The Quest for "it"

Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim 2013 Kicks Off!

Hey There!

It all kicked off TODAY and we hear this season, Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim reaches an all-time high with over 30 international designers showing their latest swimwear collections. The season's Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim presents designer, Vitamin A by Amahlia Stevens, will show Friday, July 20th at 9:00 pm in the Oasis.  With an overwhelming number of designers interested in presenting at the world's largest Swim industry event, more collections and a second group show are added to a jam-packed line-up.

Stay tuned...

*photo courtesy of Getty Images for IMG

Catching Up with Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Miami [SWIM] 2012

Hey There!

What a sizzler of a fashion week for the 2012 swim season.  While Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Miami closes TONIGHT with models hitting the runway for Dinelia Brazil, A.C Araujo/Agua Clara/Aquarella Swimwear/Have Faith Swimwear,  Koeey Swimwear Australia, and Nicolita, days 2-4 brought BIG names in the industry like Aqua Di Lara, White Sands Australia, Norma Kamali, Red Carter, Shay Todd.  

Standouts for Day 2 include Crystal Jin's luxe  bikinis done in vibrant colors, many with batik or floral prints. Solids trimmed in complimentary prints--outstanding.

Caffe Swimear's ruched looks were noteworthy for  Day 3, paired with eye-popping accessories that include large beach totes with playful metallic and multi-print fabric straps.

Day 4, meant a day for legends as Norma Kamali and Red Carter showed.  Signature looks by Kamali grabbed attention via classic halter one-pieces and tank suits that varied from metallic to lace looks.  Red Carter, for 2012, goes futuristic with bright color block looks that go well beyond the runway.  Swimsuits are accented by synthetic capelets, shield like sunglasses and thigh high wraparound platform shoes-SPECTACULAR.

*photo by Frazier Harrison/Getty Images

Kristin Cavallari Hits the Runway for Diesel

Hey There!

TV Personality Kristin Cavallari of The Hills fame has officially had her  'moment in the sun'...literally. On Thursday, July 14th she hit the runway for Diesel at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim 2012.  Diesel, who most are familiar with during New York Fashion Week, pulled out all the stops with their latest swimwear collection. The show stopper? The unveiling of a glass bikini worn by--GUESS WHO?  Ms. Cavallari. Sporting a cobalt blue GLASS bikini the blonde bombshell, who  is currently engaged, took to the catwalk strutting every bit of her stuff.  

The show was followed by the Official Kick Off Party presented by SKYY Vodka at the Raleigh's pool deck and Oasis.

*photo courtesy of Frazier Harrison/Getty Images

Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Miami [SWIM] 2012 Kicks Off!

Hello,

It's finally beginning to feel like summer, and as we gear up for much anticipated longer days and warmer weather, it's time to start getting ready for Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim. For the seventh year, thousands of fashion industry professionals will migrate to the sands of Miami Beach to see what's in store for the swimwear industry in 2012. Models, Celebrities, VIPS and Fashion Industry Insiders descended on South Beach last night, Thursday July 14th and will continue through July 18th.

 

"This season is one the most exciting to date; Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim is bringing its most international roster of swimwear designers yet," says Christina Neault, Executive Producer of the event for IMG Fashion. "The swimwear industry is such a rapidly growing market worldwide and we are happy to provide a platform for designers to travel from across the world to show their collections. A genuine feeling of a global design community will be felt as we showcase designs from Australia, Brazil, Canada, Columbia, France, Peru and the US."

 

The activities began with a sizzling runway show by Diesel and their luxe kick-off party complete with the presence of NFL Stars Chad Ochocino and Jay Cutler (see photo above). A dj, SKYY ®Vodka bar, and a special surprise musical guest on the iconic Raleigh pool deck ushered in the week of shows and events. In addition to the opening, shows will include collections from: White Sands Australia, Poko Pano, Beach Bunny Swimwear, Crystal Jin, L*Space by Monica Wise, Wildfox Swimwear, Caffé Swimwear, Dolores Cortés, Mara Hoffman Swim, Aqua Di Lara, Natori, A.Ché, Red Carter, Cia.Marítima, Luli Fama, Luxe by Lisa Vogel, Lisa Blue, Kooey Swimwear Australia, Nicolita and True Religion.

Five days of "invitation-only" shows and events will see over 12,000 journalists, photographers, buyers, and VIPs pass through two full runway venues: the Cabaña Grande and the Oasis, which provide an optimal show venue to over twenty-five designers. The Oasis will also be home to fully-decked cabanas hosted by Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim official sponsors as well as sexy and comfortable seating areas for the fun and fashionable to lounge while mingling with the industry's elite.

