LOOKING BACK AT MERCEDES-BENZ FASHION WEEK SWIM 2013
By: Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger Photographer: George Whylie Videographer: Maxine NolanA gorgeous swimsuit makes the woman whether she’s on the beach, on the boat, in the pool or wherever she may choose to go. It’s all about accentuating the figure and appearing as if she is sizzling hot!
Last month, Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim 2013 brought us swimwear designers from across the globe. Each collection was exclusive and individualized and models walked the runway in the latest trends for the 2013 swimwear season.
Here is just a taste of some of the fabulous designers that debuted during that special week:
ECLAIREE’ – A chic look in swimwear and coverups using exquisite pastels and black and white to go to the extreme in color blocking for an unmatched elegance. Plunging necklines and high cut suits are what makes this line so beautiful.
Kelly Carrington is the creator behind the designs with a love of music, travel and art. These suits are great for the culturally traveled woman.
POKO PANO – A swimwear brand with roots in Brazil and inspired by seaside resorts and the relaxing atmosphere of exotic destinations. Stripes and prints paired in unusual rich ways, gold colors and macrame’ suits and coverups convey an international flavor.
Cutaway one-pieces and dazzling bandeaus in bikinis make for an avante garde wardrobe for a memorable vacation on the sea.
DOLORES CORTES – A state-of-the-art Spanish brand with quality craftsmanship giving that personalized look to every suit that you slip into. Halter bustier tops, interestingly assembled one-piece suits in panasonic pastels, flowing chiffon coverups and prints that amaze and astound make this a winning collection fit for royalty.
VITAMIN A BY AMAHLIA STEVENS – This California cult of chic swimwear attracts celebrities and jet setters with teeny bikinis closed by fringe ties and accessorized with beads and bangles. Shiny suits look sleek and sexy. Tie-around suits hug the body and show off that hour-glass figure in attractive ways. Mix and match with a bohemian flair.
KOOEY AUSTRALIA – A widely recognized brand that has fun with cutting-edge fashion. These fashions are for both men and women and even simple can be so full of vitality. Solid halter tops pair easily with floral bottoms. We are taken back to the bathing beauties of the 60’s with high-cut hipsters. It is a collection that has the wearable functionality.
CAFFE’ SWIMWEAR – A Columbian beachwear brand with stylish swimwear in rich and radiant looks. Colors are vibrant and come alive on the runway. Bikini tops are one-shouldered in the hottest looks. Hints of sequins and sparkles give the coverups a richly luxurious appeal. Straw bags are important accessories that carry everything from beach towels to suntan lotion for a day of fun. Floral one-pieces with low cut bodices flatter the body.
AQUA DI LARA – This high fashion line uses only the finest quality European fabrics for daring styles. Reyhan Sofraci is inspired by her diverse travels and her swimwear sparks the imagination. There is a bit of color blocking with beautiful blues and beiges. Necklines are rounded and mixing of colors is mystical. Only parts of the body are exposed in expert ways. Sofraci makes the most of shapes and stripes and criss-cross closure. Her creativity shines through each piece that hits the runway.
MARA HOFFMAN – A designer who is known for every facet of design including a diverse brand of Resort Swim and Spring Swim, Mara is at the forefront of fashion. She is a member of the Council of Fashion Designers of America and her trademark is her imaginative approach to design and color. She draws inspiration from nature, fantasy, folk art and mythology. Flowing coverups, thick metal necklaces, snake prints, macrame’, indian patterns and tribal beading were all part of her signature collection this season. Flutter and tassel closure tops were very feminine and look amazing in the surf. Boy shorts with a hint of skin will be a big draw for a wide range of customers. She does incredible work with high quality fabrics and interesting designs.
CIA.MARITIMA – One of the most popular Brazilian brands makes its way to the shores of South Florida. Elegance and sophistication are key to being a top seller in the industry. It’s no wonder that models such as Miranda Kerr, Karolina Kurkova and Gisele Bundchen love the fit and design of these suits. Plunging necklines, cutaway one-pieces and tie skirt bikini bottoms enhance all the features that flatter a woman’s figure. Coverups with graduated hemlines, floral prints and geometric designs seem to make women glow. The animal print suit is part of the mix set off by yellow trim. Bandeau tops are sexy separates. Designer Henrique Rosset knows the secret to keeping a woman looking beautiful in swimwear.
BCBGMAXAZRIA – Known the world over for fashion at its finest, the designer takes his creations into a complete lifestyle brand. What is so great about this latest collection is its down-to-earth appeal and wearability. Bikinis in florals, subtle stripes, floral tankinis and cutaway bikinis are all highlights of this collection that will hit namesake boutiques and top department stores and be the talk of the season.
