Aguaclara Swimwear Summer 2017

Ready for some beastly bikinis? Just kidding. Aguaclara Swimwear's 2017 show at Miami Swim Week brought out the jungle chic. There were beautiful prints in palm fronts. There were graphic leopard prints and artful variations on stripes. Dramatic cover-ups were embellished with feathers for the parrots and peacocks of the group. Shoestring thin straps were used in strategic ways to lace up or highlight parts of the body.

Aguaclara Swimwear is a Peruvian label built by the sibling team of Liliana and Jorge Villalobos who wanted their country to be a leader in sophisticated, exotic looks as the beach. This season, the monokini reigned supreme on their runway. Sexy cut-outs drew attention to small waists and curvy hips. Bikinis were trimmed in tassels for extra movement when the model walked. The cover-up dresses really looked like dresses one could wear away from the beach. That's always handy at luxury resorts.

Aguaclara definitely had some of the prettiest prints of Miami Swim Week. I am a little intimidated by the minimal coverage of some of the swimsuits for me personally, but they are smokin' on everyone else.

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Miami Swim Week: Indah Summer 2017

Boho girl at the beach? Indah Swimwear designers Libby DeSantis and Janelle Gauthier will take care of you. Their 2017 collection for summer has tassels and crochet details for the woman looking to express Bohemian chic near the water.

Lacy details and crochet adorned necklines, pelvic lines, straps, and bodices in relaxed cover-up dresses. Long straps were both functional and decorative to accent the simple, Hippie vibe. There were bold stripes and subtle patterns in some of the looks, but the strongest bikinis and one-piece suits were the styles that worked the cut-out details and sexy silhouettes. The curves of the leg openings or back thongs emphasized the butt (Miami is an ass-centric town). The peek-a-boo effect was suggestive without being vulgar.

The crochet look was further continued by the accessories from My Beachy Side. These were the perfect pairing with the Indah swimsuits. They were a great way to dress up a bikini when you still plan on being comfortable and barefoot at the beach. Turkish entrepreneur Gamze Ates conceived the collection of  hand-knitted barefoot beach accessories. They are hand-knitted by Turkish and Syrian refugees who negotiate fair pricing for their labor so they can obtain financial independence.

Indah Clothing was also socially conscious in the production of their show. Top designers often get a lot of sponsors for a runway presentation. The designers donated a portion of those dollars to benefit an organization called Haleleakeiki.org. The non-profit works to create programs like surfing and art initiative to inspire children of Kaua'i to live active, drug-free lives.

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Miami Swim Week: Maaji 2017

The winner of best styling of Miami Swim Week goes to Maaji's Summer 2017 runway show. The Columbian swimwear brand always takes a theme and go crazy with it. This season, it was a 1970's, weekend getaway, summer camp vibe. I watched the super-charged energy of the rehearsal with glee, knowing this would be a terrific fashion show to shoot.

Unfortunately, the roller skating models were taken out during the actual show as there were too many accidents waiting to happen. Big bunches of balloons, giant inflatable doughnuts, surfboards and all manner of pastel props like oversized cameras, radios and sunglasses were part of the theme. Large lifesaver rings were perfect for framing certain parts of the body. Exaggerated ice cream cones and sippy cups provided a provocative prop for models to pose with.

Motifs were mermaids and sea-inspired. There were retro patterns and a sunny bright pastel color palette with rib knits and textured jacquard. In addition to swimwear, there were athleisure pieces and board shorts for the guys. Dresses had 1970s style ruffles. The athletic wear was more functional than pure fashion. There were printed soft nylon mesh fabric with engineered supportive bras and compression features in the zippered bottoms. The models may have been loaded up with accessories for a theatrical catwalk, but deep down, Maaji gear is for active lifestyles.

You have to love a brand that produces a show with a Go Big or Go Home attitude. Maaji summer 2017 is one of my favorite design labels to show in Miami, and they did not disappoint.

