Adriana Hubbard, Isabel Fontoura, Christiano Braga, & Priscilla Caiad

By: Mary Jo Almeida-Shore

With all eyes on Brazil this summer – it came as no surprise that one of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim’s most exclusive events was all about Brazilian designers. On the evening of Friday, July 18, the Brazilian Association of Fashion Designers (ABEST), the Brazilian Textile and Apparel Industry Association (ABIT), and the Brazilian Trade and Investment Promotion Agency (Apex-Brasil) introduced the international fashion community to the new “Brasil Beyond” campaign during an exclusive multi-course seated dinner at Cecconi’s at Soho Beach House. This new global brand aims to shatter expectations of traditional Brazilian swim fashions and a select group of the industry’s top insiders joined Miami’s social set for Caipirinha cocktails outside at Soho Beach House’s Cecconi’s restaurant. Guests mingled as they previewed a display of swimsuits reflective of the country’s vibrant culture. Brasilian artist Ricardo Càstro created an interactive art piece, inviting guests to apply their own touch to an abstract color collage. Cuisine inspired by regional Brasilian flavors was served as the Saulo Duarte e a Unidade band took the stage for a captivating performance.

The evening also marked the official opening of the Fashion Beyond Summer pop-up shop, open in the Soho Beach House Library. Featured designers included Adriana Degreas, 2 Rios Lingerie, Blue Man, Lenny Niemeyer, Brigitte, Cecilia Prado Mare, Desiree Nercessian, Despi, Guria Beachwear, Lemons and Limes, Lisa Riedt, Lóer, Sauipe Swimwear, Sinesia Karol, Sol & Energia and ANK Swimwear.

This sensational event highlighted the cultural influences of art, music, and cuisine of Brazil under the theme Fashion Beyond Summer.

photo courtesy: World Red Eye