Mercedes-Benz, the title sponsor of the event, is joined by American Express®, DHL, MAKE UP FOR EVER, TRESemmé, SKYY Vodka, The Raleigh, AriZona Beverages, Ocean Drive Magazine, California Apparel News Waterwear and Getty Images.

Mercedes- Benz Fashion Week Swim is an IMG event. 

*photos courtesy of Michael Buckner/Getty Images

SPONSORED: Karen Koeningsberg Rocks Miami International Fashion Week

Hello,

New York City Socialite and Model Karen Koeningsberg takes over Miami International Fashion Week.  Miami Fashion Week took place on Thursday - Sunday, March 3 - 6, 2011 at the Miami Beach Convention Center. The world's fashion elite designers and models flocked to Miami Beach to participate in this world class event.

Karen walked the opening of MIFW Thursday March 3, 2011 wearing a beautiful couture floral dress by designer Petite Pois.  She strutted down the runway with fierce confidence and attitude. Karen decided to walk the runway to support designer Viviana G. (Petite Pois) and Miami International Fashion Week.

Karen Koeningsberg is not only a socialite but is also involved in philanthropy. She is the Founder and President of a charity organization called Cherished Feet.  Cherished Feet is a non-profit charitable organization that collects footwear and physically distributes it to underprivileged families in the US and in developing countries.  Cherished Feet recently traveled to Haiti and distributed 2,000 shoes to children living in tent camps. Their next international mission trip will be to Guatemala and El Salvador. 

 

Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim Welcomes New Designers for the 2011 Collections

                                                               Hey There!

Mercedes-Benz Swim kicks off on July 15^th to present the 2011 swimwear collections at The Raleigh in Miami Beach. Starting six years ago, the event has become the exclusive destination to showcase the best of the best in swimwear from around the world. This season will welcome 13 new designers to join the roster of “who’s who” of top internationally recognized brands that have previously shown on the runways of this event.

Designers showcasing collections for the first time at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim include:

 

A.Z Araujo - A.Z is known for swimwear designs that combine the sexiness of Brazil and the edgyness of the New York consumer.

 

Aquarella Swimwear -   Javier Madriga launched his Costa Rican based line in 2000 and uses bold patterns and designs to evoke femininity and sensuality.

 

Beach Bunny Swimwear -  Founded in 2004, this former swimsuit model is a self-taught designer and is popular amongst celebrities like Jessica Simpson and Eva Longoria Parker.

 

Dolores Cortés - Continuing her family’s business that started over 50 years ago, Dolores Cortés debuted her swimwear collection in 2002.

 

Kooey Swimwear Australia -  Based in Australia, the Kooey design team offers both men’s and women’s swimwear that are instantly recognizable as Australian.

 

Lisa Blue -  Based out of Byron Bay, eco-conscious Aussie Lisa Burke donates 25% of the proceeds for Lisa Blue Collections toward protecting the sea life in Australia.

 

Lisa Maree - Excited for her first showing in the United States, model turned fashion designer, Lisa Maree Boersma’s collections are inspired by her surroundings in Bondi Beach.

 

Naila - Designer Naila Chbib’s luxury lifestyle label is based around sustainable, recyclable and eco-friendly fabrics.

 

Nicolita - Established in 2003, designer Nicole Di Rocca is inspired by Cuba’s nostalgic 1940’s era with a modern-day twist.

 

Olasul - Designer Lorenz Korder Fort’s collection is sometimes called “surfwear with a story” with designs inspired from his home in Peru.

 

Swimwear Anywhere - North America’s leading privately held swimwear manufacturer, Swimwear Anywhere Inc., provides fashion-driven swim apparel representing 14 apparel labels including DKNY Swim, Juicy Couture Beach, amongst others.

 

Mercedes-Benz Presents Designer Trina Turk -Turk launched her ready-to-wear line in 1995 and was almost immediately picked up in Barney’s New York, Fred Segal and Saks Fifth Avenue. Her swimwear line was introduced in 2007.

 

Tyler Rose - Based in Costa Mesa, designer Nichole Carrol’s line is inspired by the 60’s, but revitalized for the modern bohemian woman.

For a complete list of returning designers Click here

 

*photo courtesy of LisaBlue.com.au

Vitamin A 2010

Vi 

VitVitamin A is on a mission! Undoubtedly one of the most stunning collections showing this season--THIS is high fashion! 2010 means perfectly cut swimsuits made of luxurious fabric.  This season's offerings are accentuated with the most innovative styling details, such as luxury braided straps, exotic beads and matte metallic hardware.  The collection is inspired by travels from the beaches of Bahia, Brazil to the islands of Southern Norway.

