If you're looking for an itsy-bitsy bikini that's going to be just a little bit different from all the others on the beach; or you fancy a one-piece that has glam-appeal with extra attitude, I suggest that you check out a new swimwear label. Key Leaf. The prints may be inspired by nature — leaves, the sun, the sea and shore for instance — but added to that is a vibrancy and quirkiness that lifts them out of the safe and ordinary. Think tropical island life — Antigua, St Barthes, St Lucia and you have the picture.

The collection is the work of London-based Colombian-Italian sisters Adriana and Claudia Chaparro Pignalosa, who besides hailing from a fashion family in Bogota, share a working background in fthe industry. Ex Central St Martins School of Design, Claudia has worked for Louis Vuitton and Alexander McQueen, while Adriana studied accessories and shoe design at Cordwainers College, before joining forces.

For Key Leaf  they introduce a new collection each year which comprises prints that have been created from never-to-be-repeated, hand-painted designs. Which means that the swimsuits, bikinis and diaphanous silk tops that are cut from the fabrics are one-offs — the chances of you bumping into another somewhere are extremely remote! And just to underscore this personal touch, each piece in the range has been inspired by a friend, created with them in mind, tailored to their personality and body shape and named after them.

Whether you want to expose as much flesh as possible or you prefer to go for the sleek lines of a strapless one-piece, Key Leaf will have a style to suit. I love the 70s style halter neck bikini with a ring at the centre of the bra, but for minimal tan lines there's the bandeau style bikini with bottoms to match that are open at the sides — to reveal a little bit of bare hip! All the swimwear pieces are made from the best quality Italian, pre-treated high tech fabrics (so they're not going to wither away in the sun, sea and swimming pool)

And when the time comes to cover up, the girls have created soft floaty tops (they call them blusons, but I would describe them as short, throw-over tunics or caftans) in silk, which is cool to wear in the heat, reasonably wrinkle-resistant — so great for travel — and extremely pretty.

The swimwear collection retails from £96; the silk tops from £116 and are available from www.key-leaf.com as well as by mail order: 07810 318107 and Augustina, London SW1 (020 7823 1188)