Photos by Mariana Leung

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Miami Fashion Week: Gottex Swimwear 2017

Gottex is remembered as the elegant show of Miami Swim Week. The models are styled with long, flowing cover-ups that easily double as evening wear. This label always has my favorite prints. The standout patterns included a rich, dark peacock and a graphic animal print that looked like a stripe. Speaking of stripes, there were some great silhouettes where stripes were used to flattering effwct around the body.

While some swimwear is great for partying or sunning at the beach, Gottex looks like it is perfect for striking a pose on a yacht. Design director Keren Gasner has been great at moving the brand ahead with classic sophistication, but updated silhouettes and prints. Simply beautiful. 

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Miami Swim Week: Lume Swimwear 2017

Ready to make your body a canvas? Lume Swimwear believes in fashion, art and giving back. Their Summer 2017 collection featured several artwork styles. There was an abstract painted brushstroke design, tribal patterns, and mosaic tile prints. 

Lume Swimwear commits itself to producing an ethical fashion brand and fair trade. They pay their worker's fair wages but also donate a percentage of the profits back to the communities of their employees. They consider themselves a collection with a conscience. In manufacturing, they do not use water in their printing process and use recycled plastic for their packaging.

The styles were rather sporty. The halter neck bikini top was popular with Lume Swimwear this season, as were ruffled crops and pieces with contrast straps. While most models in fashion shows maintain a cool demeanor, all of the models at this show were having a great time smiling and flirting with the photographers. The long tassels on some looks were great for swinging around. Little fringe trimmed cover-ups were also used to photogenic effect.

If you want to splurge on a swimwear brand that makes you feel good and looks good, Lume Swimwear's 2017 collection would be the place to shop!

all photos by Mariana Leung

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Miami Swim Week: Lila Nikole & Kruzin Footwear Summer 2017

This fashion show from Lila Nikole and Kruzin Footwear wins the award for being the first to rain out of the runway. The show started an hour late to the detriment of the designers. All of the guests had watched the increasing onslaught of lightning the entire hour leading up to the show.

The outdoor runway was suspended over the new venue of the Nautilus hotel. The show opened with a great tribal print bikini and extra long wrap by designer Lila Nikole. The Summer 2017 collection was called "Tribez." It looked to Native warriors as the muse. It featured updated tribal prints in color palettes inspired by African tribes.

The swimwear looks were paired with Kruzin footwear, a flashy footwear brand launched by Alessandra Gold, a Miami-based stylist. My favorite shoes were the metallic leather high tops with extended laces. The brand is a favorite among rappers Lil Wayne and Flo Rida.

Unfortunately, the models and guest were rained right off the runway. The downpour came crashing down and soaked everything and everyone. While the lightning and thunder started, I was keenly aware that the photographer pit was positioned directly under a tall metal structure of lights right in the middle of the open pool area. Had the show started on time, all would have been good. Since it was so late, I'm sure many people missed out on some great looks.

Lila Nikole and Alessandra Gold of Kruzin at Miami Swim week were a great duo of female designers. Too bad it was a soggy one.

Photos by Mariana Leung

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Mr. Triple X Swimwear

If there is anyone who brings outright kinkiness to the runway, it's Mister Triple X. The sexy West Coast brand made its debut at Miami Swim Week with the Art Hearts organization.

Slick silver stretch fabrics, pouting lip motifs, strappy high heels were executed in swimsuits that were cut very low in the front, very high on the leg and deeply cut everywhere else. The looks were clearly shaped to highlight every errogenous zone available. For the men, the swim shorts were printed in suggestive textures or with placed prints to highlight "the goods". While the styles were made for swim, their inspiration was from the street.

