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Miami Swim Week: A Week of Fashion Extravaganza by the Beach

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Dive into the Hottest Trends and Unforgettable Moments at Miami Swim Week 2023: A Celebration of Swimwear, Sustainability, and Style!

July 4th – 9th, 2023

Imagine it’s the middle of the summer in the streets of Miami Beach and you are standing in front of the SLS Hotel, a grand white Art Deco building, with beautiful high-end cars rounded in the front and masses of people lined up to get inside. You can see the flashing lights in the background and hear the music blasting of what seems to be the biggest pool party of the year but can’t see anything beyond the long lines past the entry. What’s all the buzz, you ask?

This summer season the fashion industry hosted one of their hottest, most thrilling, and exciting events they have to offer the world in swimwear. With models on the catwalk and some of the most beautiful swimwear garments there is to be found displayed on the runway, this year’s “Miami Swim Week” was everything and more! Running for a little over seven full days, packed with runway shows, fashion industry panels, influencer brunches, soirees, and after parties, this year’s Miami Swim Week served and teased the audience with a taste of what’s new and what’s trending in today’s current fashion.

Championing this year’s Miami Swim Week were two major group organizations known in the fashion industry for bringing the most vitalizing and invigorating experiences to the public – the Art Hearts Fashion founded in 2010 by Erik Rosete and Miami Swim Week: The Shows founded by former technical designer and businessman Moh Ducis. Meanwhile both events provided fashion activations surrounding themselves around a new world for swimwear, the experience of each were unique on their own, piquing enough interest and curiosity to want to buy, share, and be a part of the revolutionizing world of fashion!

To start off, Miami Swim Week: The Shows hosted their events at the dazzling and glamorous SLS South Beach Hotel, home to the Japanese restaurant “Katsuya” by Master Sushi Chef Katsuya. Located in the middle of South Beach and within walking distance of many shops and attractions such as Lincoln Road and Espanola Way, “Miami Swim Week: The Shows” brought over 50 public and industry events showcasing the work of over 100 designers in the fashion world.

This year to kick-off “Miami Swim Week: The Shows”, the opening night was dedicated to benefit the “Little Lighthouse Foundation,” donating 100% of their proceed to children in need. The opening show featured the illustrious designer Ema Koja of Ema Savahl Couture, followed by collections of Amarotto Swimwear who presented a piece called “Renacer” which in Spanish means “to be born again”. According to Amarotto Swimwear’s social media, “Every piece of ‘Renacer” is handcrafted with the Macramé technique, using high quality materials, [that were] carefully designed and made by Colombian artisans.” The sponsors of that night were Titos Vodka and KOPU Water, a sustainable luxury bottled water that complimented “Miami Swim Week: The Shows” overall main focus: inclusivity and sustainability.

A special someone, who is no stranger to the Fashion Industry Runway and also this year’s Host and Style Ambassador to “Miami Swim Week: The Shows,” was Hollywood Style Guru, Derek Warburton. This fashion icon who is still continuously claiming his rightful place in the middle of the fashion scene was recently featured in GQ Magazine for “the democratization of makeup across gender lines” and British Vogue for his partnership between “Derek Fabulous x FACE Stockholm.” Derek Warburton gave us all a taste and an embodiment of what a full-blown masterpiece looks like when nurtured and curated with authenticity.

When Robyn Newmark (of New You Media) queried about what was new and trending, Warburton’s Instagram post noted that seeing the Macramés resurgence on the runway was that “Everyone’s feeling really natural, you know? Everything is kind of going away from the voluptuous-overdone, to really a more ‘natural feel’ because it’s feeling much more authentic. I’m finding that authenticity, wearing your authenticity kind of on your sleeve, really was working, and I saw a lot of that. I been seeing a lot of that everywhere.”

If anyone inspires authenticity and genuine courage as a mentor and muse who invokes action through the mastery of his own personal and professional development, it would be Derek Warburton himself. He is truly a giant gift that keeps on giving and I am honored to have met him this year at the Sports Illustrated Show part of Miami Swim Week: The Shows hosted at the W Hotel in South Beach, Florida.

Just a short trip about a mile north from the W Hotel on Collins Avenue, you could see a long line of all high-end top-of-the-line cars jamming to get into the lustrous, well renowned, and luxurious Fontainebleau Miami Beach Hotel. That same day, “Miami Swim Week” powered by Art Hearts Fashion was hosting their very own most-anticipated show of the week, the Black Tape Project with Designer Joel Alvarez, who now goes by the name Drakhan Blackhart. This was an after-party runway show featuring a new genre of body art where models had nothing on but black duct tape. Words are not enough to share with you the feeling of exhilaration one experienced as each model walked down the runway with merely a few studs of small thin black duct tapes on their bodies in place of bikinis. The suspense could be felt in the air as each model strut the runway piquing enough curiosity to leave the rest to the imagination! Coming from an untrained fashionista-eye, to put it simply in words to describe what one saw was “body, volume, and elegance.” Not only was Drakhan Blackhart found on the runway amongst the crowd of models emerging on the stage, but you could also find him from time to time, hand-applying studs on some of the models transforming their swimwear before our very own eyes to a bigger and a more grandiose style of vision than ever before. As a first generation Cuban-American, Drakhan Blackhart’s personal life story is an inspiration not only to those within the fashion industry, but across the globe as he continues to expand and grow his inspiration across the world. Notable world renown artists he has worked with incude Maluma, Rick Ross, Afrojack. Blackhart has showcased some of his work at places such as EDC Vegas and Ultra Miami.

