It was Derby time at the Maaji Swimwear show for Mercedes
Fashion Week Swim. Columbian esigners Juliana Londoño and Nani Valenzuela created a “Royal Riders” theme for their
runway. The collection featured a mix of
swimwear and active wear with a preppy, equestrian aesthetic with a twist.
Gingham,
plaids, detailed horse prints and florals were executed in neon and nude
colors. The bikinis were paired with
tweed jackets, riding helmets, riding crops and platform heeled oxfords. Jackets had variations of racing
ribbons. Skimpy suits were worn with
traditional cardigans and houndstooth capes.
The tennis rackets, suspenders and jockey clubs all made for an adorable
tongue-in-cheek take on stuffy country club style.
Elaborately
printed rash guards would look great doing double duty as a fashion top. Board shorts for men had corresponding prints
with contrast waistbands. This was the
one show I attended that offered a few men’s styles and male models to present
them. The bit of beefcake was much
appreciated by the female guests in attendance in the long sea of bikinis. Celebrity guests included TV personalities Serinda Swan, Adriana de Moura and Luann de Lesseps.
Hell, I know I’m
ready for a ride…
photos by Mariana Leung
