Since fashion week Swim is about to begin, I figured I'd use this page to show the area's fashion.
Photo by Darryl Reece
>Favorite Boutiques
by Katherine McPherson-except where noted.
Miami Designer Goes Mobile
LoNómada is not your average clothing boutique. For one, it's mobile, housed in a sleek 1979 vintage airstream trailer. Secondly, it's run by a fashion designer, the multi-talented Valeria Tiaga. Tiaga created LoNómada to offer her one-of-a-kind pieces in a bowl-you-over artistic setting.
“I wanted to create an atelier vibe,” she says, “with the option for transformation and performance.”
© LoNómada This transformation is the real genius behind LoNómada. The airstream has the ability to function as a traveling pop-up bazaar, showcasing film, photography, music, artwork and fashion, created by artists hand-picked by Tiaga. The concept is to bring together a group of artists in all different multimedia forms, and serve as platform for them to present their creations. With all this artistic expression right at your fingertips, LoNómada offers visitors a shopping experience unlike any other.
See more here: http://miamifashionblog.com/2419-miami-designer-goes-mobile
A Veritable Emporium of Good Taste
Shopping at Emporium is like going to hang out at your best friend’s house, and picking up some amazing things while you’re there. Owner Sara Zamikoff has assembled an impressive collection of clothing, accessories and giftable items that will have you wanting to buy every single thing you see. Located in Coral Gables, Emporium has been around for just over 4 years. Zamikoff’s concept was a one-stop-shop where women could pick up everything they need including gifts for friends, baby clothes and accessories, home and body fragrances and even styling consultations and in-home closet assistance. The result is a warm, inviting environment where you can pick from an eclectic assortment of hand-selected items.
Zamikoff is passionate about supporting local and independent designers. “I like to find different artisans and learn their stories,” she says. “I find that people are really missing that interpersonal aspect of shopping. When they know the designer it makes the piece all the more special.” Zamikoff organizes regular trunk shows so customers have the opportunity to meet the designers and even order custom pieces.
You’ll find clothing from Bianca Coletti and Nikki Poulos and Judith March, accessories from TAudrey, and Alex Hunt, alongside mainstream designers like BB Dakota, Miss Me, and Blank NYC. “I keep a balance of trendy and classic pieces,” Zamikoff says. “It’s important that my customers can find that trendy piece they are looking for but also take home an item that will last them for more than just one season.” The best part is the prices are not outrageous. If something is priced in the higher range, it’s because it comes from an independent designer who put real craftsmanship into the piece.
Read more here:
http://miamifashionblog.com/2386-a-veritable-emporium-of-good-taste
Step into L.A. Boudoir
If you’re a vintage lover (and really, who isn’t?), L.A. Boudoir is a treasure-trove just waiting to be discovered. Tucked away upstairs from the popular UVA69 restaurant in the tragically hip MIMO district, this vintage shop carries everything from burlesque lingerie to party dresses and everything in between.
and run by owner Lauren Arkin, L.A. Boudoir caters to a mix of clientele. From stylists and photographers looking for rental pieces for photo shoots, to partygoers looking for costumes, to vintage lovers scouring the racks for deals, Arkin has something for everyone. She’s even got a small selection of men and children’s clothing. While the main focus is lingerie, Arkin has an eye for the unique, and if you spend some time looking, you’ll score some seriously amazing finds at even more amazing prices (we scored an incredible black silk jumpsuit for $10)
. Arkin is a Miami native whose love of fashion started at an early age. She attended the acclaimed Design and Architecture Senior High (DASH) where she studied costume design and immersed herself in the history of fashion. She started collecting vintage pieces at the age of 12, and always dreamed of opening her own store.
Setting Sail for Nic del Mar
by Ju'lia Samuels
The sibling-duo Jeanette Nicole and Lyanne Marie are a match made in fashion heaven. Their one-stop beach babe boutique, Nic del Mar, caters to the daring fashionistas who shop Acacia and swear by Tori Praver alike. The two sisters opened Nic del Mar in 2010 out of necessity. Their love for exotic vacation spots led to their interest in resort wear, and they wanted a place that would cater to the beach couture fashionista while not forgetting budget-conscious betties.
“We noticed that there weren’t a lot of places that you could go to and find bathing suits and cover-ups, at least not quality,” without spending your life savings, Nicole says. © Nic del MarBut finding a great suit is only half the problem. Finding something that fits right is another thing all together. That's why Nic Del Mar lets you mix and match two piece sizes, so that you're sure to get a suit that fits properly. “Most places don’t let you do that," Nicole says, "but we really try to accommodate everyone. Some Miami women are flat-chested and have bigger bottoms.” Nicole and Lyanne have combined their individual styles to provide their customers with variety and flavor. “We make a great combination. I tend to be a little more extravagant, and my sister is a little more simple and subtle and we have those customers who are either or,” Nicole says. That variety can be found in the range of desiners that Nic del Mar carries. Think Mara Hoffman, Indah, Caffe and Diane Von Furstenberg.
