YES, YOU CAN WEAR A CELEB SWIMSUIT

Think the stars’ designs would never flatter a mere mortal? Our size 14 model dives in

THIS photograph of model Helena Christensen by a rock-bound pool in a plunging one-piece from her own swimwear range may well have given you both holiday and swimsuit envy.

For many of us, exotic trips abroad are out of reach this year — but at least you can buy a bathing suit fit for an A-list vacation. Many celebrities, such as actresses Liz Hurley, 55, and Kate Hudson, 41, and Victoria’s Secret model Candice Swanepoel, 31, have launched their own swimwear ranges.

Perhaps they are aware that we ordinary mortals, who spend far less time on the beach than they do, find picking a suit that not only fits but flatters nearly impossible.

But can a ‘civilian’ really pull off a celebrity beach look? Or do the stars design their swimwear without giving a thought to the curves and bumps we tend to worry about?

Helena’s line, with designer Camilla Staerk, contains the sort of sexy costumes most women her age would leave firmly on the hanger. And that’s before you look at the eye-watering price tags of up to €450.

But perhaps there’s more to each suit — in terms of clever cuts and hidden support — than meets the eye.

She may be a supermodel, but at 51 surely Helena has learned a bit about what looks good on a woman’s body.

We asked model Jess Greaves to take the plunge and try the starry swimsuits out. Jess, 26, is a size 14 with a 36DD bust. So, would she say they have enough stretch to cover her modesty and sufficient structure to keep everything in place?