The essence of Rio de Janeiro's beautiful beaches invaded the city's port region Thursday, as Brazilian fashion designers presented their 2011 Summer/Spring collections during the first day of Fashion Rio.

Nica Kessler's 2010 - 2011 summer collection

Sexy bikinis and bathing suit beauties were among the highlights, as designer Jacqueline De Biase looked to the northeastern state of Bahia and the Caribbean island of Cuba for inspiration.

Designer Jaqueline de Biase said, "The collection is inspired in Bahia and Cuba and expresses the similarities between these two cultures, which have a strong African and Latin influence. They are both very similar. The collection is full of a mix of prints, which plays off the common references shared by both of these places."

Nica Kessler's 1930's inspired collection combined denim and pastels in mini skirts and patterned dresses, reminiscent of Miami Beach's art-deco architecture.

Kessler's high fashion was full of even higher hemlines, that even had the models pulling down the skirts.

Fashion Rio 2011 Summer/Spring show runs until June 1st.