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Dazzling Costumes and Spirited Nightlife at Fantasy Fest 2023

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Experience the Unique Blend of History, Creativity, and Nightlife in Key West’s Most Anticipated Festival, Fantasy Fest.

October 20th – 29th, 2023

Imagine a place where creativity knows no bounds, where the ordinary becomes extraordinary, and where a spirit of celebration fills the air. Welcome to Fantasy Fest 2023, a 10-day costuming extravaganza set against the backdrop of Key West’s historic streets and stunning beaches. Fantasy Fest primarily caters to adults with its revelry, risqué outfits, and spirited nightlife, but it’s worth noting that there are family-friendly events as well, making it a diverse and inclusive celebration.

Fantasy Fest has its roots in the late 1970s when a group of Key West locals came up with the idea to bring visitors to the island during a typically quiet season. Over the years, it has evolved into one of the wildest and most creative celebrations around. The 2023 theme, “Uniforms and Unicorns … 200 Years of Sailing into Fantasy,” commemorates the 200th anniversary of Monroe County’s establishment and the first Naval base in Key West. What sets Fantasy Fest apart is the sheer enthusiasm and creativity that permeates the event. Participants go all out with their costumes, transforming into everything from Navy personnel to mythical unicorns. The atmosphere is electric, and the island becomes a canvas for self-expression, attracting fun-loving revelers from around the globe.

When it comes to accommodations in Key West, you’ll find a wide range of options to suit your preferences and budget. From luxury resorts with stunning ocean views to cozy and budget-friendly hotels, Key West has it all. Many of these establishments offer special deals during the festival, so you can enjoy comfort and convenience close to the festivities. Key West also boasts a diverse culinary scene that caters to every palate. Seafood, local specialties, and international cuisines are all on the menu. You won’t want to miss some of the must-visit restaurants where you can savor delectable dishes. Whether you’re in the mood for fresh seafood or exotic flavors, Key West’s restaurants have you covered.

For those looking to take home a piece of Key West, there’s no shortage of shops and boutiques offering unique souvenirs and local crafts. From locally made art to clothing and accessories, you’ll find plenty of authentic products to commemorate your visit. Don’t forget to explore the bustling markets and hidden gems for the perfect keepsake. Beyond the Fantasy Fest celebrations, Key West offers a wealth of attractions and activities to explore. Museums, water sports, and nature excursions are just a few of the options for visitors to enjoy. Take the opportunity to immerse yourself in the island’s rich history and natural beauty alongside the festival.

Fantasy Fest is renowned for its exciting lineup of events and parades. The schedule includes an array of activities, from the Royal Coronation Ball, benefiting organizations like The Florida Keys SPCA, to the Captain Morgan Masquerade March that takes you on a tour of the island’s best sights. The Bud Light Fantasy Fest Parade, led by Grand Marshal ADM Finbar Gittelman, is a highlight you won’t want to miss. To make the most of your Fantasy Fest experience, consider some insider tips. Get your tickets in advance, arrange transportation around the island, and pack appropriately for the festivities. Discover hidden gems and lesser-known events that add an extra layer of excitement to your trip.

Fantasy Fest in Key West is more than just a festival; it’s a vibrant and unforgettable experience. With its unique blend of creativity, inclusivity, and celebration, this event allows you to immerse yourself in a world of fantasy. Whether you’re donning a dazzling costume, exploring the island’s attractions, or savoring local cuisine, Fantasy Fest promises memories that will last a lifetime. Plan your visit to Key West and be part of this spectacular celebration of “Uniforms and Unicorns … 200 Years of Sailing into Fantasy.”

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Rainbow Kitten Surprise Electrifies South Florida with A Soul-Stirring Performance

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Rainbow Kitten Surprise Deliver A Night of Raw Emotion and Turn the Venue Into a Cathartic Dance Floor – Photos and Review of the Rainbow Kitten Surprise Concert at the FTL War Memorial Auditorium in Ft Lauderdale, FL

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FFGAINS: A Brand For Every Body

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FFGAINS Is Rewriting the Rules of Fashion, Fitness and Financial Empowerment in Miami and Beyond. (more…)

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Art Hearts Fashion Took the Lead at Swim Week

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From bird queens to body glitter, Art Hearts Fashion lit up Eden Roc with unapologetic flair.


