411: Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim – Thrills us once Again
Part I of II
“Swim Week is Here!” -four words every fan of fashion, fun, and “fabulosity” long to hear every summer. Thanks to Presenting Sponsor, Mercedes-Benz, thousands now flock to Miami in July, at the time of year when temperatures can be likened to those of the center of the earth; and locals feel palpable excitement, rather than a desperate longing to flee. This year’s shows were hotter than ever- so we’ve decided to highlight our favorites in two different editions of the SunPost. Be sure to check back next week for more sizzling Swim Week stories and celebrity sightings. You may also see galleries of the shows at Miamisocialholic.com and Sunpostweekly.com.
Diesel
Edgy jeans designer Diesel, kicked-off Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim 2012 (MBFWS) in style on Thursday night, despite sweltering heat, with a show that represented all things South Beach- from adorable prints such as palm trees to solid styles comprised of pastels, with lots of blue on the color palate in addition to bright orange on the chiseled Hulk-like male models, who were among the most striking we have seen at any show during MFWS. The suits were practical and seemed comfortable but the biggest wow factor came from actresses Jessica Szohr and Kristin Cavallari who closed the show.
Cavallari wore the world’s first glass bikini- what appeared to be ruffles were actually glass shards- one of four suits designed by Diesel and inspired by SKYY® Vodka’s cobalt blue glass bottle. Following the runway show, Cavallari and SKYY co-hosted the very hot- (literally) official kick-off party presented by SKYY Vodka on The Raleigh pool deck.
Raising the mercury even further was the gorgeous Gossip Girl star, Jessica Szohr- who spun old school tunes alongside Miami favorite DJ Mark Leventhal.
Spotted in the front row were local celebs/personalities: Marysol Patton, Tara Solomon, Ingrid Casares and Chad Ochocinco. Notables at the party included Vice Mayor, Michael Gongora, DJ Johnny The Boy, Marysol Patton and Ingrid Casares- who sat at the Raleigh’s signature restaurant, the Royal.
Chloe
The exclusive crowd gathered at the Setai for the Chloe fall show enjoyed tunes by Johnny the Boy and the some of the most stylish looks of all of the weekend’s shows. The setting was serene and sophisticated- reminiscent of the shows at Lincoln Center earlier this year.
“The fall season’s silhouette evokes the style and natural authority of the uniform-wearing women. Straight coats with a perfect hang, calf length skirts with inverted pleats and dresses in textured crepe brightened up by jeweled details, make up the wardrobe of this Chloé woman. She is a character full of self-confidence with a passion for comfortable luxury, a nomad with a spirit of adventure and a collector of unique pieces.”
Silk dominated the runway, long flowing, pleated skirts paired with camel knee-length boots and gold flats with small clutches- in colors ranging from canary, to brown, to black, with a some beige and taupe mixed in. Feminine floor-length skirts and dresses were accompanied by show-stopping mohair jackets to match. High waisted, long pants were also prevalent. Tiny gold belts and clutches added flair to the navy, back-less pantsuits. The models’ hair was styled either with long, loose curls or low buns and neutral, nude make-up. VIP area- seen there: Julianne Hough from Dancing with the Stars and Ryan Seacrest- host of American Idol. Also in the VIP area were Nick D’Annunzio, Tara Solomon, (TARA, Ink. Principals), Gary and Dana Shear, (socialites) and Michael Gongora, Vice Mayor.
Cia.Maritima
The inspiration for the Cia.Maritima show came from the French Rivera and its timeless elegance and sensuality. Reminiscent of the 1970’s, the collection embodies the decade’s most fashionable free spirits – Jane Birkin, Francoise Hardy and Anita Pallenberg, who summered in Capri and Saint Tropez with its boho-chic array of styles in digital prints, which this season reflect the flora and fauna of the Riviera.
The Brazilian swimwear line presented a multitude of looks as Van Halen music blared from the speakers while stoic models (think Rock Star groupie meets Femme Fatale) strutted the runway in suits that combined different prints together in the same piece, such as the leopard pattern with flower or paisley prints. The suits and accompanying tiny printed silk, short sleeved shrugs were predominantly in animal prints and pink, purple, yellow/orange tones and featured differentiated bandeaux and triangle tops, low-rise bottoms and various monokini styles.
While “Right Now” played, the models showed off looks that are very “right now”- cover-ups and accompanying beach bags were embellished with long gold tassels, fringes, chain links, gold studs and crochet applications. One even wore bronze sequined leopard print cut-off shorts. “Janie’s Crying” and “Girl You Really Got Me” got the crowd singing along and dancing in their seats. Models looked like they had just come from a day at the beach, with natural, free flowing hair, parted down the middle with the occasional tiny braid mixed in. The tan braided sandals got lots of attention with their high chunky gold heels, and neon accents. The energy in the room from the great music and broad range of eclectic looks and beautiful jewelry made up for the lack of star power.
ABEST AND ABIT at the Webster
The Brazilian Association of Fashion Designers (ABEST) and the Brazilian Textile and Apparel Industry Association (ABIT) brought the latest looks from Brazil’s beaches to the Webster. Featured top Brazilian designers included: Despi, 2 Rios, Areiabranca, Lenny, Mar Rio, ANK Swimwear, Guria Beachwear, Sauipe Swimwear, Lemons & Limes Kids Swimwear, Isa Aiosa Swimwear, Sombra e Agua Fresca, Desiree Nercessian, Lanno, Feriado Nacional, Agua de Coco, Cecilia Prado, Cia Maritima, Clube Bossa, Jo de Mer, Marcelo Quadros, Osklen, Poko Pano, Salinas, and ViX.
