The Miami Swim Week 2019

The Miami Swim Week 2019

Story by Patricia – IG: @thegalwithtwonames

There is Fashion, there is Swimwear, there is Miami.

And then there’s Miami Swim Week, the most thrilling week of the year. Some call it chaotic – Maybe! It’s a non-stop week of Fashion Shows, trade shows, pop-ups, exhibitions, castings and bikini contests all over Miami Beach. All day long; every single day.

Some of the fashion shows are exclusive to press and celebrities only; however, and thankfully, more and more events are being open to the public. Fashion is culture, and it’s for everyone. Before we get into the fashion designers and trends, let me tell you about this full experience called Miami Swim Week.

CHIC team had the pleasure of meeting a lot of established and emerging designers during the SwimShow (link to article), a swim and resort wear trade show happening at the Miami Beach Convention Center. During that time, right next door, another swimwear trade show was taking place – Cabana. Paraiso Fashion Fair (at Collins Park) it’s a very exclusive and invitation only fashion show.

This year they partnered with the renowned e-commerce platform IPSY and
provided a free and open to the public event, in addition to their fashion shows. At
“DESTINATION:IPSY” vendors from the beauty and wellness industries promoted
and offered samples of the new upcoming products, beauty treatments and
consultations.

Also, at Paraiso, it took place the contest “UpCycle Challenge” – a national contest for young designers with the goal to raise awareness on sustainability by upcycling deadstock fabrics from swimwear brands. The winners had the opportunity to present their collections on the runway.

Then there’s Art Hearts Fashion (see photo Gallery), perhaps the largest event during Miami Swim Week. During 5 days, at Faena Forum, more than 30 designers presented their Spring/Summer 2020 Collections. What makes this event even better? It’s open to the public! Art Hearts Fashion is the go-to event to spot the best Swimwear designers in the US and emerging International Designers.

The Colombian designer Liliana Montoya opened the show and brought back the Baywatch looks from the late 80s. The high leg style with the cinching belt accentuates perfectly the women’s bodies. The color palette was simple – white, black and golden tones – with sharp silhouettes and a sexy touch.

Asherah Swim (at Art Hearts Fashion)

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We can note the highlights of the fashion shows: Vanity Couture brings to the runway a black swimsuit covered in crystals; Joseph and Alexander sustainable fashion and the fringe bikini with tribal looks seen at Asherah.

The Fringe Trend, as seen also in Ready-to-Wear collections

Asherah Swim (at Art Hearts Fashion)

Vanity Couture

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Animal Prints and African Vibes – Luxe Isle (at Art Hearts Fashion)

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At Waikiki Swim the lines were simple but with whimsical details, such as ruffles, neon colors and velvet fabrics. Luxe Isle brought a collection full of powerful animal prints, very elaborate cover ups and shiny disco boots for a 70s glamour with your bikini. Fernando Alberto Atelier, a Miami favorite, had maybe the best collection of the week: lots of yellow, red and palm tree prints; bold accessories incorporated in the designs, and of course, the signature capes with sheer fabrics.

We also had the pleasure to welcome to Miami the legendary Black Tape Project, by Joel Alvarez, whose swimwear tape may be risqué for the beach, but a must for nightclubs and festivals. You can actually buy the tape on his website and create your own style. Alvarez is certainly a pioneer!

The trends for Swimwear Spring-Summer 2020 have been set by WGSN (World Global Style Network) and many of those were seen in the runways during Miami Swim Week. Retro Floral and 70s style are a must lots of animal prints and Queen of Africa inspiration, strong graphics with geometric designs and last, but not the least, the mixed tropical prints to make pattern clashing a top trend.