BEST OF MIAMI SWIM WEEK 2022
- A fashion review by Sophia Rahimi
“But Miami Swim Week is more than just skimpy fabric on beautiful bodies, it’s all about the scene.”
Last week, Miami hosted one of the most anticipated fashion events of the year: Miami Swim Week. In recent years, this event has begun to rival New York Fashion Week, with celebs flocking to the front row and music artists joining the models on stage. Onlookers were wowed by the fit and curvy bodies, new swim trends, and parade of influencers that strutted the catwalks. In addition to some of the top names in swimwear, some household-name fashion brands debuted their swim collections at this year’s event, including Pretty Little Thing and Nike – whose surprise showing left the audience aghast.
With each show I attended – finding my space among the star-studded crowd – my excitement grew. How could I ever pick a favorite for review? Lucky for me, a list will do. Here’s a summary of my Miami Swim Week faves:
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Riot Swim
From maxi dresses to high-waist bikini bottoms to Brazilian cut two-pieces, all the items shown were very elegant and clean cut. The models stunned in quality material fashioned into this year’s latest trends with great care. Each suit was very flattering and sexy, including the items with more modest coverage. The founder, Monti Landers, accomplished her mission of creating a multifunctional line. The functions are comfort, design, and style.
Poster Girl
Perhaps my favorite of the week, Poster Girl is a London-Based brand founded by Francesca Capper & Natasha Somerville. Both ladies have impressive backgrounds, including experience from top-tier fashion houses such as Galliano, Bvlgari, Dior, and more. From bikini bottoms with audacious and oversized glittering belt buckles to drop waist dresses to cut out catsuits, the line was wildly unique. It’s not surprising that the brand is a hit among celebrities such as Vanessa Hudgens, Kylie Jenner, and Megan Fox. Presented at Soho Beach House with a catwalk that circumvented the pool, Poster Girl’s 2022 show took the concept of swim design to a level of high fashion.
Natalia Fedner
Natalia Fedners couture specializes in “stretch metal,” a material that she patented in 2021. From long-sleeve T’s rocked by gorgeous, dread-headed male models to glistening garter belts, this material sparkled with every perfectly placed step this season. I anticipate seeing this line on the red carpet as well as at this Summer’s hottest pool parties.
MONDAY SWIM
Natasha Oakley and Devin Brugman’s line, Monday Swim, is very feminine with prestige fabrics that are soft to touch. The materials used are eco-friendly and very lightweight. This year’s show took place at the PAIRAISO Tent where Fetty Wap performed as the models walked down the runway wearing swimwear we deem staples.
But Miami Swim Week is more than just skimpy fabric on beautiful bodies, it’s all about the scene. And some of this year’s show steelers created the Summer vibes we’ve all been waiting for. Being part of the crowd was an honor for these next selects:
Sports Illustrated
Needless to say, Sports Illustrated is the most awaited show of the season, boasting top models and hot new looks. Hosted at the W Hotel, the show was HIGH energy, and the models were really having fun. Plus and high fashion stars alike danced down the runway through the center of the pool. Live on the catwalk, reality start Nicole Williams English announced her pregnancy, accompanied by her NFL-vet husband. Other big names included Jasmine Sanders, Camille Kostek, Brooks Nader, and Olivia Ponton and starts like Cindy Prado littered the crowd, which stayed until 3am as the after party raged on.
Pretty Little Thing
Showcasing for the first time, Pretty Little Thing debuted a very vibrant collection with rich and multicolor tones atop a Miami rooftop. Models/influencers such as Tokyo Styles, Marilyn Melo, Sierra Skye, Jayda Cheaves, and Sofia Jamora strutted down the runway using their ending pose to dance and twerk. Sophia Pippen and Candice, among other top influencers, twinkled in the front row. The brand provided every guest with gift bags with some sought-after skincare products from both their line and others, like Mario Badescu. The afterparty took place at the GALA night club where NE-YO surprised the crowd with a throwback performance. Alto chauffeured guests to and from the event, free of charge – a delight that had us all drinking ‘til morning.
Nike
Unless you happened to be in the right tent at the right time, you would have never known Nike was showing a swimwear line, as the brand put forth no preceding press. Debuting at 1am, the new collection was very on-brand for Nike: diverse, comfortable, and practical with sports-bra style bikini tops and full coverage bottoms. If you happen to be a lucky onlooker – or have a rare back-stage pass, like me – it was a great way to end the week.