Grey,' but it's becoming even more prevalent because of the book," Chernikoff said.

Even professional athletes who spend their days in Speedos are getting into the craze.

Last week, Australian swimmer and three-time Olympic gold medalist Stephanie Rice, 24, posted on Twitter a risque shot of her wearing a bondage-inspired two-piece from Veve Swimwear.

"Women are looking to have more fashion sense and make a fashion statement with their swimwear," Allison Davis, a fashion publicist with Alison Brod PR, said.

"The beach has become a runway of high-fashion neoprene and spandex. People are looking for a suit that's not necessarily for swimming but more for showing fashion sense while laying out," Davis said.

The trend started last year on the runways of haute-couture designers like Versace and Jean Paul Gaultier and has finally trickled down to the almost-naked masses.

The master of the bandage dress, designer Herve Leger, even turned his popular cocktail-outfit concept into a skimpy suit. The poolside version uses less than half the material of the tight dress - but costs more at 1,155 dollars. (ANI)