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Empowerment Through Movement – RECAP

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Fitness Empowerment Event with Lisa Leslie and Joe Johnson at TruFUSION Coral Gables: Cycling, Yoga, and Panel Discussion with Sports Legends!


July 22nd, 2023

Marya Meyer, a trailblazer in empowering women and girls, has dedicated over three decades to creating positive change in our community.

Lisa Leslie, a proud wife and mother, is a sports icon who has achieved incredible success, representing the U.S. in the Olympics and winning six gold medals, two WNBA championships, and three MVP awards. With a strong desire to be a role model, Lisa joined Jelenew, a luxury cycling and fitness apparel brand, to continue empowering women and is grateful for the support of men who champion women’s empowerment.

Joe Johnson, a possible future basketball Hall-of-Famer, with an 18-year professional career, brings his passion for hot yoga and its benefits to the forefront as the owner and founder of ISO Yoga. His commitment to fitness led him to advocate for hot yoga after overcoming injuries, including tendonitis, during his playing days.

Currently, Lisa Leslie coaches the 3-on-3 basketball team, the Triplets, that Joe plays for, in IceCube’s BIG3 league. Joe Johnson is a two-time MVP of the league. Together, with a championship under their belt and their sights set on another, they embody the spirit of determination and excellence.

Get ready to be inspired by these incredible individuals and their stories of empowerment and success!

As a former WNBA player, Lisa Leslie, highlighted the significant role that sports and physical activity play, particularly for women and girls. Growing up in an inner city like Compton, California, she personally experienced the transformative power of sports. She explained that participating in sports can positively impact a young girl’s life by reducing the likelihood of engaging in destructive behaviors like drug use, early pregnancies, and dropping out of school. Instead, being involved in sports increases the chances of achieving educational success, securing better job opportunities, and learning valuable life skills, such as teamwork and resilience.

Lisa credits sports, specifically for her basketball, for opening doors to opportunities she might not have had otherwise. Attending USC and pursuing higher education became a reality because she chose to pick up that ball. Thus, she encourages young girls and women to embrace sports as a means of empowerment and personal growth.

Furthermore, Lisa emphasizes the importance of cherishing and taking care of one’s body. She observes that as people age, they often become more critical of their bodies. However, she believes it’s crucial to treat our bodies with respect, regardless of age. Regular physical activity, such as cycling, playing tennis, or engaging in fitness activities, becomes essential to maintain a healthy and vibrant lifestyle. Lisa’s own experience transitioning from professional basketball to a regular routine underscores the significance of staying active and using our bodies regularly.

In essence, Lisa underscores the positive impact of sports on the lives of women and girls, emphasizing the opportunities it brings and the importance of staying physically active to maintain overall well-being.

Exercising is extremely important to Joe as well. After retiring from basketball nearly 18 years ago, he made fitness a central focus in his life, and one yoga is at the forefront. Specifically, he engages in ISO yoga and hot yoga almost every day. While it can be physically demanding and dehydrating, he prioritizes taking care of his body and those participating with him. His goal is to spread this message to others because he believes it can bring comfort and alleviate inner fears. He wants people to feel at ease and not intimidated when they join in their fitness journey, as his intention is to support and help everyone take care of themselves.

Marya explains mission goal of the Women’s Fund Miami-Dade

The Women’s Fund Miami Dade aims to create a Miami-Dade where gender doesn’t limit possibilities. They believe in the power of organizing principles, both retroactively fixing past issues and building new solutions. The organization has four programs based on pillars to achieve their goals.

The first pillar is leadership, which not only focuses on inspiring women to see themselves as leaders but also involves engaging diverse business leaders who can make a positive impact.

The second pillar is health and well-being, recognizing that strong physical and emotional support is crucial for everyone, especially those facing challenges like working multiple jobs or being single parents.

The third pillar addresses freedom from violence, recognizing the importance of combating issues like intimate partner violence, domestic violence, and human trafficking.

Lastly, economic mobility is the fourth pillar, emphasizing the need for better opportunities for women and girls to escape poverty and improve their financial situations.

The Women’s Fund Miami Dade implements various initiatives, including public awareness campaigns, monthly convenings, and resource leveraging through grants to address critical gaps in support and services.

One of their current focuses is on impediments to women’s economic mobility, particularly the broken early child education system, which affects women’s ability to work when quality care for their children is lacking. They collaborate with experts and gather data through their gender equity dashboard to inform their efforts.

