Events

FFGAINS: A Brand For Every Body

Published

4 days ago

June 3, 2025

Coach

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

May 25th, 2025

Miami Swim Week is about to get a whole lot more active—and a whole lot more inclusive—thanks to FFGAINS, the rising athleisure and lifestyle brand making waves both on and off the court. With its fresh Pickleball Athleisure Collection, founder Jessyka Castillo is proving that fashion can do more than turn heads—it can change lives.

“I healed myself, literally, through movement,” Castillo shared. “My brand was birthed during my mental health decline, and so everything we do—every collection, every event—is grounded in the belief that movement can save lives. Because for me, it did.”

At this year’s Sip & Pickle event at Wynwood Marketplace, FFGAINS unveiled its first-ever women’s pickleball athleisure collection, alongside a sneak peek at its upcoming men’s line and the much-anticipated debut of its swimwear collection. Models from major agencies hit the courts in FFGAINS’ signature skort sets, complete with four-way stretch, breathable fabrics, and yes—hidden pockets. The vibrant “Miami Yellow,” inspired by a past collaboration during the 2023 Miami Open, continues to be the brand’s hottest seller.

“You wouldn’t believe how fast it flies,” Castillo laughed. “I’ve restocked that color more times than I can count. It’s not even in our brand strategy to keep reproducing capsules, but people won’t let it go. It just hits that Miami vibe perfectly.”

But FFGAINS is more than stylish courtwear. Born from a few Saturday morning beach workouts that Castillo hosted to shake off weekend hangovers and bad vibes, the brand quickly grew into a full-blown movement. What started with a group text to friends now spans across cities like L.A., D.C., Atlanta, and even Turks and Caicos. Community is at its core, and inclusivity is stitched into every seam.

“As a plus-size girl, I just couldn’t find anything that made me feel good and look good,” she explained. “Mass retail would always try to hide our bodies—big flowers, weird cuts—and I didn’t want to hide. I wanted to show up, confidently.”

That frustration turned into innovation. While getting her nails done in downtown Miami, Castillo mentioned her dream of launching her own line. Her nail tech revealed she had a factory connection in Romania—and the rest, as they say, is history. Because FFGAINS sources materials from Europe, they’ve also managed to avoid major supply chain issues and tariffs, which has helped keep quality high and inventory flowing.

“Everything is intentional,” Castillo said. “No logos on the outside, premium Italian fabrics, limited capsule drops—our clothes are meant to move with you from the court to the club. I give keynote speeches in the same outfits I travel in.”

That seamless style is paying off. With FFGAINS now being stocked at Megalit in Downtown Miami and regularly popping up at local events, the brand is becoming a staple for South Florida’s active community. “We’re baby right now,” she said, “but I don’t think we’re going to be a baby for long—not in this crowd.”

Even with expansion on the horizon—like the new men’s line featuring soft cotton tees and coordinated short sets—Castillo isn’t straying from her original mission. During Mental Health Awareness Month, she doubled down on her commitment to wellness by hosting community events and financial workshops that reflect FFGAINS’ dual focus on fitness and financial literacy.

“We’re called Fitness and Financial Gains for a reason,” she said. “It’s not just about working out. It’s about taking control of your life—your body, your mind, your money. Because those things are all connected.”

The company also embraces diversity in sizing, offering apparel from extra-small to 3X, and even dabbling in mommy-and-me sets and youth pieces for the next generation of confident movers.

“There are women who have to shop in the kids’ section at Walmart because they’re so petite, and there are curvy women who want to wear crop tops and feel sexy on a paddleboard,” she said. “We’re here for all of them.”

That inclusivity was on full display during the Model Pickleball Tournament, where teams of models played in FFGAINS gear, showcasing not just the functionality of the clothes but also the fun, fierce energy of the brand. All this buzz led up to the official FFGAINS Miami Swim Week Runway Show on May 31st at the Surfcomber Hotel, a collaboration with Fusion Fashion Events that promises to bring even more bold, body-positive energy to South Beach.

As Castillo puts it: “MOVE!… Like your mental health depends on it.”

And in a world that’s finally starting to understand the connection between wellness, community, and confidence, FFGAINS is right where it belongs—at the intersection of fashion and purpose.

You can shop the collection at ShopFFGAINS.com or follow their journey on Instagram @fitnessfinancialgains.

FFGAINS owner appears with models during Miami Swim Week Model Pickball Tournament.
FFGAINS owner appears with models during Miami Swim Week Model Pickball Tournament.

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Art Hearts Fashion Took the Lead at Swim Week

Coach

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.

Events

Art Hearts Fashion Took the Lead at Swim Week

Published

4 days ago

June 3, 2025

McKaela Lulic

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.

: Papi Swim

: Pia Bolt

: Slay Swimwear

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.

: Caroline Derpienski

: Love For Upcycling

: David Tupaz

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.

Events

Miami Swim Week’s Kick-Off

Published

5 days ago

June 2, 2025

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.