Setting the Trend @ MIAMI SWIM WEEK
By: Hope Wilkos, Writer
Miami Swim Week 2019 will surely go down in the history books of fashion as one of the most unique events to heat up the South Beach streets. Taking place from July 12th through July 17th, 2018, in the heart of Miami Beach, mostly along Collins Avenue, Swim Week never fails to ignite the runway with sizzling suits giving way to a sexy and stylish ambience.
One of the hottest brands taking to the runway on opening night on July 12th was Magalii Aravena, exclusive suits straight from Portugal. The Spanish brand was founded by model Argentina Magali Aravena Carabajal. This collection absolutely glistened with golden color. Bright florals lit up the catwalk while nudes and pastels made for more subdued yet gorgeous looks. All rich Italian fabrics are used by the designer to craft each piece. The wearer has that sophisticated edge by the pool or on the sand. So many easygoing styles rounded out the collection. There was the traditional bikini, one-shouldered suits, plunging necklines, off-the-shoulder bandeau styles and even the high leg bikini bottoms paired with tiny tops. It was as if a swimsuit was designed specifically for Miami Beach. One specific suit was patterned with the famous Florida palms and designed with cutout sides and a backdrop of stripes in pink, yellow and baby blue. Black and white lace gave way to a more seductive setting, coupled with black lace cover-ups to saunter right off the beach and in to the cabana. The show ended on a high note with the designer herself, Magali Aravena, walking the runway hand in hand with her little boy on one side (Valentino) and little girl on the other (Chloe). Excited guests could tell that she was really in her element.
As Miami Swim Week continued to draw curious crowds, the weekend gave way to even more creative swimwear designers and luscious collections filled with swimwear to cool down those hot summer nights. On Saturday, July 14th, the presentations were over the top. Each was even better than the one before it. Eager to show the crowd what he had to offer, Fort Lauderdale based former Chicago gang member and graffiti artist turned talented designer, Kenneth Ruiz, presented his Magchop Swim. Once you feast your eyes on his collection of suits, you will be hooked forever. All heads will turn as you walk the beach in one of these suits. As the models took to the runway, their suits told an intricate story through the eyes of Ruiz and his giclée process of art. Each suit was a collage of color and designs as guests peered into the life of Kenneth Ruiz through his works of art. MagChop not only specializes in swimwear, but, Ruiz also debuted some of his Activewear line highlighted in colorful patterns to make the imagination go wild. As the models walked the runway, they saw the world through rose colored glasses as the accessory of choice.
The timing couldn’t have been better. Just as Miami Swim Week was winding down, one of the most unique collections to ever make Swim Week became the talk of the town. Reality surely became blurred on the runway as The Black Tape Project toyed with a new concept in swimwear. Black, gold, deep reds and purples ruled the catwalk in very provocative, barely-there suits. These swimsuits were made of that good old duct tape that we all keep around in our homes and they had been painted with crackling designs, taped to the body in a variety of ways. It was the most astounding and experimental style yet. Could this be the swimwear technique of the future? The suits were tailored to the curves of the models. It is difficult to imagine how challenging it must be to get these suits off. The visionary designer behind these cutting-edge suits is Joel Alvarez, rookie photographer turned designer and enjoying every bit of his work.
Six days of sensational fashion resulted in a very successful Miami Swim Week 2019. The international crowds appeared and South Beach was bustling. Besides welcoming new designers to the event, some of the old favorites debuted new collections that were sensational. Some of those names included Luli Fama, Trina Turk, Sauvage and AguaClara. Famed model and reality show judge, Heidi Klum, even got in on the action as she attended Ocean Drive Magazine’s kick-off party alongside other celebrities.
Until next year, let the waves set the trend in swimwear, wear the suit that fits your personality and your pleasure!
Photo Credits: Arun Nevader/Getty Images for the Magalii Aravena collection, Ken Ruiz and MagChop collection , Carlos Perez, Ocean Magazine Facebook Page.