One step inside Nic Del Mar, you know you're somewhere special. Nicole and Marie have created an atmosphere that allows patrons to take a brief hiatus from their everyday lives and escape into a vacation-like setting you don't usually get when you're shopping. Beach scented candles, a warm ocean blue chandelier and dark wooden floors all blend together nicely creating the inviting atmosphere that feels a little bit like heaven on earth. “As soon as you walk in, you feel like you are going on vacation," Nicole says. "We really wanted it to feel like you were at a resort."
Check out the store, and/or read more here: http://miamifashionblog.com/2318-setting-sail-for-nic-del-mar
www.nicdelmar.com
South Miami's Favorite Boutique Prepares for Fall
Walking into Kristine Michael, it’s easy to see why this popular South Miami boutique has been open for nearly two decades (they turn 20 this December). Owners Barbara Hinterkopf and Jeanie Bonner have filled the store with beautiful pieces from top designers including the ultra-sophisticated Theyskens Theory, Vince, A.L.C., Joie, Haute Hippy and Elizabeth and James, amongst others. Their staff is warm and friendly (they have only had one turnover in 15 years, unheard of in the boutique business), and will work with you to help curate the perfect wardrobe.
Sort through the racks and you’ll find silky, romantic blouses from Joie, chunky knits from Vince, colorful denim from J Brand and eye-catching dresses from Haute Hippy and Halston Herritage. The only problem? It’s all going to go in your “yes” pile. “We offer lifestyle dressing for a customer who loves fashion and wants to look current, but not necessarily trendy” says Hinterkopf. “We cherry pick the best pieces from all the collections, so our customers get the finest of what each brand has to offer” she says. The clientele spans a vast age range - from 20-70 years old, Kristine Michael can make anyone look chic. “We get a lot of mothers who shop with us, and sooner or later their daughters become clients also” Hinterkopf explains, “from working professionals to grandmothers, they all shop here, and most of our clients are locals."
Because Hinterkopf, Bonner and their super stylish assistant buyer Erin Young have handpicked each piece, you are guaranteed to want to take home almost everything you see in the store. As you wander around you’ll find everything from amazing printed scarves from Theodora and Callum, accessories from Chan Luu and Dannijo, hats from Eugenia Kim, handbags from the beloved Diane von Furstenberg and über-chic clothing from interior designer turned clothing designer Kelly Wearstler. Sort through the racks and you’ll find silky, romantic blouses from Joie, chunky knits from Vince, colorful denim from J Brand and eye-catching dresses from Haute Hippy and Halston Herritage. The only problem? It’s all going to go in your “yes” pile.MFbFor Fall, Kristine Michael has you covered for all your wardrobe essentials. “Fall is all about color” says Hinterkopf. “Colored denim, colorful prints, color blocking; it’s all meant to be mixed together to create a very chic look”. This trend is perfect for the notoriously flamboyant Miamians who usually shy away from the muted, grey-toned fall collections. Hinterkopf also recommends embracing the longer silhouettes to stay current for fall. Hemlines are dropping and maxi skirts and dresses are in abundance. Pair your look with a chunky statement necklace from Dannijo, and you’re good to go.
When you’re getting ready to plan your fall shopping list, here are the top five fall pieces to invest in from Kristine Michael: A black blazer from Theyskens Theory with the signature V cutout on the back neckline, colorful denim from J Brand, a silky printed blouse from A.L.C. or Theory (the white silk tie-up blouse from Theory is a must-have), a Dannijo statement necklace and a Theodora and Callum scarf. And voila! Fall chic.
Sign up for the Kristine Michael mailing list (you can join through their Facebook page or stop by the store) to get insiders info on events and sales. They host a not-to-be-missed Girls Night Out every second Thursday of the month.
Photo by Darryl Reece
*Written by Lauren Doyle with Andrea Ocampo-unless otherwise noted
Backstage Beauty at Cia.Maritima
Cia.Maritima delivered a rockin' runway show with the help of an all- Van Halen sound track and some seriously hot swimwear. But before the models could rock their floral-and-leopard-print swimwear, they had to get the hair and makeup to help them look like they just walked off a beach (in a Bond movie). To help them, was Dean Banowetz of InStyler, and James Vincent of MAKE UP FOR EVER. Andrea Ocampo spoke with both Banowetz and Vincent to get the goods on how the models got their looks.
Lisa Blue Has a Tale to Tell
As the story goes, Lisa Burke, the mind behind the swimwear line Lisa Blue, had been ill the day she paddled out to see some whales she spotted while surfing in Tonga. After being out for about an hour and still not getting very close to them, she turned around to head back to sure. But she took one last look behind her, and when she did, a whale surfaced just a few meters away from her. The experience thrilled her, so much so that she decided right then and there to do everything she could to protect whales. So she started Lisa Blue, a swimwear line that donates 25% of its profits to whale conservation in Australia.
