Miami Swim Week in Review

This week Miami kicked off Mercedes-Bens Fashion week with a series of swimwear shows staged around the stunning Raleigh Hotel pool. The first day of show debuted Boheme Boutiques' swimwear collection for men & women as the models strutted down water-filled runways. The men's line emphasized a sporty feel featuring windbreaker trunks in bright colors and the ladies donned a bohemian inspired look, with beaded cover-ups and accessorized with head scarves and straw hats.

TIBI's collection was shown on day 2 with bright bold prints and metallics in classic silhouettes like one-shoulder one-pieces and bandeau bikinis. The cover-ups were designed to take you straight from the sand on Ocean Drive to the velvet ropes on Collins Avenue. Marysia Swim wrapped up the night with her retro influenced collection. The feminine line featured high-waisted bottoms and with suits with plenty of ruffle details. The designs were nostalgic of classic 50's pin-up swimsuits and even styled with swim cap hats but showed a twist of modernism with neutral color tones and bursts of florescent colors.

True Religion showed on the following day, staying true to its style with denim bikinis. The hippie insipred collection featured menswear as well as womenswear with plaid prints, embroidery, and stud details much like their popular jeans. Finally, Red Carter's show also featuring men and women suits, showed bright florescent accessories against bold black & white prints. The collection reflected a punk look, with models overly accessorized with chunky neon bracelets and necklaces, heart shaped sunglasses and thick waist belts merchandised over suits. Finally L*Space by designer Monica Wise closed the night with her swimsuit line that featured sexy cut-out suits. The line showed bright solids with gold ring hardware details that made it simple and sophisticated.

The bi-annual Miami International Merchandise Mart trade show followed the runway shows down the street at the Miami Beach Convention Center. The trade show, which features exhibitors representing over 2,000 swimwear lines from around the world is where buyers can see what designers who did not show on the runway have to offer.