 

V   Vitamin A has always been known as the “LBD of swimwear” -- the leader when it comes to

     the sleek black bikini, and this season black is more important than ever with incredible

     sexy, but wearable cuts, innovative constructions, and flattering rusching detail recalling the heyday of Hollywood Glamour. 

     

     Standouts include: Cutout maillot in 24K metallic, Chloe braid top, Superstar bottom in Diva Shimmer, and Bianca silk/linen kaftan in black.

    Present at the show were: Brooklyn Decker, Gretta Monahan

    *photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images North America

           

FIRST LOOK PHOTOS: L*Space by Monica Wise

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On July 17th  L* Space by Monica Wise debuted its 2010 swim collection in the Cabana Grande at the Raleigh.  The show was not to be missed with more than 500 guests in  attendance.  Photographers snapped images of front row celebrities Whitney Port, Roxy Olin, Adam Gregory, Catt Sadler, Jason Kennedy, Gilles Marini, Jeffrey Donovan, and Kelly Bensimon.   Glammed out models was the look of the night, created by hair sponsor ghd.  Celebrity Manicurist and M2M nail care creator Myrdith Leon-McCormack completed nails and toes with her own gold nail polish.  Looks were topped   off by jewelry courtesy of Citrine by the  Stones.  LA DJ Roc DeLusa supplied the music, (2) African drummers played a drum solo signifying the intro of L*Space by Moncia Wise's EXCLUSIVE sixteen piece swim collaborative collection with humanitarian OmniPeace.  The collection donates 20% of sales to helping to end the fight against hunger in Africa by 2025. To follow are select runway photos from the show.

Left to  Right: Runway Model #1 at L* Space by Monica Wise, Runway Model #2 at L* Space by Monica Wise, Runway Model #3 at L* Space by Monica Wise, Runway Model #4 at L* Space by Monica Wise.

*photos courtesy of Beach House Public Relations

 

WhiteSands 2010

A departure from this season's norm, Australian brand WhiteSands courtesy of Designer Leah Madden, delivers feminine touches this spring with Floresence.  A collection of floral inspired pieces range from maillots with rosettes to more traditional bikinis all done in soft pastel hues...romance is "in the air".  Fanciful names like Afternoon Delight, Sweet Love, and Tini Kini indicate the light carferee theme Floresence conveys.  Simple palm prints are both subtle and refined, and standouts include: Romance Mailott with Rosettes, Tini Kini Bikini in spot print, Most Popular Maillot in palm print.

A perfect day to evening look, is achieved through coverups such as the Dynasty Dress in silk jersey, or a black sequin dress which fall mid-thigh. Ideal for lounging around the pool deck or early dinner is the Angel Dust Dress in floral silk jersey. WhiteSands hits its mark with the fresh as daisy look of this collection.

*photo courtesy of Frazer Harrison/Getty Images North America

Nivea Presents Shay Todd Swim 2010

Hi!

Looks like despite the CRAZY weather in South Beach last Saturday July 18th, the Shay Todd 2010 show did indeed go on. At last count part of the stage blew over, and the rain hit the runway-lined seating a little hard, but things did eventually get under way --instead of 10:00 pm it was more like 11:00 pm.  Fortunately, it was one of the BEST shows of the week.

“Here in the heart of Miami at the Shay Todd Fashion Show, we’ve teamed up with NIVEA, and we’re celebrating the NIVEA “Good-bye Cellulite, Hello Bikini Challenge.”” said Shay Todd.  “I’m surrounded by ladies who are proudly showing off their Shay Todd swimsuits with the added confidence that only comes from being bikini-ready.”

 During the show, an MTV contest winner (who herself has completed the NIVEA “Good-bye Cellulite, Hello Bikini” Challenge) will show her confidence by attending the show and serving as an on-air correspondent from the Miami event.  The contest was sponsored by NIVEA Goodbye Cellulite in conjunction with MTV’s “It’s On With Alexa Chung.”

These activities bookend a busy bikini season for NIVEA’s “Good-bye Cellulite, Hello Bikini Challenge.” Kicking off in April, the brand hosted a Miami beach-side event where the largest gathering of bikini-clad celebrants formed a human alphabet to spell out the word “NIVEA.”  The following month, NIVEA and celebrity swimsuit designer Shay Todd hosted a Memorial Day Weekend backyard Bikini Bash in Malibu, CA.  Featuring celebrity guests including Challenge participant Kim Kardashian, the event further encouraged  women to say goodbye to their cellulite this summer.

*photos by PMK HBH