When we talked to her at MBFW, the whales were on her mind, but so was her dramatic, fashion-forward runway show that had just ended moments before.
Aqua Di Lara Shines
One look at this bold and unapologetic line and you know why Aqua Di Lara is a favorite among models and celebs. Reyhan Sofraci's swimwear line will get you attention, and lots of it. What can you expect when you're lounging surfside in a black cutout bikini or yukking it up at the bar in a bright tie-dyed kaftan? Not yet famous? That's OK, you can still buy these hot little numbers come 2012.
Caffe Swimwear Goes Wild
Caffe Swimwear doesn't make swimwear for everyone. But if you're playful and love to wear bold colors, you'll feel right at home in Caffe Swimwear's bright, bright solids and wild, tropical prints. Standout pieces from their Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week 2012 swim show include a fuchsia bandeau bikini with orange and turquoise beaded embellishments, and an orange, turquoise and black leopard-print one-piece with a plunging V-neck.
After the show, we headed back stage to talk to designer Paula Saavedra about how the pieces came together.
Living the LUXE Life
One of the standout runway shows at MBFW was the one given by well-known line LUXE by Lisa Vogel. One look at Vogel's sexy take on classic silhouettes and you'll see why. Andrea Ocampo had a chance to talk to Vogel backstage before the show to get the scoop on what's in store for 2012.
L*Space Takes Off
L*Space, the much-loved swimwear line by Monica Wise, rocked the Grand Cabana Friday night at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week. The theme of the show was travel, and toward that models walked the runway carrying suitcases and cameras – seemingly ready to see the world. Come 2012, will you be ready to take off with L*Space?
Crystal Jin - In Full Color
Crystal Jin is known for its chic eveningwear-meets-swimwear pieces that look best-suited for the decks of private yachts and swank hotels. This year, Crystal Jin's elegant silhouettes met an explosion of color, as designer Crystal Eley used prints that captured the colors and patterns of American Southwest. Of course, there was still plenty of basic black for those more austere Crystal Jin fans not yet ready to take a leap into the rainbow. But for those who dig a little contrast (blue and orange were standout, oft-repeated, motifs) there was a lot to love about the house's 2012 MBFW show.
Poko Pano - Portuguese for Love?
Paola Robba's 2012 Poko Pano swimwear collection can be summed up in three words: Tropical, clean, effortless. In fact, there was so much to love we wished the pieces came down the runway with price tags attached. And we hope that the buyers sitting in the front row during the show felt the same way. Because we can't wait to see these pieces everywhere next year!
Leah Madden - Naughty and Nice
There were two sides to the White Sands Australia runway show at this year's MBFW - naughty, and nice. Naughty came in the form of zebra-print swimsuits and kaftans, while nice took the form of the same pieces in a demure floral print. Both sides of Leah Madden's 2012 swimwear line were equally craveable, albeit for different reasons. Which is your favorite?
© Arturo Paulino / MFb
Swim Week Saves the Best for Last
by Joanna Mazewski
It might have been the last night of showings for this year’s Mercedes-Benz Miami Fashion Swim Week, but that doesn’t mean the excitement has cooled down in anyway. The Grande Cabana tent along with the outside Oasis still buzzed with excited attendees and busy production staff as models strutted their stuff in shows that continued to showcase sexy and innovative swimwear that was heavy on heritage and light on fabric.
Monday night’s shows continued to showcase ravishing designs with highlights including the new trend of using pants and one-piece and two-piece designs in playful cuts, cover-ups in vibrant hues along with animal and desert-inspired prints, and dare we say, lots of bohemian-inspired spandex
Swim Week Rolls On
by Joanna Mazewski
Sunday night’s shows at the Mercedes-Benz Miami Fashion Week might have been met with a downpour of rain, but it didn’t stop the designers from showing off their trendy collections in the most exciting atmosphere we’ve seen yet (Thursday night might have had the stars, but Sunday night was when the real party started.)
Brazilian designers Cia.Maritima and SoCal gal Lisa Vogel put on shows with big hair, fashion and attitude with energetic soundtracks to match, while designers such as Luli Fama and Lisa Blue put on shows that highlighted their heritage and roots. There was no denying that each collection was all about sexy, cheeky cuts, highlighting cutting-edge trends in both day and evening swimwear.
Swimwear Goes Tribal
by Joanna Mazewski
Sixties and seventies-inspired prints ruled the runway for day three of the Mercedes Benz Miami Fashion Week swim shows. Dolores Cortes’s flamingo-colored and tribal romper swimsuits along with Mara Hoffman’s high-wasted cutouts and ultra-bright leggings were a shear contrast to Friday night’s sophisticated, jet-setting look, with more of a globe-trotting, jungle-meets-boho style mix and feel.