Kicking off Miami Swim Week powered by Art Hearts Fashion, the Fontainebleau Chateau Main Lobby was transformed into a runway stage used to debut Miami’s most favorite street graffiti artist, Alec Monopoly and global celebrity and hospitality mogul Chef Nobu Matsuhisa’s exclusive and limited capsule edition of swimwear, resort and street wear called “ALEC x NOBU.” Emerging from the top of the grand “Stairs to Nowhere” staircase, you could see each model presenting the 30 different custom-designed runway looks with some featuring Alec’s signature logo and cartoon sushi art to represent a bit of what brought them both together. The party continued over at the Bleau Bar, where Alec took over the DJ booth with everyone gathering around to enjoy the music and dance for the rest of the night. A notable member of the community, owner and partner of “Papi Steak” Restaurant David “Papi” Einhorn, was found side by side with Alec Monopoly on the DJ booth while drawing in the crowd tighter and tighter.

Packed with back-to-back events which attracted some of the industry’s favorite designers, content creators, celebrities, and influencers, each and every night had something special to offer everyone including those who may be new to the whole world of fashion.

Branding in harmony with today’s current global demands, sustainability has been something that has been at the forefront of this year’s Miami Swim Week and to accentuate on that were swimwear fashion brands and collections from Coralee Swimwear, Liliana Montoya, Calibri Swimwear and Lovechell Swimwear at Miami Swim Week powered by Art Hearts Fashion. Alongside these sustainable swimwear fashion brands were some of the industry’s globally recognized beauty brands that sponsored the events by Art Hearts Fashion, including Vegan companies such as their official tanning partner, Tanologist and their official hair styling brand, Unite Hair. Other top sponsors include Billion Dollar Brows as their official makeup partner, and others such as Native SPA, Fade Masters of Miami, Empress 1904 Gin, Feel Great Be Great Lifestyle, Dr. Martens, The Friday People, and P&F Flower Farms and Rio Roses who produced and presented the flower arrangement installations.

Bringing together both veteran and emerging designers to the runway, a diverse collection was presented to the audience in different styles suitable to people of different shapes and sizes. In particular, while at Miami Swim Week: The Shows hosted at the SLS Hotel, one could find the founder of Love for Upcycle, photographer and designer Jose Alexzander, showcasing the top 12 best works of design students worldwide. Each of the design pieces were required to have 95 percent upcycled material “maintaining the sustainability ethics guiding all of Love for Upcycle fabrications”. Furthermore, serving as an incubator for emerging designers, another remarkable collection found on the runway of the event was the first ever South Asian-founded sustainable swimwear fashion brand Swana The Label by Australian Designer Swarnaa Rajalingam, known for “helping Brown Women connect with their bodies and culture.”

Many more notable swim brands presented their designs on the runway, such as Maaji (who was celebrating their 20th year anniversary) and Liberty & Justice who featured P Diddy’s twin daughters, Jessie and D’Lila Combs, also known as the Comb Twins. To mention a few more famous designers and brands present at “Miami Swim Week: The Shows” were Alvin Valley, Nicole Miller and Sports Illustrated Swimsuit who presented their exclusive collection at the W Hotel. A notable member of the community spotted present at the Sports Illustrated Show was Chef Brad Kilgore, Director of MaryGold’s Brasserie, Arlo Hotels, Pizza Freak Company, and The Concours Club.

With so much more to mention, simply said, this year’s “Miami Swim Week” was extraordinary over-the-top and awe inspiring for anyone who attended the shows. Scattered all across South Beach, one could discover different curated pop-ups and industry events, including wellness and fitness activation in venues including The Deck at Island Garden, the National Hotel, Nautilus by Arlo, Showfields, and Hyde Beach. From event to event, one runway show to the next, one after party after another at places like LIV Night Club, Club E11even and one thing is for sure: one week is not enough to experience all the fun the fashion industry has to bring to the public.

If you weren’t there, you only saw what was online and that unfortunately is the end of that story until the next year comes along. The moral of the story is: “be there or be square,” and being square is just not trending anymore. Or is it?

  • MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA - JULY 08: Calibri Swimwear Designers and model close the runway for Calibri Swimwear during Miami Fashion Week Powered by Art Hearts Fashion at Fontainebleau Hotel on July 08, 2023 in Miami Beach, Florida. (Photo by Arun Nevader/Getty Images for Art Hearts Fashion)

  • MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA - JULY 08: Designer Liliana Montoya and models close the runway for Liliana Montoya during Miami Fashion Week Powered by Art Hearts Fashion at Fontainebleau Hotel on July 08, 2023 in Miami Beach, Florida. (Photo by Arun Nevader/Getty Images for Art Hearts Fashion)

  • MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA - JULY 08: A model walks the runway wearing Coralee Swimwear during Miami Fashion Week Powered by Art Hearts Fashion at Fontainebleau Hotel on July 08, 2023 in Miami Beach, Florida. (Photo by Arun Nevader/Getty Images for Art Hearts Fashion)

  • MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA - JULY 08: Coralee Designer and models close the runway for Coralee Swimwear during Miami Fashion Week Powered by Art Hearts Fashion at Fontainebleau Hotel on July 08, 2023 in Miami Beach, Florida. (Photo by Arun Nevader/Getty Images for Art Hearts Fashion)

  • MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA - JULY 08: Coralee Designer and models close the runway for Coralee Swimwear during Miami Fashion Week Powered by Art Hearts Fashion at Fontainebleau Hotel on July 08, 2023 in Miami Beach, Florida. (Photo by Arun Nevader/Getty Images for Art Hearts Fashion)

  • MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA - JULY 08: Coralee Designer and models close the runway for Coralee Swimwear during Miami Fashion Week Powered by Art Hearts Fashion at Fontainebleau Hotel on July 08, 2023 in Miami Beach, Florida. (Photo by Arun Nevader/Getty Images for Art Hearts Fashion)

  • MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA - JULY 08: Coralee Designer and models close the runway for Coralee Swimwear during Miami Fashion Week Powered by Art Hearts Fashion at Fontainebleau Hotel on July 08, 2023 in Miami Beach, Florida. (Photo by Arun Nevader/Getty Images for Art Hearts Fashion)

  • MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA - JULY 08: Coralee Designer and models close the runway for Coralee Swimwear during Miami Fashion Week Powered by Art Hearts Fashion at Fontainebleau Hotel on July 08, 2023 in Miami Beach, Florida. (Photo by Arun Nevader/Getty Images for Art Hearts Fashion)

  • MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA - JULY 08: Coralee Designer and models close the runway for Coralee Swimwear during Miami Fashion Week Powered by Art Hearts Fashion at Fontainebleau Hotel on July 08, 2023 in Miami Beach, Florida. (Photo by Arun Nevader/Getty Images for Art Hearts Fashion)

  • MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA - JULY 08: Coralee Designer and models close the runway for Coralee Swimwear during Miami Fashion Week Powered by Art Hearts Fashion at Fontainebleau Hotel on July 08, 2023 in Miami Beach, Florida. (Photo by Arun Nevader/Getty Images for Art Hearts Fashion)

  • MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA - JULY 08: Coralee Designer and models close the runway for Coralee Swimwear during Miami Fashion Week Powered by Art Hearts Fashion at Fontainebleau Hotel on July 08, 2023 in Miami Beach, Florida. (Photo by Arun Nevader/Getty Images for Art Hearts Fashion)

  • MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA - JULY 08: Calibri Swimwear Designers and model close the runway for Calibri Swimwear during Miami Fashion Week Powered by Art Hearts Fashion at Fontainebleau Hotel on July 08, 2023 in Miami Beach, Florida. (Photo by Arun Nevader/Getty Images for Art Hearts Fashion)

  • MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA - JULY 08: Calibri Swimwear Designers and model close the runway for Calibri Swimwear during Miami Fashion Week Powered by Art Hearts Fashion at Fontainebleau Hotel on July 08, 2023 in Miami Beach, Florida. (Photo by Arun Nevader/Getty Images for Art Hearts Fashion)

  • MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA - JULY 08: Calibri Swimwear Designers and model close the runway for Calibri Swimwear during Miami Fashion Week Powered by Art Hearts Fashion at Fontainebleau Hotel on July 08, 2023 in Miami Beach, Florida. (Photo by Arun Nevader/Getty Images for Art Hearts Fashion)

  • MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA - JULY 08: Designer Liliana Montoya and models close the runway for Liliana Montoya during Miami Fashion Week Powered by Art Hearts Fashion at Fontainebleau Hotel on July 08, 2023 in Miami Beach, Florida. (Photo by Arun Nevader/Getty Images for Art Hearts Fashion)

  • MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA - JULY 08: A model walks the runway wearing Lovechell Swimwear during Miami Fashion Week Powered by Art Hearts Fashion at Fontainebleau Hotel on July 08, 2023 in Miami Beach, Florida. (Photo by Arun Nevader/Getty Images for Art Hearts Fashion)

  • MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA - JULY 08: A model walks the runway wearing Lovechell Swimwear during Miami Fashion Week Powered by Art Hearts Fashion at Fontainebleau Hotel on July 08, 2023 in Miami Beach, Florida. (Photo by Arun Nevader/Getty Images for Art Hearts Fashion)

  • MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA - JULY 08: A model walks the runway wearing Lovechell Swimwear during Miami Fashion Week Powered by Art Hearts Fashion at Fontainebleau Hotel on July 08, 2023 in Miami Beach, Florida. (Photo by Arun Nevader/Getty Images for Art Hearts Fashion)

  • MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA - JULY 08: A model walks the runway wearing Lovechell Swimwear during Miami Fashion Week Powered by Art Hearts Fashion at Fontainebleau Hotel on July 08, 2023 in Miami Beach, Florida. (Photo by Arun Nevader/Getty Images for Art Hearts Fashion)

  • MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA - JULY 08: A model walks the runway wearing Lovechell Swimwear during Miami Fashion Week Powered by Art Hearts Fashion at Fontainebleau Hotel on July 08, 2023 in Miami Beach, Florida. (Photo by Arun Nevader/Getty Images for Art Hearts Fashion)

  • MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA - JULY 08: A model walks the runway wearing Lovechell Swimwear during Miami Fashion Week Powered by Art Hearts Fashion at Fontainebleau Hotel on July 08, 2023 in Miami Beach, Florida. (Photo by Arun Nevader/Getty Images for Art Hearts Fashion)

  • MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA - JULY 08: A model walks the runway wearing Lovechell Swimwear during Miami Fashion Week Powered by Art Hearts Fashion at Fontainebleau Hotel on July 08, 2023 in Miami Beach, Florida. (Photo by Arun Nevader/Getty Images for Art Hearts Fashion)

  • Maaji Show (Photo by Thomas Concordia/Getty Images for Miami Swim Week - The Shows)

  • MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA - JULY 09: Designer Alex Abraham walks the runway wearing Bikini Beach Australia during Miami Swim Week Powered by Art Hearts Fashion at Fontainebleau Hotel on July 09, 2023 in Miami Beach, Florida. (Photo by Arun Nevader/Getty Images for Art Hearts Fashion)

  • MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA - JULY 09: Designer Alex Abraham walks the runway wearing Bikini Beach Australia during Miami Swim Week Powered by Art Hearts Fashion at Fontainebleau Hotel on July 09, 2023 in Miami Beach, Florida. (Photo by Arun Nevader/Getty Images for Art Hearts Fashion)

  • MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA - JULY 07: A model walks the runway wearing Black Tape Project during Miami Swim Week Powered by Art Hearts Fashion at Fontainebleau Hotel on July 07, 2023 in Miami Beach, Florida. (Photo by Arun Nevader/Getty Images for Art Hearts Fashion)

  • Black Tape Project At Miami Swim Week Powered By Art Hearts Fashion (Photo by Arun Nevader/Getty Images for Art Hearts Fashion)

  • MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA - JULY 07: A model walks the runway wearing Black Tape Project during Miami Swim Week Powered by Art Hearts Fashion at Fontainebleau Hotel on July 07, 2023 in Miami Beach, Florida. (Photo by Arun Nevader/Getty Images for Art Hearts Fashion)

  • MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA - JULY 07: A model walks the runway wearing Black Tape Project during Miami Swim Week Powered by Art Hearts Fashion at Fontainebleau Hotel on July 07, 2023 in Miami Beach, Florida. (Photo by Arun Nevader/Getty Images for Art Hearts Fashion)

  • MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA - JULY 07: A model walks the runway wearing Black Tape Project during Miami Swim Week Powered by Art Hearts Fashion at Fontainebleau Hotel on July 07, 2023 in Miami Beach, Florida. (Photo by Arun Nevader/Getty Images for Art Hearts Fashion)

  • MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA - JULY 07: A model walks the runway wearing Black Tape Project during Miami Swim Week Powered by Art Hearts Fashion at Fontainebleau Hotel on July 07, 2023 in Miami Beach, Florida. (Photo by Arun Nevader/Getty Images for Art Hearts Fashion)

  • MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA - JULY 07: A model walks the runway wearing Black Tape Project during Miami Swim Week Powered by Art Hearts Fashion at Fontainebleau Hotel on July 07, 2023 in Miami Beach, Florida. (Photo by Arun Nevader/Getty Images for Art Hearts Fashion)

  • MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA - JULY 07: A model walks the runway wearing Black Tape Project during Miami Swim Week Powered by Art Hearts Fashion at Fontainebleau Hotel on July 07, 2023 in Miami Beach, Florida. (Photo by Arun Nevader/Getty Images for Art Hearts Fashion)

  • MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA - JULY 07: A model walks the runway wearing Black Tape Project during Miami Swim Week Powered by Art Hearts Fashion at Fontainebleau Hotel on July 07, 2023 in Miami Beach, Florida. (Photo by Arun Nevader/Getty Images for Art Hearts Fashion)

  • MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA - JULY 07: A model walks the runway wearing Black Tape Project during Miami Swim Week Powered by Art Hearts Fashion at Fontainebleau Hotel on July 07, 2023 in Miami Beach, Florida. (Photo by Arun Nevader/Getty Images for Art Hearts Fashion)

  • MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA - JULY 07: A model walks the runway wearing Black Tape Project during Miami Swim Week Powered by Art Hearts Fashion at Fontainebleau Hotel on July 07, 2023 in Miami Beach, Florida. (Photo by Arun Nevader/Getty Images for Art Hearts Fashion)

  • MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA - JULY 07: A model walks the runway wearing Black Tape Project during Miami Swim Week Powered by Art Hearts Fashion at Fontainebleau Hotel on July 07, 2023 in Miami Beach, Florida. (Photo by Arun Nevader/Getty Images for Art Hearts Fashion)

  • MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA - JULY 07: A model walks the runway wearing Black Tape Project during Miami Swim Week Powered by Art Hearts Fashion at Fontainebleau Hotel on July 07, 2023 in Miami Beach, Florida. (Photo by Arun Nevader/Getty Images for Art Hearts Fashion)

  • MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA - JULY 07: A model walks the runway wearing Black Tape Project during Miami Swim Week Powered by Art Hearts Fashion at Fontainebleau Hotel on July 07, 2023 in Miami Beach, Florida. (Photo by Arun Nevader/Getty Images for Art Hearts Fashion)

  • MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA - JULY 07: A model walks the runway wearing Black Tape Project during Miami Swim Week Powered by Art Hearts Fashion at Fontainebleau Hotel on July 07, 2023 in Miami Beach, Florida. (Photo by Arun Nevader/Getty Images for Art Hearts Fashion)

  • MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA - JULY 07: A model walks the runway wearing Black Tape Project during Miami Swim Week Powered by Art Hearts Fashion at Fontainebleau Hotel on July 07, 2023 in Miami Beach, Florida. (Photo by Arun Nevader/Getty Images for Art Hearts Fashion)

  • MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA - JULY 07: A model walks the runway wearing Black Tape Project during Miami Swim Week Powered by Art Hearts Fashion at Fontainebleau Hotel on July 07, 2023 in Miami Beach, Florida. (Photo by Arun Nevader/Getty Images for Art Hearts Fashion)

  • MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA - JULY 07: A model walks the runway wearing Black Tape Project during Miami Swim Week Powered by Art Hearts Fashion at Fontainebleau Hotel on July 07, 2023 in Miami Beach, Florida. (Photo by Arun Nevader/Getty Images for Art Hearts Fashion)

  • MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA - JULY 08: Designer Liliana Montoya and models close the runway for Liliana Montoya during Miami Fashion Week Powered by Art Hearts Fashion at Fontainebleau Hotel on July 08, 2023 in Miami Beach, Florida. (Photo by Arun Nevader/Getty Images for Art Hearts Fashion)

  • MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA - JULY 08: Designer Liliana Montoya and models close the runway for Liliana Montoya during Miami Fashion Week Powered by Art Hearts Fashion at Fontainebleau Hotel on July 08, 2023 in Miami Beach, Florida. (Photo by Arun Nevader/Getty Images for Art Hearts Fashion)

  • MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA - JULY 08: Designer Liliana Montoya and models close the runway for Liliana Montoya during Miami Fashion Week Powered by Art Hearts Fashion at Fontainebleau Hotel on July 08, 2023 in Miami Beach, Florida. (Photo by Arun Nevader/Getty Images for Art Hearts Fashion)

  • MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA - JULY 08: Designer Liliana Montoya and models close the runway for Liliana Montoya during Miami Fashion Week Powered by Art Hearts Fashion at Fontainebleau Hotel on July 08, 2023 in Miami Beach, Florida. (Photo by Arun Nevader/Getty Images for Art Hearts Fashion)

  • MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA - JULY 08: Designer Liliana Montoya and models close the runway for Liliana Montoya during Miami Fashion Week Powered by Art Hearts Fashion at Fontainebleau Hotel on July 08, 2023 in Miami Beach, Florida. (Photo by Arun Nevader/Getty Images for Art Hearts Fashion)

  • MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA - JULY 08: Designer Liliana Montoya and models close the runway for Liliana Montoya during Miami Fashion Week Powered by Art Hearts Fashion at Fontainebleau Hotel on July 08, 2023 in Miami Beach, Florida. (Photo by Arun Nevader/Getty Images for Art Hearts Fashion)

  • MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA - JULY 08: Designer Liliana Montoya and models close the runway for Liliana Montoya during Miami Fashion Week Powered by Art Hearts Fashion at Fontainebleau Hotel on July 08, 2023 in Miami Beach, Florida. (Photo by Arun Nevader/Getty Images for Art Hearts Fashion)

  • MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA - JULY 08: Designer Liliana Montoya and models close the runway for Liliana Montoya during Miami Fashion Week Powered by Art Hearts Fashion at Fontainebleau Hotel on July 08, 2023 in Miami Beach, Florida. (Photo by Arun Nevader/Getty Images for Art Hearts Fashion)

  • MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA - JULY 08: Designer Liliana Montoya and models close the runway for Liliana Montoya during Miami Fashion Week Powered by Art Hearts Fashion at Fontainebleau Hotel on July 08, 2023 in Miami Beach, Florida. (Photo by Arun Nevader/Getty Images for Art Hearts Fashion)

  • MIAMI BEACH, FLORIDA - JULY 08: Designer Liliana Montoya and models close the runway for Liliana Montoya during Miami Fashion Week Powered by Art Hearts Fashion at Fontainebleau Hotel on July 08, 2023 in Miami Beach, Florida. (Photo by Arun Nevader/Getty Images for Art Hearts Fashion)

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Lila Nikole and Platinum FUBU Transform Tequila Town

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Miami Swim Week ventured beyond the traditional runway on Sunday afternoon as designer Lila Nikole unveiled her highly anticipated collaboration with Platinum FUBU at Tequila Town.


June 1, 2026

Unlike the nightclub runways and fashion tents that dominate Swim Week, this presentation offered something entirely different: an immersive experience that blended fashion, culture, music, and storytelling into a single event.

Guests arrived at Tequila Town for an afternoon that felt more like a creative journey than a traditional fashion show. The venue buzzed with anticipation as media, influencers, industry professionals, and fashion enthusiasts gathered to experience the latest evolution of the Lila Nikole brand.

Inspired by the spirit and energy of the Brazilian rainforest, the presentation embraced bold colors, powerful visuals, and larger-than-life moments. Models moved through the venue in designs that reflected Nikole’s signature approach to fashion, blending cultural influences, vibrant storytelling, and fearless creativity.