GOTTEX – When you think swim, this is one of the most trusted brands to pop into your mind. An illustrious collection of rich fabrics, unique prints, head-turning geometric designs and vivacious colors all make for a winning collection.
L*SPACE – Monica Wise is the charming secret behind this magnificent collection that is chic resort-wear easily transitioning from day to evening. Her enthusiasm is brought out in each suit that hits the runway and avid surfers, swimmers, divers and bathing beauties will all love what these suits do for their figures on and off the beach. Pale pastels and bright colors all are head-turners. Tassels and fringe are favorites, sequins and beading are brazen, mixing and matching can be fun and flirtatious. Strong lines shape the one-piece suits to accentuate the right parts of the body. Jewelry in turquoise and metals bring out the best in suits. Viewing the collection, you can easily understand why Wise has won coveted awards such as “Swimwear Brand of the Year” and “Mercedes-Benz Presents Designer of the Year”.
WHITE SANDS AUSTRALIA – A perfect reference to this cultured collection is seaside chic. Glamour is golden with signature prints and fancy silhouettes. Brazilian bikinis and plunging maillots make all the difference. The inspiration is drawn from exotic destinations and haute fashion. All these suits have a flawless fit. Ruffles and ties are in all the right places.
LULI FAMA – South Floridians can relate to this fabulous and fun brand and this latest collection is known as La Dolce Vita Miami. An eclectic mix of color palettes and textures give each suit a unique look. The brand pays close attention to detail and enjoys working with glass beads and embellishments. Streamlined silhouettes are simply stunning. Light fabrics are for the fashion-forward woman.
A few of the memorable looks included a crystallized seahorse bandeau and wavy Brazilian tie side bottom, ring cut-out ruched back monokini, multi-strap slider halter top and multi-strap slider bottom and an ivory molded push-up lace bandeau halter and sheer lace front wavy Brazilian bottom. The collection has an exciting attraction to celebrities, models and more.
SUBOO – This stylish label is high fashion at its finest. Clean lines, bright prints and special silky fabrics all attract loyal customers. Combinations are classic and there is a tropical influence blowing in the breeze. You will fall in love with Suboo suits and coverups.
ROSE BY VANESSA JEAN – Designer Vanessa Jean is a multi-talented and widely recognized celebrity herself. She knows fashion in a very successful way. Her passion for fashion is globally accepted and her collections have limitless creativity. Exaggerated pieces with beading and sequins bejewel and bedazzle to the extreme. This is a line made for more than just the beach; wear the suits as the sun sets in the western sky.
WILDFOX SWIM – This is an American vintage-inspired women’s knitwear brand. Creativity is born from friendship, fairytales, dreams and above all, love. The designs are definitely unique with a costume cuteness. The WildFox label is easily spotted on many of the designs whether they be bathing suits or coverups. Ruffles and flowers shine. Sitting front row and center was Kourtney Kardashian’s significant other, Scott Disick. It was more than just a fashion presentation, it was a theatrical performance.
ANK – The visionary designer behind this bright brand is Mirla Sabino. It is a trendsetting brand seen on the cover of Sports Illustrated. Dare to be different in audacious prints. This collection is labeled Voyage with the inspiration being the course traveled and the surprises ahead. Travelers will enjoy a mix between tropics and temperate. Organic forms, draped in fluid fabrics are balanced with structured shapes and geometric and smooth patterns. Fabrics vary between lightweight and heavy, opaque and shiny, smooth and wrinkled. Harmony is found in comfort and contemporary style. This is a brand with a strong identity and yet a heart for philanthropy as a part of all sales goes towards an accredited social improvement project.
A.Z. ARAUJO – This Brazilian designer gives both men and women a reason to hit the beach in edgy swimwear with a touch of refinement. He is thankful for family and friends and his sister, Adriana (“Real Housewives of Miami”), modeled elegant swimwear in his very chic show. Florals and prints are prominent as well as Swarovski details. Araujo’s designs will put you in a trance. This collection will have a starring role at the beach and at the resort while sipping on champagne with a setting sun as the backdrop.
The final two shows that brought Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim 2013 to a close provided an upbeat ending to a tremendous week. Suits were spectacular loaded with color and creativity. Classic, edgy, contemporary and beauty beyond belief will stick in our minds with group shows featuring swimwear from AguaClara, Aquarella, Cote D’Or, Sauvage, Anna Kosturova, Dorit, Keva I J and Naila.
We look forward to seeing all these distinguished suits and coverups in boutiques across the world and purchasing them for our own swim wardrobe.
PHOTO CREDITS: Mercedes-Benz Fashion Website
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