Along with the wild-natured collections was no lack of sexy, glam and sophisticated looks offered by both Caffe Swimwear and Aqua di Lara, whose highlights included ultra luxe and flattering-fit pieces and monokinis that reminded us that even though bikinis are going tribal, stylish ,and high-end glam in evening swimwear still offers more fierceness on the catwalk.
Swim Week Heats Up by Joanna Mazewski The world looks to Miami when it comes to the latest trends in cutting edge swimwear, yet it looks like Miami’s inspiration is going global. The second day of Miami’s Mercedes Benz Fashion Swim Week made us long for the soft white sands of Bondi Beach, maybe learn a little Portuguese and take off to Saint Barths with an NYC-inspired cocktail in hand. Needless to say, it had us wanting to dust off our passports and travel to one of the world’s most exotic beach locales with our favorite designer’s bikini, of course.
© Venessa Monokian / MFb
Betsy Johnson Hits the Sagamore
by Liz Tracy
The stark designs of the Sagamore Hotel are accented with tasteful contemporary art. On the penthouse deck, overlooking the evening ocean, a more playful and colorful art form was displayed last night at the first show of MOD Swim Week 2012, which featured designs by Betsey Johnson. The fabrics spoke of the 50s, but the silhouettes spanned many decades of feminine fashion. The show was guided by the aesthetic not only of the recognizable platinum blonde designer, but by Pamela Wasabi of Wasabi Fashion Kult, another style-eyed lady with standout hair. Wasabi’s cosplay look was reflected in the extreme geisha-influenced makeup. The models’ faces were painted white with large triangles marked under each eye, and signature tiny red lips. Models also had crowns of fuzzy, colorful locks. Yarn extensions added to their hair gave it a cotton candy texture and appeal. The accessories included African-inspired beaded bracelets, multiples of which were worn on each wrist. Bracelets seem to be the jewelry of this and next summer. The bikinis and summer dresses that sashayed down the makeshift runway were classic Betsey: floral, fun, and pink. Many of the suits featured bandeau tops with gingham, rose, and eyelet patterns. The standout look was a halter top and a simple suit bottom, featuring small white swans on a black background with thick white ruffles and black piping. The beachy ensemble was garnished with tiny pink roses, adding a fun youthfulness to the suit. One model wore the swan bottoms paired with a transparent black long-sleeved top with a heart motif. It was the perfect look for a late afternoon on the sand, with the purpose of keeping you warm while still looking cool. Ms. Johnson didn’t skimp on the bows or ruffles, but there were also hints of the streamlined eighties. One suit that seemed to impress the audience kept the gingham-rose fabric of the 50s, but had a nicely fitting, plain halter top and origami cut bottom, offering clean lines while remaining feminine. One suit had suggestive embroidered roses on each breast. It was tastefully paired with a plain red bottom, tied on either side with bows. It was both wearable, sexy, and mature.
© Arturo Paulino / MFb
Luli Fama
The pouring rain outside The Raleigh’s pool deck didn’t stop this show from having the biggest party atmosphere yet. Hosted inside the Oasis tent, it was undeniably hot and packed, but Cuban-born, Miamian Luli Fama put on a show (and we really do mean show) that looked like a Rio de Janiero-meets-Havana-meets-Miami ultimate soiree that went from samba sexy to Club Tropicana to pulsating nightclub beats all within the first ten minutes. Fun, young, and sexy, Luli Fama’s collection was full of cheeky cuts, ruffled bandeau ruched bikinis and key hole tops that would work perfect from Miami’s white sandy beaches and straight to the nightclubs. Although there were plenty of pieces that went back to the bikini basics, Luli’s hip, streamlined designs were sophisticated, festive, and flirty. Electric blue and pretty in pink looks ruled this show along with mini twist dresses, fringe studded accessories, and sequined bikinis. A strapless “Pachanga” romper was a show standout, as well as a crystallized sexy multi-strap v-bandeau ruched back monokini and crystallized ruffled cover up that was matched with a Cuban-inspired crystal-studded fedora that closed the show and was a notable nod to the designer’s Cuban roots.
Lisa Blue Lisa Blue is one of many Australian designers to bring their collections to Miami, but her collection went one step further in highlighting her country’s culture by incorporating original Aboriginal artwork in her pieces, and even bringing an aboriginal model to walk the runway in the swimwear designer’s stunning pieces.
Perhaps the most creative show we’ve seen yet, the Byron Bay-based designer showcased an explosion of color, with plenty of blues, purples, and blacks that were combined with a galactic theme with metallic panels of gold and silver. There were plenty of body suits with interesting Sci-Fi cutouts and bikinis with high-wasted bottoms that were accessorized with metallic studs. The collection was incredibly young, fresh and trendy and wearable with pieces that looked like they would work well with a pair of jeans or skirt for a nighttime look.
