By: Dr. Mary Jo Almeida-Shore
Heavenly bodies graced the runways in South Beach for Swim Week Miami, the largest platform for the swim wear industry in the United States, during the second week of July. 2016. From the tents at FUNKSHION between 21st and 22 streets in Miami Beach to SWIM MIAMI at the W Hotel, to shows at the Setai and newcomer, Faena Miami Beach, next season’s hottest styles were presented with flair, despite the typical summer storms we’ve come to expect this time of year. Here are a few of our favorites.
CAMILLA
Set against the backdrop of a stunning suite at Faena, surrounded by sweeping ocean views, Australian designer Camilla Franks created the CAMILLA Beach House, where she hosted a private cocktail on Saturday, July 16th. The exclusive event was part of the CAMILLA U.S. tour to launch her African inspired print collection titled: Jambo, Jambo! – “inspired by the soul, energy and love of Africa.”
The gorgeous suite was a feast for the eyes- accentuated by Moroccan rugs, lanterns, exotic plants, CAMILLA cushions, candles and surfboards, and sea shell sculptures, that perfectly complimented the ornate designs of the clothes.
Guests were on sensory overload as they enjoyed a Mediterranean feast, cocktails, music by CAMILLA’s personal Tribal playlists, healing rituals performed by FAENA’s own resident Shaman, GLAMSQUAD hair and makeup touch ups, as they perused the Fall 2016 collection and Resort 2017, from which they were able to purchase the current collection pieces.
Franks’ vision is “to awaken the adventurous heart that resides within all of us (no matter who you are), because she believes that everyone has a right to experience freedom and feel joy.” Each piece is luxurious with vibrant colour, digital print, bohemian detailing and intricate craftsmanship. CAMILLA’s intricate designs, in a multitude of styles, colors, patterns and embellishments are welcome additions to any wardrobe.
Luli Fama
On the evening of Saturday, July 16th, leading swimwear brand, Luli Fama, debuted its 2017 swimwear collection with a snow titled “Wild Heart.” The show began with a theatrical performance in which dancers took to the runway clad in futuristic costumes. An extensive runway show followed, featuring numerous bright prints, with shades of blue as the dominant color palette. As in many of the other shows this season, several activewear combinations were showcased alongside the swimsuits.
Luli Fama’s co-founders and designers, Luli Hanimian and Augusto Hanimian, were inspired by the freedom of expression for the “Wild Heart” collection, which can be described as wild, free, and luxurious.
“We incorporated the concept of living ‘wild and free’ in this collection’s designs and prints. Wild, colorful tie-dyes give life to a boundless variety of colors. Through imaginative color combinations, vibrant prints, and luxurious embellishments, we aim to dare the imagination,” shared Hanimian.
Present throughout the collection is a range of interchangeable and reversible swim and resort pieces, engineered to create infinite combinations that reflect individuality and personal expression.
The collection includes creative Macramé and hand-crocheting techniques as well as rich colors such as teal, coral, pastel yellow, red, aqua, and earth tones to complement elaborate patterns and striking embellishments.
Indah
More than a thousand guests gathered to preview Indah’s Casa Indah collection on Saturday July 16th at the W Hotel. The excited crowd included television personalities, Brody Jenner and Nene Leakes, who marveled at Indah’s characteristic sexy, bohemian looks, replete with new, playful color patterns and prints. This year, designers Libby DeSantis and Janelle Gauthier hand-picked models who captured the essence of the “Indah girl: carefree, sexy and confident.” In addition to creating fabulous styles, Indah donated ten percent of all sponsorship dollars to Haleleakeiki.org, an organization that motivates and inspires the children of Kauai to live an active, health and drug-free life.
Indah’s sultry swimwear was complimented by My Beachy Sides’ BoHo chic barefoot sandals including the edgy Gladiator and Double Gladiator styles. My Beachy Side’s unique hand knit designs are ornate alternatives to traditional footwear, perfectly accentuating the swimwear for a more complete look.
Frankie’s Bikinis
Designer Francesca Aiello set out to “pump up the volume and have fun” during this season’s runway show. Needless to say, Aiello delivered in spades! Inspired by the psychedelic 60s – the styles reflect the era of social, musical, and artistic change, designed to make women feel beautiful and empowered.
The collection features favorite Frankies Bikinis styles and five new silhouettes. Think: flirty bardot necklines, ultra feminine lace-up detailing, and signature boho-chic crochet accents. The color palette includes lots of black, (in solids and in black and white prints), burgundy and gray. The suits are sexy yet functional and the collection includes a wide variety of styles for all body types.
Issa de’ mar 
Issa de’ mar debuted its Bodies of Water collection to hundreds of guests at SWIM MIAMI, with a collection that features new colors and prints throughout the classic pieces, new swim styles and, for the first time, athleisure.
Designers Melissa Jasniy and Marissa Eveland are avid surfers based in San Diego, CA and Hawaii respectively.
“The Bodies of Water collection was inspired by water women everywhere in all bodies of water,” Jasniy said. “We’ve been inspired by so many women we’ve met over the years surfing, sailing, diving, who don’t just wear swimwear – they live in it. This collection is for them. It’s for the girl that does it all & looks good doing it.”
The athleisure consists of surf leggings and cross back tops that can be worn in our out of water. Also included are ready to wear pieces with new prints and cuts – maxi dresses, mini dresses, shorts and sheer tops. Fans of the brand will be glad to know that the best-selling Hina top now comes in brand new colors, and new aquatic prints are featured on Issa de’ mar’s popular one piece suits, namely the Makena surf suit.
Maaji
VIPs such as Daniela Botero, Jasmine Tosh, Helen Owen, Natasha Oakley, Devin Brugman, Halley Elefante, Jill Wallace, Kelsey White and many others braved a torrential rain storm for Maaji’s late, late show on Sunday, July 17th, an unofficial closing to Swim Week. Yet despite the fierce weather conditions, and the fatigue that often accompanies long days of fashion shows and parties, Maaji’s guests were nothing short of delighted. The show introduced Maaji’s 1970s inspired collection with a tropical themed, dreamy weekend getaway vibe, complete with fun props including boom boxes, funky floats, and surfboards to name a few. The models all looked like they were having a great time- in keeping with the whimsical fun the brand represents.
Swimsuit styles include silhouettes with floral geometric prints and patterns enhanced by a sun drenched color palette “bringing real MAAJ-ic to South Beach.” Signature cross backs, high necks and cut out one pieces embrace sea motifs and 70s sport rib trim mixed with crochet and textured jacquards. The versatile dress styles with ruffled or bare shoulders and plunging necklines compliment the swim pieces. Men’s swim trunks include retro-inspired prints while the activewear line features innovative silhouettes along with supple fabrics such as jersey and printed nylon, mesh and a new element of compression. Two-piece multi-functional tops, back detailed bras with intermingling straps, zippered bottoms, 80s inspired leotards and reversible jackets were also introduced.
Lounges
Along with gorgeous tan bodies and beautiful swim wear, the gifting lounges werethe perfect escape from the heat during Swim Week in Miami. This year Teva joined the party with a TEVA Miami Swim Week DIY Bar on Saturday, July 16 at The Standard. Guests were treated to a delicious spread and cocktails while designing their very own must-have sandals.
treats! Magazine also hosted a daytime lounge at Bungalow 252 at the Edition Hotel, as well as GLAMOUR Magazine. Attendees were able to recharge for the evenings events as cocktails and treatments were given.