Overcoming Obstacles for Lisa Leslie

Lisa talks about the profound connection between sports and life, acknowledging the highs and lows they both present. She shares a personal experience of facing a devastating loss in a state championship game during her youth, where she missed a crucial shot. Initially, she felt deeply upset and disheartened, but her mother’s advice pushed her to confront the failure and take responsibility for her performance.

In response to the setback, Leslie decided to set new goals for herself. She wrote down her short-term and long-term objectives, determined to achieve them despite the failure. This experience taught her the importance of resilience and learning from failure. Leslie believes that it’s essential to recognize failure, embrace it, and use it as a stepping stone to success. She understands that facing and overcoming challenges in sports and life empowers individuals to become mentally strong.

The lessons from sports transcend into other areas of life, such as education and work. Leslie emphasizes that life is full of challenges, and failure is an inevitable part of growth. How people handle tough times reveals their true character. She advocates for self-love and self-motivation, rather than relying on external validation.

In summary, Lisa attributes her mental strength and resilience to her experiences in sports, especially learning from failure. She encourages others to embrace challenges and use setbacks as opportunities for personal growth and self-improvement.

Joe Johnson overcoming adversity

Joe reflects on how adversity played a role early in his basketball career and how it shaped his perspective. He mentions having three kids, with his oldest son being 16 years old and a younger son who brings him immense joy. During his basketball career, he had his son while still actively playing, which altered his priorities and time allocation. As a result, he spent more time with his son than with his teammates.

This experience became a significant driving force for Joe Johnson, influencing his approach to life and his basketball career. The motivation to provide for and set an example for his kids became paramount. He is determined to show them a different path and be a positive role model. His children’s presence and the desire to offer them a better future serve as powerful motivation for him to keep pushing forward, both on and off the basketball court

Marya explains the Women’s Fund Miami Dade commitment to Empowering Women and Girls in Sports by Overcoming Barriers and Challenges

Let’s face reality; barriers and challenges are an everyday reality for women and girls when it comes to accessing sports and physical activities. These obstacles come in various forms, both significant and seemingly small, creating a formidable hurdle. As a result, without proactive efforts, women and girls can easily be sidelined in this arena. To combat this, our motto is “stronger together,” and that holds true. We have taken numerous actions to address these issues. For instance, we provided grants to enable access to sports facilities for young girls who were previously excluded due to limited options. Our work extends beyond individual initiatives, as we collaborate with other strong allies, both men and women, who are deeply committed to empowering women and girls.

In a woman’s world, stress is pervasive, and engaging in sports and physical activities is a vital way to burn off cortisol and alleviate the burden. Numerous studies demonstrate the importance of prioritizing self-care for women. Unfortunately, women often tend to put others before themselves, leading to potential health risks. As an organization, we are dedicated to keeping this agenda at the forefront and sustaining ongoing conversations to bring about positive change. Our unwavering commitment to this movement ensures that we continuously address these challenges and work towards a more inclusive and empowering future for women and girls in sports and physical activities.

Leslie shares what connected her and Joe to the Women’s Fund Miami Dade

We strive to select local charities that align with our values and the vision of inclusivity for the community. Our brand goes beyond just offering stylish outfits; it exudes luxury, thanks to the expertise of our designer who is a former Chanel designer. We believe that looking good is connected to feeling good and performing well, as famously stated by Deion Sanders.

In addition to fashion, our bigger purpose lies in empowering women and girls, which is why we seek partnerships with charities that share this goal. Cancer awareness and support are also close to our hearts due to personal experiences. Both Joe and I have been directly impacted by cancer, with my mom currently battling stomach cancer, and Joe’s mom having passed away from the disease.

Our mission extends beyond mere talk; we take action to bring awareness and support to these causes. We believe in fostering a sense of community, and through our partnerships, we aim to introduce our customers to valuable opportunities for volunteering and donating. Empowerment is not just a topic of conversation for us; we demonstrate our commitment by actively supporting and raising awareness for causes that matter to us and our community.

I admire Jelenew for their commitment to something greater than themselves, giving back to the community. It’s crucial because your brand’s impact is closely tied to how you make others feel. By focusing on what you can do for others, success naturally follows.