Throughout the afternoon, guests were immersed in a world where fashion extended beyond clothing. Music, movement, and performance became part of the presentation, creating an atmosphere that encouraged attendees to engage with the story unfolding around them rather than simply watch from the sidelines.

What made the event particularly memorable was its ability to blur the lines between runway show, cultural celebration, and artistic performance. Every detail contributed to the experience, from the venue itself to the presentation’s cinematic approach to storytelling.

As Miami Swim Week continued to expand beyond traditional swimwear showcases, Lila Nikole’s collaboration with Platinum FUBU stood out as one of the weekend’s most unique presentations. By combining fashion, heritage, and immersive entertainment, the event demonstrated how modern runway experiences are evolving into something far more interactive and memorable.

For attendees gathered at Tequila Town, it was more than a fashion show. It was a reminder that great fashion tells a story and on Sunday afternoon, Lila Nikole and Platinum FUBU delivered one worth experiencing.

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Copacabana, Mister Triple X, and Capristan Bring the Heat to Kiki on the River During Miami Swim Week

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Miami Swim Week Powered by Art Hearts Fashion continued on Saturday night with a waterfront runway experience at Kiki on the River, where fashion, nightlife, and Miami’s signature energy came together along the Miami River.


June 1, 2026

Known for its glamorous atmosphere and picturesque setting, Kiki on the River provided a fitting backdrop for an evening featuring runway presentations from Copacabana, Mister Triple X, and Capristan. As guests arrived by car and boat, the venue quickly filled with influencers, media, designers, and fashion enthusiasts eager to experience one of the week’s most unique showcases.

The evening opened with Copacabana, whose collection embraced the vibrant spirit of tropical destinations through bold colors, playful prints, and vacation-ready silhouettes. The runway reflected the carefree energy of beach culture while delivering looks designed for both travel and resort living.

Mister Triple X followed with a presentation that brought confidence and attitude to the waterfront catwalk. Contemporary styling, statement pieces, and modern silhouettes created a runway experience that felt both fashion-forward and distinctly Miami. The collection balanced bold design choices with wearable looks that resonated with the crowd.

Closing the evening was Capristan, whose presentation combined elegance and resort-inspired glamour. Flowing fabrics, sophisticated details, and polished styling captured the luxury lifestyle aesthetic that has become synonymous with Miami Swim Week. The collection felt perfectly suited for sunset cocktails, yacht gatherings, and waterfront escapes.

What set the evening apart was the setting itself. Unlike the traditional nightclub atmosphere of many Swim Week venues, Kiki on the River offered a more intimate experience where the runway unfolded against views of the water, creating a uniquely South Florida backdrop for the night’s fashion presentations.

As models made their final walk and guests transitioned into the evening’s celebrations, the event demonstrated why Miami Swim Week continues to expand beyond traditional runways. By pairing emerging and established designers with some of the city’s most iconic venues, Art Hearts Fashion continues to create experiences that are as memorable as the collections themselves.

With luxury waterfront views, energetic crowds, and three distinctive runway presentations, Saturday night at Kiki on the River delivered a stylish reminder that in Miami, fashion is never limited to the runway.

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Miami Swim Week Turns Up the Glamour at M2 Miami with a Star-Studded Friday Night Runway

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Friday night at Miami Swim Week Powered by Art Hearts Fashion delivered exactly what attendees came for: bold fashion, high-energy runway moments, and a packed house at M2 Miami.


June 1, 2026

The evening unfolded across three runway presentations, each bringing a distinct aesthetic to the catwalk.

The first runway featured Sun Life Beachwear, Cross Colours, Swiss Digital Design, and Brilleska. From vibrant swimwear and resort-ready styles to bold prints and contemporary silhouettes, the opening presentation celebrated individuality and creativity while embracing the energy and color that define Miami Swim Week.

The second runway shifted toward elevated resort fashion with collections from Belle D’Amour, Ca-Rio-Ca, and Vizcarra. Flowing fabrics, tropical influences, and sophisticated beach-to-evening looks highlighted the versatility of modern resort wear, offering designs suited for everything from poolside afternoons to waterfront dinners.

As the evening progressed, anticipation grew for the final runway presentation featuring Sorrento Blu and Giannina Azar.

Sorrento Blu opened the final showcase with polished resort looks inspired by Mediterranean luxury, setting the stage for one of the night’s most talked-about presentations.

Giannina Azar delivered a dramatic finale that transformed the runway into a celebration of glamour, confidence, and artistry. Known for her celebrity clientele and red-carpet creations, Azar’s designs featured intricate embellishments, sparkling details, structured silhouettes, and statement-making gowns that immediately captured the audience’s attention.

The collection embodied the bold spirit that has made the designer a standout presence at fashion weeks around the world. Each look seemed designed to command attention, blending couture craftsmanship with the kind of theatrical elegance that thrives under the lights of a Miami runway.

Beyond the fashion itself, the atmosphere at M2 reflected the unique energy of Miami Swim Week. Influencers, media members, buyers, designers, and fashion enthusiasts filled the venue throughout the evening, creating a vibrant environment where fashion, entertainment, and nightlife seamlessly intersected.