The final night on Monday will close Mercedes Benz Miami Fashion Week with show offerings from diNeila Brazil, a group show featuring A.Z. Araujo, Aguaclara, Aquarella, and Have Faith Swimwear along with individual shows from Kooey Swimwear Australia (their first solo show in the U.S.), Nicolita, Sonia Vera Swimwear and Jogo Beach.
Adding Diesel to the Fire
by Joanna Mazewski
From Collins Avenue to Lincoln Road, there are three syllables rolling off everybody’s tongues: bik-in-i. Yep, we’re at the height of swim season and what better place to showcase the hottest bikini styles for next year than at Miami’s very own Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week.
Swim Week kicked off in kind last night at The Raleigh, and to say it was hot is an understatement. Edgy Italian designer Diesel left their tight-fitting jeans in Milan and kicked off the festivities with an opening night show followed by the Official Kick-Off Party on deck of The Raleigh’s legendary pool. The party was sponsored by SKYY Vodka so you know the drinks were flowing. Before the party, Diesel showcased its 2012 swimwear collection inside the Cabana Grande, with shades of green, blue, and grey dominating the palette. The collection seemed to be basic at its best, with fun, flirty colors, and cuts that were designed with fun in mind. As if to demonstrate this point, the runway models held an impromptu beach volley ball game outside the cabana after the show.
The women’s swimwear collection seemed to be going back to bikini origins, with cuts already familiar on the beach, including halter tops, full bottoms, and the occasional board shorts look. One-piece suits also fluttered down the runway, with simple black and grey being the designer color of choice. Also, coming down the runway were easy, tropical prints. If the Diesel show is any indication, you might want to leave this season's pastels at home next summer (or get creative with an at-home tie dye kit before you hit the beach). And fashion-loving guys better be ready to see more form-fitting styles make waves on the beach next year. (Did that temperature just rise again?) At the Diesel show, Speedo-inspired swimwear seemed to be the de facto look. The Diesel design team must really be on a mission in revolutionizing men’s swimwear, or in the least attempt to recreate scenes from the Italian Riviera across the world over. Simply put, tight, so-called Euro trash swimwear is preparing to invade our shores. Not ready to go super-skimpy? Don't worry guys, there were plenty of board shorts coming down the runway too.
Adding some spice to the show, MTV celeb Kristen Cavallari left her drama in The Hills and checked in to the 305 to add a little star power to the runway. Cavallari strutted down the runway in a spectacular cobalt blue swimsuit, a color befitting the night (it is, after all, SKYY Vodka’s signature color). On another turn down the runway, Cavallari wore a one-of-a-kind glass bikini. Looking every inch the Cali girl, the socialite and part-time philanthropist looked fab, and more importantly, at ease on the runway before changing into a body-hugging short orange number for the after party. Cavallari wasn’t there without her very own line of support, though. Fiancé and NFL star Jay Cutler was spotted in the first row sitting next to “Dancing With the Stars” alum Chad Ochocinco along with Brooklyn-based rapper Theophilus London. Ok, so Cutler might have looked out of his element, but Ochocinco and London certainly didn’t mind the eye candy strutting down the runway while they snapped their favorite designs with their white iPhones. Adding to the celebrity factor, “Gossip Girl” Jessica Szohr was on hand to lend her talents on the turntables during the show before making her way to the after party in a bright blue mini-jumper, which seemed to be the after party color of the night.
At the party, celebrities, along with select fashion enthusiasts, models, and designers all mingled poolside at the invite-only soiree, where SKYY Miami Spice was the drink of choice and the chocolate-dipped sprinkled pretzels reminded us what this upcoming bikini season might be all about: flirt and fun. Sure, Diesel’s swimsuits were sexy, but not in the sex-only-sells department. This collection was made for jumping, swimming and rolling on South Beach’s white sands. If there was a message to be made, it was that basic fun was back, replacing the swimwear-meets-eveningwear look we’ve seen for the past few seasons. And with that, we breathe a giant sigh of relief.
© Arturo Paulino / MFb
Other Swimwear Designers include:
Cia.Maritima
LUXE by Lisa Vogel
Caffe Swimwear
Dolores Cortes
Mara Hoffman
Aqua di Lara
A.Che
Beach Bunny Swimwear
Crystal Jin
The Luxe Look of Lurex
by Jordan Wolf
© ASOS / NW3 by Hobbs Madely
Tis the season for sparkle, and Lurex is our new favorite way to work it. Let us turn you on to the textile terminology; Lurex is the metallic thread responsible for making stretchy sweaters shimmer and nubby tweeds subtly shine. Sometimes the luminous threads are abundant, lighting up a glamorous piece with multifaceted reflections, while other pieces utilize a few strategic threads to set-off a texture or pattern. Sparkly stuff was seen on the runways at Etro, where Lurex threads infiltrated jackets, striped sweaters, and checked skirts; then there were Ralph Lauren’s demure Lurex-infused pencil skirts and high-shine suit separates. Even Missoni’s trademark Technicolor knits got a shot of the sparkly stuff, metallic threads weaving in and out of zig-zagged dresses and short skirts, jackets, scarves, and leggings. Lurex made repeat appearances at Marc by Marc Jacobs, Comme de Garçons, and Max Mara.
