There was a glimpse of the beach in Milan, Italy, when the graphic lines and prints of ocean sportswear washed over Consuelo Castiglioni's quirky and cute Marni collection.

Less Esther Williams and more Gidget, the look began with a South Beach palette of aqua, mint green, peach, flamingo pink and sunshine yellow.

Castiglioni's water babies wore two-tone swim caps (could they replace the turban as the chic headgear of the moment?), and sandals nearly as wide and flat as flippers.

Stretchy shorts and tops color-blocked like rash guards were the foundations. On top were wet-look leather miniskirts, and zipper-front, SCUBA-inspired jackets that were either waist-cinching or finished with a frill at the hem. Mesh insets also added athletic appeal.

Mini dresses and tops came in a charming white daisy chain lace, or splashed with psychedelic-colored florals and geometric prints.

By the time the finale dresses rolled out -- sheaths color-blocked with dime-sized paillettes in the graphic style of wetsuits -- I was ready to dive in. 

-- Booth Moore

Photo: Looks from the Marni spring-summer 2011 runway collection being shown during Milan Fashion Week. Credit: Jonas Gustavsson & Peter Stigter / For The Times

Charitybuzz.com, an auction site specializing in philanthropic campaigns, is hosting an auction that includes merchandise and experiences courtesy of some of the fashion industry's most illustrious players.

The auction, which kicked off on Thursday and ends May 6, is a companion event to biggie art auctioneer Christie's "Earth Day -- Green Auction: A Bid to Save the Earth."

The collection of more than 200 items, many of which are "dream" experiences, includes a personal fitting for "his and hers" bespoke suits made of sustainable fabric by eco-friendly designer Stella McCartney; a chance to dine with Vera Wang and a $10,000 credit at her flagship store; two front-row tickets to a Missoni fashion show, plus lunch and a fitting with designer Angela Missoni; and -- perhaps the mother of all fashion offers -- an outfit chosen and styled personally by Giorgio Armani to attend the Vanity Fair Oscar After-Party in 2011.

The auction also includes experiences and merchandise from Nina Ricci, Gucci, Ermenegildo Zegna, Marni, Proenza Schouler, Harry Winston, Irene Neuwirth and Sharon Khazzam.

The funds raised will benefit the campaign’s partners: Oceana, Natural Resources Defense Council, Central Park Conservancy and Conservation International.

-- Emili Vesilind

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Photo: A customized Bottega Veneta handbag, up for auction as part of the Earth Day lot on Charitybuzz.com (estimated value: $20,000). Credit: Charitybuzz.com

 
With store closings spreading like wildfire in Las Vegas, it's nice to hear some good news from Sin City's retail front. Italian designer label Marni has recently opened its first flagship boutique at Crystals, a swanky indoor/outdoor shopping center at the CityCenter.