And just like that, another Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim season is over.
Monday shows are harder to fill as most of the industry insiders have left Miami, but nevertheless, the shows must go on and seats fill with guests lucky enough to get one -- and enjoy some fashion.
Day five started with the much anticipated LA line, Wildfox Couture. I literally was texted 'til the last second by Miami’s underground fashion mavens, artist and fans of the brand anxious to find out if they could hide in my bag. Wish I could have brought a few, as they would have brought fashion styles that would have been appreciated by photographers and fashion editors alike.
But the show took care of that. Starting with a red-lit room and the sounds of the James Bond theme, the Wildfox show kicked off. Nancy Sinatra’s “These Boots Are Made For Walking” started playing and a blue-haired, red-booted model strutted out in a one-piece Union Jack suit. She’s bouncy, young and energetic, and the crowd loves her.
STORY CONTINUES BELOW.
Jipsy at Swim Week 2013: Monday
The presentation continued with playful models styled in the new Spring 2013 collection, which included a black one piece with the mantra “Vacation, Get A Tan, Swim Forever, Margarita” on the front. There’s also beach tops, sunglasses and towels. After the show, I asked the designers what their plans were here in Miami after the show.
“We’re all going skinny dipping tonight. The whole Wildfox team,” shared Emily Faulstich. (Sorry guys, I would have tweeted a location, but they didn’t share that bit of info.)
The rain did threaten the rest of the shows, but we did not stop. Next was the sophisticated presentation of ANK by Mirla Sabino. Beautiful solid pieces and cover ups with a more earthy color palate than some other swim lines. This Brazilian designer has a following, and I am part of the clan.
Missed the live A.Z. Araujo swim presentation, but caught a sneak peak at the new collection that was inspired by Carmen Miranda. Hello. That already sounds like a party! This Brazilian designer created bold and colorful prints for both women and men with plenty of fruits, parrots and hibiscus prints. Complementing the collection, models wore Palmer products down the runway.
My final two shows were group shows. Design houses Aguaclara, Aquarella Swimwear, Cote d'Or Swimwear for one show and Anna Kosturova, Dorit, Keva J and Naila at the other. Both were packed with coverups and swimsuits but by then my head was not wrapping around what I loved. There was Real Housewife of Miami Adriana De Moura, who walked for Keva J, and a one piece with a pearl V-collar neckline by Cote d’Or that I am not sure how I feel about. I mean, who is going to wear pearls to the ocean or pool? Wait, I would -- and that suit was pretty fab in my book.
The Spring 2012 season for swimwear is now in the past but the runway collections will soon be available by fall. For now, we have an idea where the trends are going and what to expect. But don’t forget to wear what you want and enjoy fashion. Sometimes, the designers are looking at you to see what’s next in fashion! Enjoy your summer swimming! -- Jipsy