Miami International University of Art & Design Makes Magical Memories At Swim Week
By: Hope Wilkos, Writer
Miami Beach went from wonderfully warm and inviting to sizzling hot this month from Thursday, the 14th through Tuesday, the 19th of July, 2016.
In 2015, Miami Swim Week decided to start a new chapter in tradition as Mercedes-Benz pulled out after years of sponsoring famous Miami Swim Week. The highly publicized event was a staple event each year in South Beach, beginning back in 2004. But, as we all know, the show must go on and good things do NOT come to an end after all. Swim Week has been a huge draw to Miami for years. Many fashion industry officials, who had previously sat on the sidelines, took the lead in organizing this new rendition. Sponsors, PR companies and the Funkshion Fashion Week team, were all very eager to get the party started once again this July. The new organizers of Miami Swim Week 2015 took heed of the numerous suggestions and advice that would help to make Swim Week 2016 even bigger, better and so much brighter.
Miami Swim Week 2016 kicked off with a bang as one of the most renowned fashion and art colleges in South Florida, Miami International University of Art & Design, was proud to be showcasing the creativity of 65 of their graduates and current students. The University was ecstatic to partner with Funkshion Swim Week for a second year. This provides opportunity for emerging and interested designers to receive additional exposure and launch their careers. The MIU show was the opener of Miami Swim Week as it was held on Thursday, July 14, 2016 within the makeshift tent located just steps from the gorgeous Atlantic Ocean. Those chosen to present their creations on the runway won that honor based on the appeal and uniqueness of their finished garment. They had to compete against fellow students to show they produced the best design.
Miami International University of Art & Design is definitely an international blend of cultures and many of the competitors have come from all parts of the world with little more than aptitude, determination and persistence. Peru native, Ximena Lopez, has that artistic talent in her blood, as do most of the members of her family. Initially, Ximena earned her Associate Of Art Degree in Business Administration. It seemed like one of her greatest accomplishments until she grew restless to follow her passion which led her directly to MIU to pursue a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Fashion Design. Chosen as one of the presenting designers, her pieces were high-tech, futuristic activewear for men, suited for swimming in tropical paradise.
Craig Armando Segura, traveling to enter the college from El Salvador, took his designs to the runway with modern minimalism. Imagine Rooney Mara in the ‘Girl With The Dragon Tattoo’ and then see the creation come to life, ready to ignite the beach. Powerfully done and inserting a feminine beauty to the designs, Segura is inspired by such extraordinary designers as Viktor & Rolf and Stephane Rolland. He ruled the runway.
Paola Andrea Torres, native of Colombia, delights in decadence with her attention to detail and elaborate placement of beading, pleats and crochet’ work. With her country of origin as the theme for what she designed and the inspiration behind her achievements, her swimwear stood out under the lights. With a romantic edge and plenty of beading and macrame’, Torres is inspired by only the best in the design world; Chanel, Lagerfeld, Carolina Herrera and Colombian designer, Silvia Tcherassi.
The excitement of a type of reenactment of Project Runway, made even more special by a large live audience, motivated each of the 65 designers, as the show took an energetic turn, displaying fashion-forward style and certainly one of the week’s favorite shows with its various enchanting swimwear and resort wear looks. Sitting within the venue and taking note of every stitch of detail, the ebbs and flows of the material, the flattering appearance the pieces gave to its wearer and the amount of skill that went into each design, the panel of judges ended the show by presenting the following awards:
Perry Ellis Womenswear Awards:
- Adriana Canals
- Katherine Sanchez
- Eiman Basher
- Craig Segura
Perry Ellis Menswear Awards:
- Deborah Bernstein
- Maria Jose Assuage
- Dayana Vega
- Natalia Velasqez
Adriana Canals designed a patriotic plunging black swimsuit shining with red stars glistening under the lights, each star outlined in white. A unique large red choker is the perfect accessory. She was modestly thankful for the award that she earned.
Deborah Bernstein designed a most unique menswear swimsuit and zipper down matching lightweight jacket. The suit was in the neutral color of black but with a swish of a pastel blue pattern, reminding us of the ocean, giving the suit a suave look, different than any other swimsuit of its kind. Deborah savored the applause for her successful creation.
For all you bride-to-be’s who dream of that fantasy beach wedding, there was even an exquisite white swimsuit complimented by a delicate adorned veil which is the most magnificent way to celebrate the waterfront union of bride and groom.
There is an abundance of talent behind the walls of Miami International University of Art & Design and this outstanding presentation at Miami Swim Week 2016 beneath the Funkshion Fashion Tent was a true testament to that. Congratulations to all the designers, they are all stars that we will continue to see within the fashion world!
Photos Courtesy of Simon Soong Photography
