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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.

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.

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

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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