June 2nd, 2025

If the ballroom at Eden Roc Miami Beach could talk, it would still be catching its breath after a weekend of bold designs, wild performances, and unapologetically fabulous fashion. Art Hearts Fashion hosted two back-to-back nights of Swim Week magic that reminded everyone why Miami is that girl when it comes to turning a runway into a full-on experience.

From house music inspired graphics and metallic fringe to upcycled couture and belly dancing drama, here’s what went down and why it worked.

Friday: Neon, Nightlife, and Not-So-Innocent Swimwear

Friday’s vibe was “don’t call us subtle.” The ballroom pulsed like an underground club-meets-art gallery, and the fashion matched the mood.

  • Pia Bolte kicked things off with chaos in the best way: think animal prints, bedazzled corsets, and a general sense that anything could (and maybe did) happen.
  • CA RIO CA, Cirone SwimLingerie, and Coyote Jocks blurred swimwear and nightlife so thoroughly that no one was sure if they were headed to the beach or the DJ booth—and that was the point.
  • Slay Swimwear and Papi Swim closed the night with all gas, no breaks. The prints were loud, the cuts were daring, and the confidence was contagious.

By the end of the night, the ballroom was less fashion show and more electric playground and, nobody wanted to leave.

Saturday: Birds, Bells, and Beautiful Intentions

Saturday brought just as much energy, but with a little more soul. There was a clear shift toward statement-making fashion—with a few theatrical surprises thrown in for good measure.

  • Love for Upcycling opened with a collection made entirely from repurposed materials. Between the animal-inspired silhouettes and a model literally carrying a live parrot, it was giving eco-warrior chic and the crowd was living.
  • David Tupaz followed with floaty, toned down resort looks that whispered elegance..
  • Caroline Derpienski turned the tempo right back up with a Snake Collection that sparkled, shimmied, and swayed. It was all hips, gold, and glitter. Basically, fashion you don’t just wear, you perform.
  • Later acts from Joseph Auren, Henri Costa, BFyne, and Bad Pink brought metallics, fringe, futuristic cuts, and everything in between.

Each designer delivered something distinct, and yet the night felt beautifully cohesive. Everyone had a point of view, and nobody was playing it safe.

Nestled right along the glittering coastline, the Eden Roc Miami Beach proved to be more than just a backdrop. It was a co-star. With its mix of vintage Miami glamour and modern luxury, the hotel set the perfect tone for a weekend that celebrated both bold innovation and timeless flair. Walking into the ballroom felt like stepping into a curated dreamscape: sleek lighting, high-gloss floors, and enough air-kissed hellos to fill a red carpet.

The space struck a rare balance, intimate enough to feel exclusive yet grand enough to hold the weight of real fashion moments. The ocean breeze just outside the lobby, the iconic palm-lined drive, and the buzz of camera crews and couture-wrapped guests moving between hotel suites and the show floor gave everything the feel of an extended editorial shoot. It wasn’t just where the shows happened. It was where the weekend happened.

During intermissions, guests floated through the venue, cocktails in hand, mingling beneath chandeliers and recapping standout looks like seasoned fashion editors. With mezcal in one corner and mojitos in another, the space felt alive with conversation and camera flashes. There was a sparkle in the air, a vibe that made it feel like you weren’t just attending Swim Week. You were part of something cinematic.

Let’s be real. Swim Week at Eden Roc was a full-on vibe. It wasn’t just a series of fashion shows. It was a living mood board, a love letter to individuality, and a dance party dressed in metallic fringe. From the moment the first heel hit the runway to the final twirl on Saturday night, the energy was electric. You didn’t just watch the shows. You felt them.

