By Charlene Ng

PLAYFUL and sexy swimwear took centrestage during the first few days at the Rio Fashion Week which kicked off on May 30.

Summer collections by renowned beachwear designers Salinas and Blue Man gave crowds something to wow about during the 19th edition of the show in Brazil's Rio de Janeiro.

Salinas, which counts celebrities such as Madonna, Kate Hudson and Gisele Bundchen as its fans, according to Pesca Trend, has seen the refreshing trademark silhouettes it created go down the runway again.

Models flaunted trendy off-shouldered tops baring midriffs, paired with small bikini bottoms which created a subtle, yet sexy look.

Bright colours also dominated the runway this year, particularly for Blue Man's collections, whose notable designs in the past includes its denim bikini, says the Brazilian Bikini Blog.

The runway show is also not short of its diversity - Brazilian transvestite model Lea T, who previously walked for French fashion house Givenchy, was seen looking hot in Blue Man's sexy snakeskin bikini piece.