As the final models exited the runway and guests prepared for Jason Derulo’s appearance later that evening, Friday night at M2 Miami proved once again why Miami Swim Week remains one of the most exciting events on the international fashion calendar. With standout presentations, a dynamic crowd, and a memorable Giannina Azar finale, the evening delivered the glamour and excitement that fashion lovers have come to expect from Art Hearts Fashion.

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Fire, Ice, and a Vitamin Boost: Inside Miami Swim Week’s Chicest Wellness Reset at Nobu Hotel Miami Beach

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Miami Swim Week is usually all about bikinis, bronzed skin, camera flashes, and running from one fabulous event to the next. But tucked inside the iconic Nobu Hotel Miami Beach, one of the weekend’s most memorable stops offered something every Swim Week guest secretly needed: a chance to sit down, cool off, glow up, and get recharged.


June 1, 2026

Hosted at the Nobu Penthouse, the exclusive Fire & Ice Beauty & Wellness Lounge brought a luxury wellness escape to Miami Swim Week® The Shows. Created by Skin Sports Society in collaboration with Cellebration, the private RSVP-only experience welcomed select media and influencers for an afternoon of beauty, recovery, and next-level self-care.

Set high above the Eden Roc Miami Beach complex, the Nobu Penthouse provided the perfect backdrop for the experience. With ocean views, sleek interiors, and a refined Japanese beach house feel, the space instantly transported guests away from the nonstop Swim Week schedule and into something much calmer, cooler, and definitely more hydrated.

The lounge was designed around the contrast of fire and ice therapies, giving guests the chance to move between treatments that warmed, cooled, refreshed, and revived. The Fire Experience featured options like LED and red light therapy, microcurrent facials, aromatherapy, and restorative beauty treatments designed to leave skin glowing. The Ice Experience leaned into cryotherapy, cold spoons, cooling masks, oxygen sprays, and chilled recovery moments that felt especially necessary in the Miami heat.

Guests could also enjoy vitamin B-complex shots and IV therapy, adding an inside-out wellness element to the afternoon. During our visit, the B-complex shot was a quick but energizing boost, while the IV therapy stations offered guests a more customized way to hydrate, recover, and reset during one of Miami’s busiest fashion weekends.

The experience also included personalized aura readings by Auratherapy, giving the afternoon a playful spiritual twist. Between the beauty treatments, wellness stations, oceanfront views, and calming lounge setup, the event felt like a luxury spa day with just the right amount of Swim Week sparkle.

What made the Fire & Ice Beauty & Wellness Lounge stand out was how perfectly it matched the mood of modern Miami luxury. Today’s beauty scene is not just about looking good in photos. It is about recovery, energy, hydration, skincare, and feeling confident enough to keep going from the afternoon lounge to the evening runway.

For Miami Swim Week guests moving between shows, parties, meetings, and beachside events, this was the reset button everyone needed. It was chic, intimate, soothing, and just indulgent enough to feel special without losing its wellness focus.

At a weekend known for high heels, high heat, and high-energy fashion moments, the Fire & Ice Beauty & Wellness Lounge proved that sometimes the best Swim Week accessory is a fresh glow, a cold treatment, and a little vitamin boost.

The Fire & Ice Beauty & Wellness Lounge took place on Friday, May 29, 2026, at Nobu Hotel Miami Beach as part of Miami Swim Week® The Shows.

When you go to publish this, make sure you talk about the Photo Booth lady and the guy who was providing everyone with the oxygen masks and the shots

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Take PRIDE! Brings Community Together at Galleria

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Pride Month Launches with Galleria Fort Lauderdale’s “Take PRIDE!” 2026 Benefit Reception and Exhibition Preview Honoring LGBTQ+ Community Advocates.

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Melissa Odabash Brings the French Riviera to PARAISO Miami Swim Week

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The glamour of the French Riviera arrived in Miami Beach as Melissa Odabash presented Riviera: La Côte d’Azur during PARAISO Miami Swim Week.


May 29, 2026

Before the runway began, guests explored sponsor activations throughout the venue, including cocktails from Empress 1908 Gin, pours from Maker’s Mark, refreshments from LaCroix, Australian Gold sun care products, and sweet treats from Tony’s Chocolonely. A crystal-covered MINI convertible featuring a sparkling pink palm tree quickly became one of the evening’s most photographed attractions.

As guests settled into their seats, the atmosphere shifted from Miami Beach to the Mediterranean coast.

Inspired by the timeless elegance and relaxed luxury of the French Riviera, the runway showcased the effortless resort style that has become synonymous with the Melissa Odabash brand. Models floated down the catwalk in sophisticated swimwear, airy coverups, crochet pieces, flowing dresses, and polished resort looks that felt equally at home in Saint-Tropez, Cannes, Monaco, or Miami Beach.

A palette of crisp whites, soft neutrals, shimmering metallics, and ocean-inspired blues reinforced the coastal aesthetic, while lightweight fabrics and elegant silhouettes captured the ease of luxury vacation dressing.

The presentation celebrated more than swimwear. It embraced an entire lifestyle centered around sunshine, travel, seaside glamour, and effortless sophistication. Each look reflected the idea that great resort fashion should feel both elevated and wearable, whether spent poolside at a beach club or dining waterfront at sunset.

By blending timeless resort pieces with the romantic spirit of the Côte d’Azur, Melissa Odabash delivered one of the week’s most transportive runway experiences. For a few moments inside the PARAISO Fashion Tent, guests were no longer on Collins Avenue. They were somewhere along the sun-soaked shores of the French Riviera.

