photo courtesy: MiamiSocialholic.com

By: Mary Jo Almeida-Shore

South Beach came alive once again this July, as the swimwear industry’s most highly anticipated event, Swim Week Miami, returned for an action-packed four days and nights of designer runway shows, presentations and parties from Thursday, July 16- Sunday, July 19 at various hotels and venues throughout Miami Beach. Sexy styles were mixed with more functional pieces, color palates ranged from bright, to bold to lots of black, cut-outs prevailed among one piece suits as well as an emphasis on elegant swimwear that can double as cocktail attire-with a mere addition of a skirt or pants. Designers drew inspiration from faraway places and steamy Miami and incorporated captivating themes in their shows and presentations. Among the most memorable presentations, shows and parties: Mara Hoffman, Maaji, Mohini, DIJANA, Caffe, and Style Saves and Orlebar Brown.

Mara Hoffman’s Resort Swim 2016 Collection

The most strikingly beautiful presentation was that of Mara Hoffman, who unveiled her Resort Swim 2016 collection among the pristine landscaped gardens of Casa Casuarina, formerly known as the Versace Mansion. Millions upon millions of glistening, iridescent mosaic tiles which flank the mansion’s lawn and pool area provided the perfect backdrop, making for the most stunning presentation of the season. The designer’s recent travels to Morocco served as her inspiration for the ethereal vignettes, which showcased her irresistible designs, carefully set up throughout the exterior of the home of the late, great, Gianni Versace.

The presentation evoked Morocco’s Jardin Majorelle, drew from the souks with their abundance of beautiful ceramic pottery and rugs, and even reflected the various colorful spices of the country. As a result, this collection is infused with new color palettes, silhouettes, and floral prints, the latter marking a first appearance for the label. Once again, Hoffman includes reversible swim pieces adding to the versatility of the collection. Other standout details include ruffles, crochet one-pieces, and a variety of styles such as high neck, halter and off the shoulder tops.

A multi-sensory experience permeated the presentation, during which Hoffman graciously mingled and posed with fans. It was delightful to watch the designer admire her beautiful designs, photographing them herself. Famous faces in the crowd included: Rocky Barnes, Joy Corrigan, Mia Moretti, and Kelly Framel.

Maaji’s Rhapsody Road

The most playful and downright fun show of the week was that of Colombian label,
Maaji Swimwear, which presented “Rhapsody Road” at the Funkshion Tent. For the third season in a row, Maaji “wowed” the audience with sensational looks, an enchanting theme and music to make them dance in their seats. The show opened with active wear, followed by the popular line of women’s swimwear, with several men’s trunks well-represented throughout the show as well.

“Rhapsody Road,” took guests on an adventurous road trip through beaches, deserts, rivers and shores with a creative backdrop, complete with panoramic scenes and a “Route 66” sign. Maaji shared what awaits in 2016, revealing the most fascinating characters and creatures in the new collection’s patterns. The road trip theme was present throughout all elements of the show, from the unique props that accessorized the looks- (backpacks, guitars, sleeping bags, cantinas- the works!) to the sneakers and fringed suede booties worn by the models. The road trip was packed with a variety of colors including lime green, blue sapphire, graphite grey, candy pink, neon pink, lilac, violet, citrus yellow, neon orange and peach.

photo credit: World Red Eye

Mohini

Mohini Swim debuted its “Welcome to Miami” 2016 Collection at the Shelborne Wyndham Grand South Beach with an exclusive fashion presentation. Miami spectators were presented with 16 looks including a combination of eye-catching patterns, vibrant colors and sophisticated designs, inspired by the brilliant balance of Miami Beach. The flavorful fashion of Miami was evident throughout the presentation along with a chic aesthetic. The selection included an array of unique halter tops, ruffled bustiers, sexy cut-outs and elegant triangle tops in shades of hot pink, royal blue, turquoise and yellow, mixed with retro patterns and mesh panels. Designer Kadianne Thomas blended quality construction and versatile trends, for a rare collection of “fashion you can swim in.” Professional NFL players Carlos Dunlap and Leger Douzable were among the onlookers, along with singer/songwriter Lola Ponce.

photo credit: World Red Eye

DIJANA

The Bass Museum of Art was home to DIJANA Swim by Dijana Molina’s official launch during Miami Swim Week with a fashion show attended by 400 VIPs. The dramatic fashion show, which featured models sashaying down the museum’s tri-level ramp, began with an Indian-inspired interpretive dance performance, setting the tone for the ethereal fashions to come, amidst a golden bamboo forest installation, which also served as the backdrop for the summer 2016 look book images.
Inspired by the values of symmetry, purity, sensuality, renewal and beauty, DIJANA Swim showcased bikinis, maillots and beachwear made from Italian fabrics in a palette of pink, orange, yellow, purple, orange and green hues – in solid prints as well as graceful lotus and bamboo prints designed by Dijana. The swimwear and accompanying rompers, flowing Greek-inspired jumpers, and long dresses were elegantly embellished with custom gold hardware.

photo credit: Frazer Harrison/Getty Images

Caffé

Caffé Swimwear presented its runway show at the W South Beach during Miami Swim Week. Inspired by the depths of the ocean, the new collection brought the enchanting underwater world to the land above with its high-fashion and easy elegance.

The oceanic theme was incorporated via stylish silhouettes, bold statement prints and bright sea-like color schemes. The color palette embraced fresh underwater shades of blue, turquoise, green, yellow, pink, and the fiery hues of coral reefs. Prints outlined the nature of the deep ocean with blue scales, red and green coral patterns, and anemone and jellyfish designs. The soft, lightweight silk crepe and cotton-silk materials provided a breezy, aquatic influence, combined with the intricate, well-detailed masterpieces that characterize the Caffé style.

Style Saves at the Miami Beach Edition

photo credit: KiKE VALDERRAMA Photography

Style Saves hosted its fifth annual fashion show fundraiser in the ballroom of the Miami Beach Edition hotel. The one-of-a-kind runway show was emceed by Louis Aguirre, of The Insider, who flew in from Hollywood for the event.

Models wearing designs from Calypso St. Barth, Kai Lani and ishine365 and accessories by GOET, Jaimie Nicole and Regine Chevallier worked the runway- many holding or walking adorable puppies (this summer’s must-have accessory?). Joey Maalouf and Cara Santana’s joint venture, The Glam App, “glammed up” models and guests while stylish DJ, Mia Moretti played the music in support of Style Saves’ mission: “building confidence through clothes and giving a fresh start through fashion” to local under privileged students in South Florida.
Orlebar Brown

Men’s swimwear line, Orlebar Brown, celebrated Miami Swim Week at Soho Beach House with a party at Ocho. Guests were able to chat with brand ambassadors and see the latest collection (available at www.orlebarbrown.com) while enjoying refreshing cocktails, Peroni beer, and taking in the spectacular views of South Beach. Orlebar Brown gifted waterproof smart phone cases to each guest- perfect for taking underwater pictures. Guests also previewed the new Orlebar Brown app called SNAPSHORTS, where users can take photos and create their own virtual pair of swim shorts with the best short each month being made into an actual pair of photo print Bulldogs. Download the new app and don’t forget to use #SNAPSHORTS when uploading to social media to ensure your entry isn’t missed.