The atmosphere with every Mister Triple X show was highly charged. Creative director Erik Rosete's label is a favorite among celebs in Los Angeles. His work with Art Hearts brings awareness and raises funds for organizations like AIDS healthcare and the Make-A-Wish foundation.

photos by David TW Leung

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Suboo Embellished Swim 2016

 Suboo brought the swim style from Down Under. The Australian swimwear brand showed a posh, embellished collection at the elegant Setai hotel in Miami. Bikinis certainly dominated the runway. From the amount of skin on display, the teenier the better.

Designer Sue Di Chio worked rich prints into the fabrics. There were options for the small chested to the underwired tops for fuller women. Most striking was the variety of embellishments and embroidery on these bikinis. There were graphic sequin patterns, 3-dimensional beading in abstract designs or chunky floral motifs.

photos by David TW Leung

Each runway ensemble was additionally styled with dramatic, over-sized statement jewelry. Huge necklaces that doubled as body sculptures or bracelet cuffs. They looked like bigger, knotted versions of the embroidery on the suits themselves. Hair was styled with pop color extensions or long colored feathers. I thought of it as Blue Lagoon chic on acid.

Suboo 2016 was gorgeous, sultry and fun. Bondi Beach in Australia is legendary and I wouldn't be surprised if this collection is the reason.

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Top Trends from Miami Swim Week

The hottest fashion shows of the country (both literally and in attitude) was in South Beach. Distinct fashion trends from Miami Swim Week emerged. We rounded up the top trends for the beach for the upcoming year:

Get a hold on the best fashion trends for the beach

Flash Tattoos 
Metallic body jewelry was everywhere. I saw these on multiple runways and all over the streets. It makes sense. actual jewelry is too heavy in the humidity and how else do you glam up your look when you're wearing nothing more than a few inches of bikini?

Fringe 
This was the one of the top trends for the fall 2015 shows in New York Fashion Week. This detail also ruled the runways of Miami as well. Fringe decorated everything from necklines to sleeves to skirts and tunic hems. Any body part you can shake is a place that you can add some fringe.

The Butt-revealing Cut
 The posterior is the erogenous zone of this decade. While thongs are more daring than many women are comfortable with, the high-cut back to frame the behind was popular across almost every collection I saw in South Beach. I'm just waiting for the hip-hop community to immortalize this silhouette in music.

Photos by Mariana Leung and David TW Leung

Bollywood Chic
Several swimwear labels looked to the East for their muse this season. The Filthy Haanz show used gold thread embroidery, color-blocked styles inspired by the Indian flag and prints that took its muse from the graffiti of Mumbai. Dijana's fashion show opened with traditional Indian dancers. San Lorenzo Bikinis opened their show paying tribute to yoga and multi-limbed deities.

South Beach brought the heat. Now it's up to your to bring Miami Swim Week's hot trends to your own sandy runway.

Check out The Hottest Runways of Miami Swim Week 2016
by Ms. Fabulous at Mode

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Miami Swim Week: Lila Nikole 2016

The runway shows of Miami Swim Week hosted collections from all over the world. Lila Nikole 2016 however, was the hot swimwear label that actually represented the locals. The designer brought her own Latin heritage and the South Florida community to the catwalk of South Beach's 1 Hotel.

photos by Mariana Leung

There were ultra-bright solid hues and vivid prints as part of the avant-garde swimwear cuts. There were super-high cut legs or backsides or cap sleeve suits and plunging necklines. The sporty feel of the collection was emphasized with the over-sized visor shades and high-top sneakers that accessorized the models.

Being a part of the local community, Lila Nikole involves herself and the company with organizations like Make-a-Wish and the Boys and Girl's Club of Miami. Her fans include celebs like Kim Kardashian and Mya.

Her swimwear outfits the local sports team's cheerleaders to really show her neighborhood pride.

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Miami Swim Week: Gottex 2016

Gottex is one of the poshest swimwear collections at Miami Swim Week. Something about their vivid color prints and detailing just makes their swimwear look like only fit in on a million-dollar yacht in St. Tropez or Cannes.

