Paris, London, Berlin, New York: In many of the world's capitals of fashion and design, the late winter months can be a scary, dark, icy time. Before long, lack of sunlight and an overexposure to frosty winds leave lots of us afraid to venture forth from the safety of heated interiors or downy overcoats. What better time to escape on a tropical vacation? And what better time for designers to premiere whimsical looks that make us think of sunny days, sandy beaches, and cocktail parties under the stars? That's the logic behind the flirty dresses and airy pantsuits of the resort or cruise collections released by the fashion industry's major houses each winter, which come out before official spring collections even hit runways. Some of our favorite collections of 2010 include Stella McCartney and Acne, whose perfect balance of playfulness and sophistication totally inspired us, and this year it looks like the lead designers at MINI have taken a cue from the world of haute couture too.

Take a look at the newest MINI concept car, the MINI Beachcomber concept, to see what we mean. Like resortwear, it's about slipping into something that makes you feel free, uninhibited, and in harmony with your natural surroundings. While a removable soft roof and lighweight door make it versatile in all kinds of weather and conditions, it has a breezy, open design that was created with beach-cruising in mind. Time to dust off your surfboards and sandals, kids, we're going to the beach. The MINI Beachcomber can be seen right now at the the North American International Auto Show (16-24 January 2010) in Detroit.

                 

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