Set on the 3rd floor of Miami's most fashionable boutique, The Webster, the event featured a lively and lovely presentation of pieces from the 24 collections of Brazilian designers. The looks were presented on mannequins that outlined the perimeter of the space affording guests the opportunity to peruse the fashion while enjoying Cuca Fresca Cachaça cocktails and Perrier. Party Pros spun House Music in conjunction with a live bongo drummer which set the mood with high energy Brazilian beats, while guests mingled and got a chance to speak with the designers about their inspiration and their collections.
Guests took the party to the next level- heading to the Webster’s rooftop bar to enjoy the view and summer night air. Attendees included: Afonso Sugiyama, President of Havaianas; Real Housewife of Miami, Adriana de Moura, with fiancé, Frederic Marq; Co-founder of the Webster, Laure Heriard Dubreuil(CEO and founding partner of The Webster) with her
boyfriend, artist Aaron Young; Webster publicist, John Lin; Valdemar Iodice, designer and owner of Iodice and ABEST president Camila Ckless, alongside managing partner of Guria Beachwear and Marcelo Quadros, Designer of Marcel Quadros; socialites, Daniella Sredni, Jordana Mesner; and Lolo Sudarsky.
Luli Fama
Torrential rain drenched the tents, on Sunday night but did not deter the crowds from lining up for one the hottest shows during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim. Luli Fama’s runway show was the ultimate summer carnival starring a feather clad Samba dance trio, complete with live Bongo player (ruffled sleeves and all) to kick-off the” Havana-nights” theme. Voluptuous models strutted down the runway to the sounds of local music star, Pitbull blaring throughout the tent. The suits were sexy and revealing with bold and bright patterns complimented by Carlos Santana’s footwear line. Luxury swimwear brother and sister duo, Luli Hanimian and Augusto Hanimian presented 78 looks in total taking their audience on a tropical journey. The collaboration celebrates the hot and sultry summer nights in Miami, but the real star once again was Tika Ivezaj, as the show’s closer. The Amazonian goddess donned a bejeweled fedora and provocatively danced with the sole bongo player creating quite a stir among the crowd.
Celebrity Sightings:
Love was in the air Thursday night for Shakira, who was spotted at WALL Miami lounge alongside her steamy Team Barcelona soccer star boyfriend Gerard Pique. The Latin sensation was unafraid of public displays of affection and was seen dancing closely with Pique, stealing kisses and holding hands all throughout the night.
Ocean Drive magazine and BankUnited celebrated Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim 2012 at W South Beach on Thursday night. Cover star Chrissy Teigen arrived to the party of over 500 guests with friends, fellow IMG models and boyfriend John Legend. Partygoers enjoyed Grey Goose vodka “Summer Soiree” cocktails and “spiked” popsicles while SmartWater provided a much needed boost of hydration from the Miami heat.
On Saturday, Maria Menounos was a guest at the iRenew Bracelet Beauty Bungalow outfitted in a flowing Shay Todd bikini. The Access Hollywood host was signing her new book for guests and feeling “energized” by iRenew’s bracelets. Later that evening, Menounos, was seen dining with friends at the new Italian restaurant Dolce Vino in South Beach.
John Legend, who has joined Sade’s “Once in a Lifetime” North American Tour attended the Miami show’s after-party at sexy restaurant and nightclub, Aizia, in Ft. Lauderdale. Legend interacted and surprised VIP patrons by serenading them with an impromptu performance of his hit song “Ordinary People.”
Recently single Whitney Port seemed to be making the most of her new bachelorette status at Saturday night’s celebration for Skintimate Limited Edition Designed Cans by Mara Hoffman at the W. Though she arrived with just one girlfriend, the MTV star snuck into the W South Beach for a quick pizza dinner before returning to the Wet Lounge with a small entourage. The group multiplied from there with nearly twenty friends packing into Whitney’s private cabana as they enjoyed UV vodka cocktails and a front row seat for the synchronized swimming performance.
90210‘s Shenae Grimes also walked the pink carpet for the celebration. The TV starlet showed up to the event with her new boyfriend, DJ Brendan Fallis, on one arm and an over-sized Polaroid camera in the other. After snapping a shot of herself with reality star Whitney Port, Shenae turned her Polaroid on the eager flashbulbs of nearly two dozen photographers before kicking back in a private poolside cabana to check out her photography skills. The event featured live performances by celebrity DJs, the up-and-coming blonde Australian combo, Nervo, Mia Moretti and Caitlin Moe.
WALL celebrated its second birthday late on Saturday night. In attendance were Nicky Hilton, Ice T and his wife Coco, Marc Jacobs’ ex-beau Lorenzo Martone and rapper Maxwell. International mix-master DJ Sharam took the turn tables first and electrified the crowd, followed by Nervo. At one point they were joined in the DJ booth by Ice T, who got on the microphone to give a shout out to WALL on its 2 year anniversary.