I just can't picture a woman swimming laps in a generic pool, or barely getting wet in these looks in general. There were elegant hardware embellishments, eveningwear style shirring, and metallic fabrics. I fell in love with the gorgeous embroidered flowers, but would be afraid to destroy them at the nearest swim-up bar.

Perhaps that's just the accomplishment of the designers to create a collection that looks that lovely. The luxury swimwear label is accessible but doesn't look it. It maintains an upscale persona for customers to strive for.

The look is sexy, but more flattering (i.e. forgiving) than they initially look. The twist front styling or the shirring at the waist disguise softer parts. The low cuts or high cuts elongate parts of the body you would want to extend. The sheer wraps of fabric around the body conceal and distract the eye more than reveal. As you can see, playing with a flowing piece of material just looks dramatic (and fun).

Gottex Swimwear 2016 will be your go-to label when you want to dress to impress at the beach club. If you want the look of high-end designer details, but still be able to fall into the pool, this collection is for you.

photos by Mariana Leung

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Miami Swim Week: Maaji 2016 Rhapsody Road

So who is ready to hit the road? Columbian label Maaji brought the most enticing mix of athleisure, active and swimwear to the Miami Swim Week Funkshion runway. I love watching their fashion shows, no other designers commit so fully to accessorizing their looks as this collection.

The designers include Juliana Londoño, Nani Valenzuela and Andrea Gomez. As sexy as the whimsically printed bikinis, shorts and activewear was, it really was meant to carry out a goat road trip. Men (yay!) and women strutted their tanned bodies to project activities like hiking, yoga, tennis, paddling in the cutest outfits you could want. Multi-pocketed vests (like my Dad would wear) helmets, rackets or a backpack bigger than the model were all a part of the Maaji look this season.

The color palette was a bunch of candy colors like floss pink, turquoise, lemon yellow, lime and orange.It was very much a traveller, hippie journey (complete with macrame details) with the quirkiest group of your friends. It all ended with a huge runway selfie with the design team.

The show reminded me of that last nostalgic summer with your buddies before everyone headed off to be an adult. Enjoy the Maaji 2016 road trip!

photos by Mariana Leung

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Miami Swim Week: San Lorenzo Bikinis 2016

 San Lorenzo Bikinis brought serenity from Hawaii. Designer Lisseth Figueroa started in Peru before moving to the South Pacific. Like many of the top swimwear labels, Figueroa found the market was missing the South American silhouettes with a Hawaiian sensibility.

The San Lorenzo Bikinis runway at Miami Swim Week was a display of zen. The theme was "Mind, Bali and Soul". The models strolled down the runway with tropical flowers entwined in their hair or carried in baskets for a message of hospitality. The opening look emulated a multi-limbed deity, while other looks carried spiritual symbols.

The suits themselves naturally included many bikinis. Some were barely there, held together with a creative arrangement of ties. My favorite style was the wrap bikini with cutouts on the side offered in solid colors and prints. The prints were a mix of pastel watercolor textures that the zen of rippling water. The star one-piece suit however, was the majestic lion's head print.

The collection was designed for versatility. Tops and bottoms were intended to be interchangeable and fabrics used were often reversible. It's no surprise that San Lorenzo Bikinis has fans in celebrities like Chrissy Teigen, Behati Prinsloo and Kate Hudson.

photos by David TW Leung

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Miami Swim Week: Sinesia Karol 2016

 Brazilian elegance. Designer Sinesia Karol 's Resort 2016 collection was a combination of South American chic mixed with her Massachusetts sensibility. As a big fan of the arts, she works with artists to create the beautiful prints of her looks.

This runway show was set in the Setai Hotel's inner courtyard on a floating runway. The setting was dramatic, the models glided down the runway (though often at risk of falling into the water itself). Many of the looks could double as evening wear. The luxurious fabrics were intended to be so light that the wearer doesn't even feel them on her skin.