Joe states, in terms of organizations like the Women’s Fund Miami Dade involving male athletes like myself in promoting empowerment through movement, I am wholeheartedly willing to jump in and participate as much as possible. Whether it’s cycling, yoga, or any other activity, count me in. If my involvement can bring more men on board to support outstanding women who often face limited power and resources, I’m more than willing to do it. The cause holds personal significance for me, as I lost my mom to cancer, making it feel even more meaningful to be a part of this initiative.

Impact of men’s support to the cause

Mayra explains seeing men involved in these efforts brings authenticity and truth to the cause, making it more impactful and effective. Collaboration is crucial because without unity, progress would be hindered. For instance, in the fight against violence and sex trafficking, men like Victor Williams, a former Homeland Security employee, have played a significant role in rescuing victims and raising awareness. Inequality in any form is a concern, and addressing it requires a multifaceted approach, considering various perspectives and lenses to create positive change for the entire community.

I want to give recognition to Richard Magellan and their new brand for providing funds to support our cause. Fuel, in the form of time, talent, or treasure, is essential for our relentless and passionate work. We appreciate the support from all, as it empowers us to continue making a meaningful impact.

Mayra explains for those looking to learn more or get involved in the community themself?

We have a wide array of resources available, including cards, a user-friendly website, and an inclusive approach. While some advice narrowing down to a specific target market, we firmly believe in the power of inclusivity. Learning from individuals who have experienced trafficking, incarceration, or homelessness has been profoundly impactful. Our monthly impact collaborative brings together diverse perspectives to address various issues, from equal pay to trafficking.

You’re welcome to join these collaborative sessions, which are open to all and offer opportunities for donations to support our cause. Additionally, we hold two signature fundraisers, “Raise the Bar” in October and a grand event every spring, featuring silent auctions and more. We believe that people who care about the same causes have a way of finding each other, and if any aspect resonates with you, there’s likely an opportunity for you to be part of our efforts. So, whether it’s through Vero, who sits in class with you, or any other connection, you can be a part of Women’s Sweat and make a difference.

Tips for business-minded women managing multiple roles.

Lisa’s advice for wiomen who are running their own businesses, being successful, and managing multiple roles, including being an athlete, centers around several key points. First, she emphasizes the need to be compassionate towards oneself and not be overly harsh in self-judgment. The balance between being a wife, mother, businesswoman, and athlete can be challenging, and it’s essential to take care of oneself in the process.

To manage the multitude of responsibilities, Lisa suggests planning and organization as crucial tools. She uses calendars and to-do lists, ensuring that tasks are prioritized and scheduled efficiently. She also mentions using a family calendar app called Cozi, which connects everyone in the family, making it easier to coordinate schedules and responsibilities.

Lisa acknowledges that some days things may not go as planned, and it’s okay to be flexible and forgiving with oneself. Time management is crucial, and she sets aside specific periods for family time, work, and personal activities like workouts. She emphasizes that everyday doesn’t have to look the same, and it’s okay for certain tasks to carry over to the next day or week.

During the pandemic, Lisa learned valuable lessons about herself and her priorities. She realized the importance of finding a balance between work, family, and personal well-being, such as making time for workouts and activities that bring happiness. She advises against putting unnecessary pressure on oneself and not comparing oneself to others, recognizing that everyone has their challenges and struggles.

Lastly, Lisa highlights the significance of delegation. If others can assist with certain tasks, it’s essential to let them help, which can free up time and reduce the burden on oneself.

In conclusion, Lisa Leslie’s tips revolve around being kind to oneself, effective planning, flexibility, and delegation, allowing for a more balanced and manageable approach to handling various roles and responsibilities.

“TruFUSION Coral Gables is proud to partner with Lisa Leslie, Joe Johnson and Jelenew to promote movement empowerment in our local South Florida community. And we’re grateful to everyone who attended and supported this special event in which all proceeds are being donated to the Women’s Fund of Miami-Dade,” said McKenzie Renshaw, instructor for TruFUSION Coral Gables.

Coach is South Florida Insider's Owner, President, Webmaster, as well as a Reporter and Photographer covering events all over the world. Born in West Palm Beach, Coach continues to call the sunny Florida area home. He received his Associate degree from the University of South Florida, then transferred to the University of Florida where he received a Bachelor’s of Arts in Journalism & Communications. During his journalistic career, which has been featured in local newspapers and magazines as well as national publications, Coach has also continued his love of being an educator. It’s through both endeavors that he’s actively got students interested in following in the field of journalism. Coach loves sharing the world of entertainment with others and giving people the opportunity to step out of the everyday life.

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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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