The LYCRA Company will return as an official partner of MarediModa 2026, taking place in Cannes, France, from 27 to 29 October. The trade show brings together European suppliers and industry professionals working across beachwear, lingerie and athleisure fabrics and accessories.
This year, the company will mark 80 years since the bikini was introduced with “Designed to move. Built to last.” Developed in collaboration with high-performance fabric manufacturers Carvico and Jersey Lomellina, the initiative explores how textile innovation has influenced swimwear design and performance over the decades.
Eight decades of beachwear evolution
The exhibition traces the bikini’s evolution from the 1960s to the present through a collection of swimwear designs reflecting changing silhouettes, aesthetics and cultural influences. The garments use innovative fabrics from Carvico and Jersey Lomellina enhanced with LYCRA XTRA LIFE fibre.
The technology addresses a key challenge for swimwear manufacturers: maintaining stretch, fit and shape despite repeated exposure to chlorine, sunscreen, perspiration, heat and ultraviolet radiation. According to The LYCRA Company, swimwear made with LYCRA XTRA LIFE fibre can last up to ten times longer than garments made with unprotected elastane.
For brands and fabric developers, improved swimwear durability can help products retain their intended fit and performance for longer, supporting garment longevity without sacrificing comfort or design flexibility. Actual results depend on fabric construction, garment design, care and conditions of use.
Fashion, art and textile technology
The project combines material innovation with visual storytelling. Italian artist Ileana Lucia Ferri has created illustrations capturing the distinctive styles and design influences of different eras, highlighting the relationship between fashion, materials and changing consumer needs.
An event scheduled for 6 p.m. on 27 October will bring together live music spanning eight decades and interactive LED projections depicting the bikini’s development. The programme will take place alongside the exhibition at the LYCRA Brand Lounge and the Carvico and Jersey Lomellina stand.
“Celebrating 80 years of the bikini at MarediModa together with excellent partners such as Carvico and Jersey Lomellina is an extraordinary opportunity to reaffirm our vision of the future of beachwear,” says Arnaud Ruffin, Vice President Brands & Retail Business at The LYCRA Company.
“In an industry that is constantly evolving, we believe durability is one of the most meaningful ways to support more responsible fashion. The proven performance of LYCRA XTRA LIFE fibre allows us to offer swimwear solutions designed to last longer.”