Feeling inspired to plan your next getaway? The looks featured on the runway and additional resort wear styles can be purchased through MelissaOdabash.com, offering shoppers the opportunity to bring a touch of Côte d’Azur elegance to their own summer travels.

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Neutrogena’s Sunblock Model Casting Pool Party Brought SPF and Swim Week Energy to Strawberry Moon

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The Miami Swim Week® The Shows event mixed model casting, poolside glamour, sunscreen touch-ups, and a very South Beach kind of scene.


May 26, 2026

Miami Swim Week® The Shows is known for runway lights, bold swimwear, and a little bit of beautiful chaos, but Neutrogena brought the action poolside with its Sunblock Model Casting Pool Party at Strawberry Moon.

Set against the hotel’s dreamy pastel pool deck, the event felt less like a traditional casting call and more like a sun-soaked Swim Week hangout with a purpose. Models moved around the pool in swimwear, guests mingled under turquoise umbrellas, and the whole scene had that perfect Miami mix of fashion, beauty, heat, and “wait, is this a casting or a party?” energy.

The pool became the runway for the afternoon, with models walking along the water in front of Miami Swim Week® The Shows signage. It was casual, but still camera-ready. Instead of a stiff casting room, Neutrogena created a setting that felt alive, social, and very on-brand for Miami. There were bikinis, heels, palm trees, pool reflections, and enough sunlight to make the SPF message feel extremely relevant.

At the center of the event was Neutrogena’s bright activation area, complete with Ultra Sheer sunscreen products, yellow-and-white towels, and the perfect pool party reminder: “Arrive. Apply. Unwind.” Guests could check out the sunscreen lineup while taking in the casting atmosphere around them. It gave the whole afternoon a smart beauty angle without taking away from the fun.

The best part was how naturally everything fit together. Miami Swim Week is all about swimwear, bodies, beach culture, and confidence, so a sunblock casting pool party made perfect sense. Neutrogena did not just set up a table and call it a day. The brand turned SPF into part of the event experience, making sunscreen feel like the accessory everyone actually needed.

The atmosphere was playful and relaxed, with guests moving between the pool, the Neutrogena station, and nearby brand activations. Liquid Youth also added to the beauty-meets-wellness vibe with colorful collagen drinks, giving attendees another reason to stop, sip, and stay a little longer.

By moving the casting call into a pool party setting, Neutrogena gave Miami Swim Week a daytime moment that felt fresh, social, and easy to enjoy. It had the structure of a fashion event, the vibe of a South Beach pool day, and just enough glam to remind everyone that this was still Swim Week.

In a city where the sun is basically a main character, Neutrogena’s Sunblock Model Casting Pool Party was a natural fit. It brought together models, beauty lovers, swimwear energy, and SPF in one bright, splashy afternoon.

At Strawberry Moon, the message was simple: show up, get seen, protect the glow, and maybe get cast while you’re at it.

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Surfside’s Paddletopia 2026 Served Up Sunshine, Sweat, and Veggie-Packed Bites

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Veggies Made Great helped fuel a family-friendly weekend of free workouts, paddleboarding, coffee, small bites, and feel-good fun at 96th Street Park.


May 18, 2026

Surfside brought the good vibes this weekend with Paddletopia 2026, a two-day wellness and outdoor lifestyle event that turned 96th Street Park into a sunny little hub for movement, community, and family-friendly fun.

Held on Saturday, May 16 and Sunday, May 17 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the event welcomed kids, adults, fitness lovers, coffee drinkers, paddleboarders, and anyone looking for a fresh-air weekend by the water. The best part? So many of the experiences were free, making it easy for families and locals to drop in, move around, and enjoy the day without overthinking it.

The workout classes were a highlight, bringing plenty of energy to the park with approachable, upbeat sessions that made wellness feel fun instead of intimidating. Between the fitness classes, paddleboarding, live music, wellness activations, and relaxed outdoor atmosphere, Paddletopia had that perfect South Florida mix of active and easygoing.

Of course, no great weekend event is complete without good bites. Veggies Made Great, an official event partner, kept guests fueled with complimentary samples of their veggie-packed favorites, including the Spinach Egg White Frittata and Lemon Blueberry Muffin. The samples were a smart fit for the day: light, wholesome, tasty, and easy to enjoy between activities. Paired with coffee and other small bites available throughout the event, it made for the kind of simple, satisfying spread that both kids and adults could get behind.

The event also had a thoughtful environmental angle through the “Paddle for Plastic” initiative with Plastic Fisherman, encouraging attendees to help clean Surfside canals in exchange for eco-friendly rewards. It added a meaningful layer to the weekend, blending wellness, community, and environmental care in a way that felt natural for a coastal town like Surfside.

Overall, Paddletopia 2026 felt like exactly what a South Florida weekend should be: outdoorsy, welcoming, active, delicious, and just a little bit sun-kissed. From free fitness classes to better-for-you snacks and community-focused fun, Surfside gave families a reason to get outside and enjoy the best of wellness by the water.

To bring a little of that Paddletopia feel-good energy home, check out more of the veggie-packed muffins, frittatas, and easy breakfast favorites from Veggies Made Great at https://www.veggiesmadegreat.com/ 

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