Miami Swim Week 2010 in Review

Miami Swim Week 2010 may be the biggest fashion event in Miami to date. Staged at The Raleigh Hotel in Miami Beach, the five days included runway shows, after parties and fashion events supported by Mercedes Benz. In true Miami style, the five day fashion frenzy presented a series of fashion shows along lush poolside presentations and plenty of sightings by celebrities in exclusive private cocktail parties. But Swim Week wasn't just glitz and glamour; it's also business-oriented, with the official Swim Show trade show headquartered at the Miami Beach Convention Center. For many local designers, the eventful week was a great launching pad for their collections to attract international exposure.

The show featured new collections from the veteran swimwear designers to newcomers. Designers presented included Beach Bunny, Tibi, Poko Pano, True Religion, Caffe, Crystal Jin, Vitamin A and V Del Sol, Marysia Swim, Mara Hoffman, and more. Collections featured an eclectic range of styles including sexy one-pieces, teeny weeny bikinis and free flowing kaftans.

The week kicked off with the Tibi show in the Cabana Grande, the largest of the tents nestled around the Raleigh Hotel. The Raleigh, famous for its lavish pool, set the perfect backdrop for the series of swim week events. Tibi showcased a striking metallic collection and graphic suits in eye-catching prints. Established swim designer, Vitamin A's collection featured an international traveler's palette featuring neon bright graphics to desert-inspired earth tones. The relatively newcomer Costa Rica-based brand, V Del Sol, also based its collection on inspired travels. Unique prints in the collection featured a look of hand-painted vintage postcards. There were also nautical prints and liquid metallics, overall a good assortment of styles to please any fashion taste.