By:  Mary Jo Almeida-Shore and Maryanne Salvat

“Swim Week is Here!” -four words every fan of fashion, fun, and “fabulosity” long to hear every summer. Thanks to Presenting Sponsor, Mercedes-Benz, thousands now flock to Miami in July, at the time of year when temperatures can be likened to those of the center of the earth; and locals feel palpable excitement, rather than a desperate longing to flee. This year’s shows were hotter than ever- so we’ve decided to highlight our favorites in two different editions of the Fix. Be sure to check back next week for more sizzling Swim Week stories and celebrity sightings.

Diesel

Edgy jeans designer Diesel, kicked-off Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim 2012 (MBFWS) in style on Thursday night, despite sweltering heat, with a show that represented all things South Beach- from adorable prints such as palm trees to solid styles comprised of pastels, with lots of blue on the color palate in addition to bright orange on the chiseled Hulk-like male models, who were among the most striking we have seen at any show during MFWS. The suits were practical and seemed comfortable but the biggest wow factor came from actresses Jessica Szohr and Kristin Cavallari who closed the show.

Cavallari wore the world’s first glass bikini- what appeared to be ruffles were actually glass shards- one of four suits designed by Diesel and inspired by SKYY® Vodka’s cobalt blue glass bottle. Following the runway show, Cavallari and SKYY co-hosted the very hot- (literally) official kick-off party presented by SKYY Vodka on The Raleigh pool deck.

Raising the mercury even further was the gorgeous Gossip Girl star, Jessica Szohr- who spun old school tunes alongside Miami favorite DJ Mark Leventhal.

Spotted in the front row were local celebs/personalities: Marysol Patton, Tara Solomon, Ingrid Casares and Chad Ochocinco. Notables at the party included Vice Mayor, Michael Gongora, DJ Johnny The Boy, Marysol Patton and Ingrid Casares- who sat at the Raleigh’s signature restaurant, the Royal.

Chloe

The exclusive crowd gathered at the Setai for the Chloe fall show enjoyed tunes by Johnny the Boy and the some of the most stylish looks of all of the weekend’s shows. The setting was serene and sophisticated- reminiscent of the shows at Lincoln Center earlier this year.

“The fall season’s silhouette evokes the style and natural authority of the uniform-wearing women. Straight coats with a perfect hang, calf length skirts with inverted pleats and dresses in textured crepe brightened up by jeweled details, make up the wardrobe of this Chloé woman. She is a character full of self-confidence with a passion for comfortable luxury, a nomad with a spirit of adventure and a collector of unique pieces.”

Silk dominated the runway, long flowing, pleated skirts paired with camel knee-length boots and gold flats with small clutches- in colors ranging from canary, to brown, to black, with a some beige and taupe mixed in. Feminine floor-length skirts and dresses were accompanied by show-stopping mohair jackets to match. High waisted, long pants were also prevalent. Tiny gold belts and clutches added flair to the navy, back-less pantsuits. The models’ hair was styled either with long, loose curls or low buns and neutral, nude make-up. VIP area- seen there: Julianne Hough from Dancing with the Stars and Ryan Seacrest- host of American Idol. Also in the VIP area were Nick D’Annunzio, Tara Solomon, (TARA, Ink. Principals), Gary and Dana Shear, (socialites) and Michael Gongora, Vice Mayor.

Cia.Maritima

The inspiration for the Cia.Maritima show came from the French Rivera and its timeless elegance and sensuality. Reminiscent of the 1970’s, the collection embodies the decade’s most fashionable free spirits – Jane Birkin, Francoise Hardy and Anita Pallenberg, who summered in Capri and Saint Tropez with its boho-chic array of styles in digital prints, which this season reflect the flora and fauna of the Riviera.

The Brazilian swimwear line presented a multitude of looks as Van Halen music blared from the speakers while stoic models (think Rock Star groupie meets Femme Fatale) strutted the runway in suits that combined different prints together in the same piece, such as the leopard pattern with flower or paisley prints. The suits and accompanying tiny printed silk, short sleeved shrugs were predominantly in animal prints and pink, purple, yellow/orange tones and featured differentiated bandeaux and triangle tops, low-rise bottoms and various monokini styles.

While “Right Now” played, the models showed off looks that are very “right now”- cover-ups and accompanying beach bags were embellished with long gold tassels, fringes, chain links, gold studs and crochet applications. One even wore bronze sequined leopard print cut-off shorts. “Janie’s Crying” and “Girl You Really Got Me” got the crowd singing along and dancing in their seats. Models looked like they had just come from a day at the beach, with natural, free flowing hair, parted down the middle with the occasional tiny braid mixed in. The tan braided sandals got lots of attention with their high chunky gold heels, and neon accents. The energy in the room from the great music and broad range of eclectic looks and beautiful jewelry made up for the lack of star power.

ABEST AND ABIT at the Webster

The Brazilian Association of Fashion Designers (ABEST) and the Brazilian Textile and Apparel Industry Association (ABIT) brought the latest looks from Brazil’s beaches to the Webster. Featured top Brazilian designers included: Despi, 2 Rios, Areiabranca, Lenny, Mar Rio, ANK Swimwear, Guria Beachwear, Sauipe Swimwear, Lemons & Limes Kids Swimwear, Isa Aiosa Swimwear, Sombra e Agua Fresca, Desiree Nercessian, Lanno, Feriado Nacional, Agua de Coco, Cecilia Prado, Cia Maritima, Clube Bossa, Jo de Mer, Marcelo Quadros, Osklen, Poko Pano, Salinas, and ViX.

Set on the 3rd floor of Miami’s most fashionable boutique, The Webster, the event featured a lively and lovely presentation of pieces from the 24 collections of Brazilian designers. The looks were presented on mannequins that outlined the perimeter of the space affording guests the opportunity to peruse the fashion while enjoying Cuca Fresca Cachaça cocktails and Perrier. Party Pros spun House Music in conjunction with a live bongo drummer which set the mood with high energy Brazilian beats, while guests mingled and got a chance to speak with the designers about their inspiration and their collections.

Guests took the party to the next level- heading to the Webster’s rooftop bar to enjoy the view and summer night air. Attendees included: Afonso Sugiyama, President of Havaianas; Real Housewife of Miami, Adriana de Moura, with fiancé, Frederic Marq; Co-founder of the Webster, Laure Heriard Dubreuil(CEO and founding partner of The Webster) with her

boyfriend, artist Aaron Young; Webster publicist, John Lin; Valdemar Iodice, designer and owner of Iodice and ABEST president Camila Ckless, alongside managing partner of Guria Beachwear and Marcelo Quadros, Designer of Marcel Quadros; socialites, Daniella Sredni, Jordana Mesner; and Lolo Sudarsky. 

Designers Lourdes Hanimian and Augusto Hanimian

Luli Fama