So step up your seasonal garb with some shimmering threads – here’s six ways to work it Miami-style.
Metallic pieces are go-to for cocktail hour – swap out your LBD for something sparkly. The ASOS Midi Dress in Metallic Knit ticks off three Fall-trends (slits, midi-length, and metallic) in one awesome dress. Bronze metallic stripes set off a background of aquamarine, while the pared-down shape insures you can easily layer a cool cropped jacket on top if it gets chilly. We’d love to see this with a sleek pair of opaque tights and impossibly strappy metallic heels for contrast. Another cool cocktail option is this Miu Miu Knit Dress with Lurex Details. It has the appearance of an oversized sweatshirt, but is glammed-up with a bevy of shiny fibers woven throughout the knit-like stars in a violet sky. Go bare-legged if you dare – add chunky wedges or solid suede ankle boots to keep the proportions right – or easily wear it on top of leggings and flats to dress it down. A Bronze Tee by Gucci is a fab alternative to a cocktail dress when paired with slim black pants, pumps, and a leather moto jacket. The all-over metallic tee would also go nicely tucked into a voluminous, midi-length party skirt, especially in a femme floral or polka-dot print. On the shorter side, there’s the ASOS Metallic Striped Knitted Skater Skirt; team this figure-flattering, fit-and-flare skirt with a silky black blouse, Mary-janes, and gold and silver bangle bracelets. Experiment with making it feel more casual, maybe by pairing it with a distressed denim jacket or chambray skirt and sneakers. Finally, two twinkling toppers; a tweedy, metallic jacket adds instant polish to even the simplest jeans + white tee combo. This Virginie Castaway Jacket in Lurex Tweed has structure, shine, and versatility. Wear it to dress up denim or a simple black shift, or treat it like blazer and pair it with a sleek jewel-toned blouse and a curvaceous pencil skirt. Also, know that sparkle doesn’t have to feel too fancy; case in point, a stripey mohair cardigan delicately dotted with Lurex threads by Markus Lupfer. We love the bright orange and navy, a classically preppy color-combo updated by the metallic-factor. Throw it on to add personality to basic jeans, or button it up over a collared shirt and add a pleated skirt, loafers and knee socks for school-girl appeal.
PRESENT FASHION AND ITS NEW OBSESSION WITH GLITTER:
1) Alexander Wang Glitter Drainpipe Trouser; 2) ASOS Pencil Skirt in Glitter Print; 3) Apt. 9 Jet Glitter Square-link Bracelet; 4) Diane von Furstenberg "Issie" Sequin Faux-wrap Dress; 5) J. Crew Skinny Glitter Belt; 6) Topshop GORGEOUS Glitter Court Shoes.
With just about three weeks away, here are Some of the designers:
Lisa Blue Lisa Blue began with one girl’s dream’. A few years ago I, Lisa Burke, traveled to Tonga with the sole purpose to swim with humpback whales. I came face to face with these 15 meters, 20 ton, gentle, ancient giants of the ocean.
No words can describe this experience.
The mother and baby whale approached me. The baby came so close to me as though to touch me that I backed up. The eyes, only a foot away, looked straight into my soul. My heart burst open. In that moment I promised that I would do what I could to help protect them and their environment. In spite of the history of humans killing these angelic beings they look at us with such immense unconditional love.
website:
http://www.lisablue.com.au
NICOLITA
Nicole Di Rocco
Owner/Designer, NICOLITA
NICOLITA designer, Nicole Di Rocco established the swimwear brand in 2003. For the last nine seasons, Di Rocco's creative direction has built her brand by designing conservative-sexy swimwear with curve-flattering styles.
Di Rocco’s inspiration is drawn from a mixture of her cultural Cuban roots and her experience living in Malibu, California. She creates bikini collections that are reminiscent of Cuba's alluring 1940's era, with a California beach twist. Through this successful blending of vintage glamour and modern day silhouettes, the brand has set itself apart in the swimwear industry.
website:
http://www.mynicolita.com
MARA HOFFMAN SWIM
Mara Hoffman is a fashion designer currently headquartered in New York City. Her namesake line draws much of its inspiration from nature, mythology and fantasy, as well as many of the rich indigenous folk art histories found around the world. Part dream sequence and part anthropology, Hoffman’s voice is at once playful, adventurous, and daring. She has garnered widespread attention among industry press, media and retailers for the originality of her designs and fearless approach to print and color.