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Miami Swim Week: Luli Fama Swimwear 2016

Of all the different family businesses in the fashion industry, Luli Fama has one of the most original. The design duo consists of Lourdes "Luli" Hanimian with partner and brother-in-law Augusto Hanimian. Their Miami Swim Week Show was a big party. Those of us in the media always look forward to their show because we know it will be fun.

Their 2016 resort show opened with native dancers and drummers to set the festive tone. The high fashion swimwear that followed has a gorgeous display of prints. There was a group of digitally manipulated geometrics that also worked in Aztec motifs. There was a beautiful group of paisleys in feminine color palettes. There were animal prints that recolored into other-worldly hues. Think leopard and snakeskin as interpreted by aliens (but sexy!).

Luli Fama Resort 2016 was also about fringe fringe fringe. They were on hems, full skirts, sleeves and necklines. When you have very little on, why not enhance the movement of the body parts as they move?

photos by David TW Leung

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Miami Swim Week: Filthy Haanz Swim 2016

Unlike most of the collections showing in South Beach, the swimwear brand of Filthy Haanz hails from Canada. Their runway show at Miami Swim Week had plenty of style for the guys and ladies, often coordinated (if you're one of those obnoxious couples that dress alike, you're in luck).

The three main design directions were a color-blocked group. They almost looked like flags for some tropical paradise nation I would love to visit. The next was an artistic graffiti print of vivid colors. My favorite was a more regal, Indian-inspired collection. This collection had bright fushia, white and gold embroidery that evoked the elegance of saris. Creative director Wilver Tellez was inspired by the looks he saw during a recent trip to Mumbai.

For the guys, it was all about slim fitting shorts and shorter shorts. For the women, there was a mix of sassy bikinis or more practical one-piece suits that were printed in flattering lines. I love that these suits were really made to get wet. These are for the sporty guys and gals who are ready to play hard, but want to look good doing it. Nice job gentlemen!

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MIAMI SWIM WEEK: Gottex Summer 2014

For a dose of European chic in South Beach, look no further than the Gottex show at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim.  The luxury swimwear collection was presented on a runway inside the SLS Hotel pool in Miami.

The color combinations of deep blue, tangerine, purple, turquoise and hot fushia made for a sophisticated palette.  The patterns were a mix of bold color block combined with intricate ethnic and art deco inspired prints.  Coordinating scarf prints and cover-ups looked fashionable enough to wear as a your summer soiree ensemble away from the poolside.  The matching scarf was also used to create coordinating jewelry, by wrapping them around big bangles.  (A good tip for any summer outfit!)

The striking colors and patterns from the 2013 were instantly recognizable on fashion week guests this year.  They were being worn as summer dresses at a luncheon right before the show of fashion editors and looked fantastic, proving how timeless a fantastic print can be.

Creative Director Molly Grad has a background designing for Stella McCartney, YSL and Ferre, so it is no surprise that she has brought a couture sensibility to poolside style.

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MIAMI SWIM WEEK: Nicolita's Booty Shaker

It was all about the booty at Nicolita's fashion show at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim on Saturday.  The outfits themselves celebrated the era of vintage Cuban glamour, back when old Hollywood saw it as its playground.  The models were styled like classic starlets of the 1950's and pin-up girls.

Bows and ruffles accented backsides against a soundtrack of Beyonce's Bootylicious and Sir Mix-a-lot's Baby Got Back.  Designer Nicole Di Rocco's collection focuses on flattering a woman's curves.  The retro prints and silhouettes were perfectly at home in South Beach among all of the old hotels of the Art Deco era.

Hair was set in rollers tied with a pretty scarf.  Jewelry included big hoops and buttons. While the models on this runway were a little curvier than those you see on the anemic runways of New York, I still don't think any of their behinds truly encompassed the scale of "Big Butts" and "BOOTY" being flashed on the wall and memorialized by the soundtrack.

What do you think?  How much booty do you think you should see in a show where it is the main theme?

Photos by Mariana Leung

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