Each designer brought their own version of bold, from recycled fabrics and resort-wear minimalism to glitter-drenched snake goddesses and futuristic jockstraps. It was a reminder that swimwear can be art, identity, celebration, and rebellion all at once. The crowd reflected that too, creative, expressive, and fully dressed for the moment.

While the runway looks took center stage, the heart behind Art Hearts Fashion quietly grounded the entire experience. The platform isn’t just about putting beautiful people in beautiful clothing. It’s about using the power of fashion to drive change, lift voices, and give back. With partnerships like Make-A-Wish®, AIDS Healthcare Foundation, and Project Cancerland, Art Hearts proves that fashion can and should do more than just look good.

What makes it all feel different is the sincerity. There’s no preachy undertone, no performance for clout, just an honest integration of purpose and creativity. From inclusive casting and emerging voices to boundary-pushing collections like Love for Upcycling, the message was clear. Impact isn’t the accessory. It’s the outfit.

If this weekend had a dress code, it would be “Come exactly as you are, but make it fabulous.” And that ethos carried into every detail, the drinks, the dancing, the applause, the backstage selfies, the whispered “who’s that designer?” conversations.

Swim Week wasn’t just fun. It was freeing.

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Miami Swim Week’s Kick-Off

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ELLE Swimwear Opened Miami Swim Week with Poolside Glam and Sunset Soundtracks.


May 28th, 2025

Leave it to ELLE Swimwear and Miami Swim Week® The Shows to throw the kind of party that sets the tone for the entire season: chic, sun-soaked and just the right amount of extra. On Tuesday night, the who’s who of fashionistas, influencers and perfectly tanned creatives gathered to celebrate the official kickoff of Miami Swim Week 2025, and let’s just say, the bar has been set high.

Tucked away on the ultra-exclusive Venetian Islands, the private waterfront villa felt more like a fashion fantasy than a party venue. Imagine stepping into a space where every palm is lit just right, the pool reflects the skyline like a high-gloss editorial, and the whole place hums with that “something fabulous is about to happen” feeling. It wasn’t just a backdrop, it was the mood.

And speaking of moods, let’s talk sushi. Sushi by Yasu was the evening’s culinary crown jewel. Each roll was a tiny masterpiece: fresh and delicate. Light enough to keep guests grazing, but satisfying enough to feel like a moment, the bites kept flowing all night, paired perfectly with champagne and curated cocktails.

The soundtrack of the night? DJ Brooke Brazelton spun a set that floated perfectly between rooftop lounge and full-body groove. Think vibey house, remixed classics, and the kind of bassline that makes strangers become dance partners. It wasn’t just background music—it moved the night along like a perfectly timed runway show. The crowd swayed, sipped and sparkled, and by midnight, the villa felt like the heartbeat of Swim Week itself.

As for the crowd, it was Miami at its best. A stunning blend of models, stylists, editors and locals who looked like they walked straight off a set. There were breezy linens, sheer mesh, bold swimwear, and sunglasses that stayed on long after the sun went down. The fashion was fearless, the conversation flowed, and every corner of the villa buzzed with excitement and ambition.

Somewhere between the third glass of prosecco and the fifth compliment on someone’s outfit, it became clear, Miami Swim Week 2025 wasn’t just starting. It had arrived. And if this kick-off party was just the beginning, we’re all in for a summer of serious style.

Bookmark it now: this is the summer where swimwear slays, the music flows, and the vibes are always turned way up. See you at the next villa.

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Adam Fu Unplugged: Art, Identity, Dialogue

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Fu Real: Lighting Up the Walls with Spray, Stories and AAPI Pride. (more…)

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Las Olas Wine & Food Festival – REVIEW

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Sips, Bites, and Boulevard Vibes: A Night at the 2025 Las Olas Wine & Food Festival.

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Ears to Victory: Behind the Buttered Battles

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Corn, Competition and Calories: Behind the Scenes at the Sweet Corn Fiesta with Major League Eating’s Top Contenders.
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South Florida Watermelon Festival – REVIEW

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South Florida’s Watermelon Festival Debuts a Juicy Slice of Family Fun. (more…)

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