Hoffman began designing under her own label in 2000. She received her Bachelors of Fine Arts in Fashion Design from Parson’s School of Design, and pursued additional studies at Central Saint
Martin’s College of Art and Design in London. Possessing a fiery courage to take risks, Hoffman left school armed with a strong sartorial knowledge and started work in pursuit of her vision. Creation was a natural product of her process; she experimented, cut, stitched, dipped, dyed, and wore her ideas. No surprise then that Hoffman met her first buyer on the streets of New York when shop owner/costume designer Patricia Field approached her to inquire about what she was wearing. Her first designs made their debut in Field’s New York City boutique, House of Field, where a loyal client base took root.
website:
http://www.marahoffman.com/
Red Carter
well known and respected in the swimwear industry, Known for sophisticated swimwear with an edge, renowned designer Red Carter lends his contagious charm, unique design outlook and years of industry experience to the wildly popular brand that bears his name.
Red’s drive and ambition have long informed his character, beginning during his youth in Southern California. Red was a competitive athlete – an accomplished swimmer, diver and water polo player whose obsession with the cinematic glamour of old films and musicals inspired a love for fashion and design that would ultimately shape his future. Red Carter earned his degree from the Otis/Parson School of Art and Design in Los Angeles. Upon graduation, he got his feet wet designing junior sportswear and activewear for Esprit before putting his creative talent to work at Guess Jeans, Rampage, Missimo, Victoria’s Secret, and Oscar de la Renta. After years of tutelage from some of the best in the fashion industry, Red was ready to capitalize on his hard work, his way.
website:
http://www.redcarter.com/main.html
NAÏLA, DORIT, KEVA | J, ANNA KOSTUROVA
Naïla, a swimwear line for women, men and boys, launched four years ago by Franco-Swiss designer, Naïla Chbib. The line will launch exclusively this year at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim in Miami Beach, Fla., its beachwear and cover-up collection complementing Naïla’s existing swimwear line.
Although a graduate of Parson School New York, Naïla grew up in the South of France. Prior to launching her own collection, Naïla interned with Donna Karan, and Claiborne, the Liz Claiborne men’s line, and also served as the Fashion Director of Social Life Magazine New York.
website:
http://naila-collection.com/home.html
History of The Raleigh Hotel
The Raleigh Hotel is a lush sanctuary nestled among Miami Beach’s promenade of art deco hotels, which line the famous Collins Avenue of Miami Beach’s southern tip, or South Beach. The Raleigh’s property, adjoining Collins Avenue and the white sand, expansive beaches of Miami Beach, encompasses a wealth of exceptional amenities and sites to explore.
It’s time for a good old fashioned pat on the shoulder. (A gentle one please - we’re aging.) This year, the Raleigh turns 70. In 1940, when The Raleigh hotel was contracted to be built, Frank Delano Roosevelt was fireside chatting, Winston Churchill was delivering some of modern history’s best speeches and John Lennon was being born. It was a pre-war boom time in Miami Beach, a period in which nearly 3,000 hotel rooms were built in two years (41 hotels in total). Americans were discovering, as they continue to discover today, that the pleasures of the islands could be had with less money and less travel in Miami Beach.
When L. Murray Dixon, noted architect of the era and creator of many of Miami’s trophy buildings, set forth to design this hotel, he most likely didn’t realize that his imprint on the Miami Beach landscape would be deeper felt by this project than any of his others. And yet, The Raleigh has endured unlike nearly any other hotel from the era. It remains a favorite amongst locals, amongst celebrities looking for anonymity and amongst guests with an appreciation for impeccable design and the sort of friendly hospitality that makes them feel as if they’re home.
And while we’d like to think that things have evolved greatly from the ‘40s, we’ll let you be the judge of that. One thing we can promise you: while decades have come and gone, while trends have ebbed and flowed, and even as The Raleigh has seen a few facelifts (this is South Beach, after all), The Raleigh’s commitment to uphold an unprecedented level of hospitality and to provide its guests with the unspoiled charms of Miami Beach remain unchanged.
Last year's trends-are you following?
*articles written by Jordan Wolf-unless otherwise noted
The Peter Pan Collar
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The Clash
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The Oversized Sweater
Bigger is better for certain things – jumbo shrimp, Venti lattes, and this season’s too-big-for-you knits come to mind. Oversized shapes have been working their way back into fashion from the depths of our 1980s nightmares in a fresh and sophisticated ...
The Coat Post
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Black-Tie Affair
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Well-Vested
On a cool(ish) fall night in Miami, you can do without the wool jackets and heavy overcoats the rest of the nation dutifully dons, but you may still want a little something to keep the chill off those suntanned shoulders, so used to the warm weather that ...
Put Some Skin in It
Though leather is always in style for fall and winter, it can be an intimidating trend to try. Body-hugging and sexy, the leather skirt is the original va-va-va-voom piece, but few Miamians actually work them into wardrobe rotation, for obvious ...
