TRAVELLING THE LINDA LUNDSTROM WAY

Story by Pamela A. Campbell

Linda Lundstrom is the answer to every woman traveller's dream. The 47-year-old Canadian's four annual collections include clothing designs that I find very travel friendly, versatile and elegant.

Planning a vacation can be fun, although packing seldom is, but after spending some time with Lundstrom, the task appears relatively simple. The award-winning designer is just as innovative as she is talented. Last year her three Toronto area boutiques (the only stores I'm aware of) introduced stress-free packing to vacationers who want to travel lightly. Sales consultants are trained to assemble multiple outfits from matching co-ordinates in the Sun Goddess Gear collection that would fit in regulation-sized American Tourister carry-on bags, on sale in-store. (The idea is to avoid those time-consuming lineups at the baggage carousel).

"Drop by the store in your area that carries this line and ask for a "pack-one-bag demo," says Lundstrom. "If you're really feeling adventurous, you can even drop by on the way to the airport with your credit card and ask the retailer to pack your purchases for you."

Lundstrom packs at least four bathing suits, which double as bodysuits (and eliminates wearing underwear), but recommends a flesh colored bra and underwear for other outfits. "If it's properly fitting swimwear I would wear that as a bodysuit in the evening," she says. "Even if I'm going shopping or sightseeing I just pull on a pair of shorts with the bathing suit and throw a shirt on over it."

Color co-ordinating separates, cover-ups or pareos team up to create an attractive outfit just by adding some matching accessories, says the businesswoman, wife and mother. It's wise to carry only costume jewelry, which she tucks into every little nook and cranny of her bathing suits as a space-saver. A smart suggestion would be to include a sweater for cool evenings and a wide-brimmed (preferable crushable) hat for sunny days.

As a frequent traveller to warmer climates, I eagerly anticipate the latest Sun Goddess Gear and this year's are destined to be a big winner. (We're the first to feature her *1999 creations).

Lundstrom's introduction of the "curvaceous cut" bathing suit is a wonderful concept in the world of women's swimwear. Designed to fit and flatter, the leg is cut to follow the natural shape of a woman's leg, not too high or too low. A Y-shaped crotch takes care of the dreaded 'creep-free' zone in the derriere and an extra panel is added for comfort when seated.

Designed in Ocean Pearl Velvet, Big Bang Velvet (polyester and spandex) and Liquid Metal (iridescent polyester and elasthan), this season's new and exciting colors include lilac, bluebell, turquoise sea, sage, teal and earth-fire and sky-water.

Imagine the caress of a warm island breeze, the surf caressing the shores and sand between your toes - an ecstatically romantic setting for a woman in love, about to share her life with her beloved. Tempting? You'll adore the new Island Bride selections in voile or crushed velvet, featuring beautiful bridal dresses and matching floral crowns, with outfits for the entire wedding party.

The Sun Goddess Gear collection extends to evening wear that can be a head-turner at the millenium bash, the holiday party or a night out on the town (in any city). How about coupling a vibrant magenta or muted sage jersey with handspray georgette to complete an impressive ensemble, or making a statement with an ocean pearl velvet dress in one of six elegant colors?

Lundstrom's personal experiences extend into her successful operations, now occupying 60,000 square-foot premises in Toronto with 150 employees working to supply her local stores and 500 selected boutiques across North America.

A strong advocate for protection against melanoma since her relatives were affected, Lundstrom uses a sun-protective, sheer voile fabric that blocks out 80 per cent UVA, UVB and UVC rays, yet the clothing appears cool, airy and feminine.

The Sun Goddess Gear collection also offers mastectomy swimwear designed to accommodate a prosthesis in modern, colorful styles.

"I believe a woman can look like a goddess while protecting herself from the sun - that's what the Sun Goddess Gear collection is really all about," the tall and elegant designer says. "It's clothing for the soul."