Memorial Day Weekend officially kicks off summer, but the season starts to sizzle thanks to Miami Swim Week® The Shows. Known as the world’s largest Swim Festival, this year’s lineup did not disappoint with more than 100 national and international designers showcasing their brands in the heart of Miami Beach. Although we can’t cover the details of every single fashion show, here are the top resort and swimwear trends that emerged from this year’s runways. We saw lots of pastels, iridescent and shimmer fabrics, animal print, high-waisted bottoms, embellishments and cut-outs that sometimes left very little to the imagination.
Ema Savahl Couture’s fairy-inspired and survival-themed collection was fierce with the fabrication of each piece taking centerstage. Using torn, twisted and ruched fabrics to give the “dripping wet” allusion, I can totally envision, for some reason, that famous “Die Another Day” James Bond scene with Halle Berry surfacing from the ocean wearing any of those looks. Also in pastel hues, the African-made resort and swimwear label Liberty and Justice collection was feminine and wearable.
A great example of using embellishments to dazzle was on the Carukia Swim runway show. Their one-pieces with cut-outs were extra sparkly under the bright stage lights. Olivia London Swimwear also made beautiful use of special accents such as shells, rhinestones and beads. After all, swimwear is not always about practicality.
Iridescent and shimmery fabrics were recurring throughout the week. Kita May Designs opted out of prints with a collection of swimwear in solid-colored shimmering fabrics. Cutouts in various designs were very prevalent. Beach Club was all about the iridescent micro bikinis, making me personally want to hit that boxing class a little more often. Haitian Doll by Jo Bella was vibrant with iridescent purples, pinks, and greens. On the other end of the color spectrum, Mars the Label featured rich browns, nudes, and pops of color, interweaving modern metallic materials. Moda Minx was also all about cut-out iridescent swimsuit pieces.
Venus showed a retro-inspired collection with color and prints. Speaking of prints, animal patterns are not going anywhere. Elle® Resort Wear Collection, Lascana and Amarotto Swimwear were just a few of the brands to take a walk on the wild side.
Cover ups are just as important as the actual swimsuit and Leslie Amon had some super cool crocheted cover ups, perfect to transition from the beach to dinner and then to the club at any international jet-setting summer destination. To complete each finished look, models strutted down the runway with well-paired footwear by Arezzo, the official shoe sponsor of swim week. The Brazilian brand’s presence was seen both on and off the runway highlighting its Spring/Summer campaign with Gisele Bündchen.
Miami Swim Week® The Shows’ 10th year did not disappoint. The showcased brands are making resort and swimwear elevated, imaginative, sustainably-driven and encouraging us to think beyond the traditional swimsuit. Go for it and make a splash this summer!
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