A Bootie for All Seasons
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The Knitty-Gritty
Fall is in the air, sure, but it’s that wishy-washy, unpredictable Miami sort of Fall that’s constantly got us in a pickle about what to wear. We can wear jeans without melting, and even a light jacket over our dresses after the sun goes down, but the ...
Nu Preppy
Think you know collegiate cool? It used to be that traditional Ivy League garb set the standard – crewneck cashmere, crested blazers, preppy plaid, and the ubiquitous pearls and penny loafers were the must-haves of the school set. These days, this posh, ...
Go Retro
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Pretty in Pencil
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Go Long
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Brightly Go
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Colorblocking 2.0
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Put a Hood On It
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MERCEDES BENZ FASHION WEEK -SWIM (In Miami)
You've seen me talking about the fashion week seaon beginning. Well Fashion Week-Swim is the first of the season in this country.
The fist designer I covered was Lisa Blue. AS it turns out, it was the first show that opened MBFWM also.
I was sick last year, and taken away from the business the year before that. And with a new camera, it took a while to get used to shooting again, but I catch on quickly.
What caught my eye quickly, were the number of African American & Hispanic models that were in the show. It seems that the three big Fashion Week Shows are actually, or subconciously divided by race. Ladies, it may be smaller, but this is is the place if you are a model of darker complextion. Till tomorrow. A big night tonight.
The only thing that I disliked, was the lack of knowledge,thereby photo-etiquette of the photographers: The people who were hired to video the show had their video and tripod on the (with three others) whom each were blocking at least two photographers each. Photo-wise, it was a mess, and smaller risers than those at NY Fashion Week.
But in reality, it was a great show-models, belly dancers, Chinese dragon show, and funky head gear. Take a look at the pictures, and enjoy yourself.
Day 2:
From 6pm till 10pm I ran back and forth between tents. My legs we're worn out. It's been two years since I was involed with any Fashion Week, and it showed. I rocked back & forth between people making sure that I got a clear shot. I was able to hit every show today, except for the fist show (E'CLAIRE'E). The work wasn't bad, and by the 9pm show, I was back in stride.
By the close of the night, a few thing happened: I realized that my wallet was left in my room & 2: As I was working, I was asked to copy some of my photos to an
hispanic magazine. By the time I goback to my hotel room, I was so exhausted, that I actually left my key in my door.
DAY-3
Other than my very sore legs, I had reached my stride. I was able to get shots practically any where I wanted. There were a couple blocks by people, by I tried to det around the opstacles-and produced a product that was perfect. This was my day. Everything was coming out correctly. The lighting, the camera settings, even the models.
Here we had caffe'Swimear, Aqua di Lara, Mara Hoffman Swim,xtralife Lycr Brand, and Cia Maritima. Great swimwear designers. My thoughts is if you were a swimwear designer, you should be here. You'll notice That I even have a lot of headshots taken this day. I saw a crowd of people waing an hispanis flaag. It was so crowded, that I thought it was a parade. Only when I got close that I realized it was just a celebrity sighting-I have absolutely no idea who it was.
Day four:
Today might become a washout, but we'll see...
I did go to Fashion Week today. Sadly, I got into a couple of arguments over tape markings under the tent. What I'm finding is that people don't know any better. When on the risers, if you are not a house, or main photographer, it doesn't matter. Everyone needs a spot. I had two guys (and one woman) kept telling me that I was in their space. One guy said he was getting security (he showed up just before the show, and I wasn't moving then-as I knew the rules, but he didn't). As usual nothing happened. On the second, he came in a little bit earlier, and I was able to find a better spot. People don't understand. I think that this will be my last fashion week here. I don't understand the mess here in Miami. In NY, the event people make it very clear to you, but those same people tend to let Miami just run wild.
The only show I didn't attend was the last one because I was STARVING and just plain tired. The shows were beautiful. Red Carter put on a beautiful show to start it off. I desperately needed food, and my hotel was no help. So while that last show started, I walked down to Walgreens (where I saw some interesting people) and picked up some granola bars.
Day Five:
This was the final day of the shows. In Miami, there are a lot of women in bikinis, but there wasn't much of a finale. As far as shows, I'd give it a B, but as crownd control goes, it gets a C.Too many crowd distractions in my opinion. What saved the show were the many beautiful women & exotic clothing in the crowd. The other saving gracr came at the end:
I was pointed out the number of NY models in the swim show. That made me wonder where were all the swimwear models on my facebook page. As I was just about to post that thought, I noticed a picture of a model-in a pictue I also took at Fashion Week.While MALA was one of my friends, I don't think I ever said anything to her. This past week was her birthday, and I realized that I had befriended a Miami model-friend; on Facebook no less.
The ending shows used more designs, and a lot of variety. To tell you the truth, if you've never gone to a fashion week, this would be a good start; but for me I'm calling it quits. Heck, I even got hired.
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