MIAMI BEACH, Fla. –Old glamour is back in a big way, or at least that’s the indication from this year’s swimwear fashion shows.

Hot pink proved to be the hottest hue, furthering an already popular ready-to-wear look. It was all over the runways at the Raleigh Hotel in South Beach, as were bathing suits adorned with jewelry and hardware—including some designs by Buffalo native Mara Hoffman.

There was a lot of transparent material, creating seductive illusions to tempt the crowd of retailers, editors and stylists previewing 2010 trends. As for shape: It was all about the bandeau and the monokini (attached bikini) or cutout one-pieces.

The shows, which ended Sunday night, displayed many high-waisted and ruffled looks. Many bathing suits were sexy in a feminine way –not overtly flashing a lot of skin.

Coverups and beach dresses also played an important role in many collections, and the legend of Gianni Versace still loomed large in his adopted hometown.

Gretta Monahan, a stylist and co-host of Bravo’s “Tim Gunn’s Guide to Style,” was in town to host the Xtra Life Lycra show.

“I think sexy will be reinvented for 2010,” she said. Women will see “that they can wear a lot more, but still look sexy.”

Buffalo-born debut

Buffalo-born designer Hoffman’s first runway show for swimwear was dominated by neon pink, turquoise and silver, although at times it looked like she used the whole rainbow. There were scarab and feather prints.

Some models wore long beaded necklaces that were attached in the front and back and went over the bathing suits, giving them a funky, hippie look.

A black two-piece was topped with a netlike coverup that Hoffman said resembled a hammock. There was also a one-piece with a digital print of the galaxy and a long gown with the same print. A black one-piece was adorned with multicolored fringe hanging from the neckline. A multicolored- feather print was made into a jumpsuit, with beading at the bustline.

Hoffman said her inspiration was a “vision quest in the desert . . . a spiritual journey into the desert.”

There was a long, aqua caftan with red and black zigzags around the edges. A silver bikini was paired with a silver braided headband. Some models wore turbans.

“We always go in an ethnic direction,” the designer explained.

Dina Manzo of the “Real Housewives of New Jersey,” said she loved the show and the colors: “I would wear most of it.”

True Religion

Best known for its jeans, it’s no surprise that denim figured into True Religion’s “swim” show.

But animal prints, including zebras and leopards, as well as tie-dyes also got their due.

Some swimsuits were studded, while others shimmered. There was a zebra-print (over a subtle tie-dye) gray bikini paired with white jean shorts. Also, a black bikini was embellished with two bands of studs on the bottoms. Another bikini’s top looked like a jean vest; it was paired with red and white plaid bottoms.

Ed Hardy

The Ed Hardy show was pure rock ’n’ roll, and to prove it the models walked down the runway with teased and braided hair — a cross between Gwen Stefani and Lady GaGa.

One suit had a floral print on a turquoise background with three pink straps with gold studs. A black bikini had a white skull and red hearts. Of course, there was a lot of hot pink, studs and shimmering embellishments, too.

Strategically placed tigers also spiced up the suits.