Nothing can get you excited like a overview of the latest swimwear trends spotted at Miami Swim Week, started on the 17th July and annually sponsored by Mercedes-Benz.
This year it was in the hot humid and surreal coastline locally known as SoBe aka South Beach. The slim sandy paradise connects to the rest of the city with a few bikini slim bridges. It all took place in the glamorous Raleigh Hotel, which is situated between Miami’s local golf club and the rest of the Atlantic Ocean.
This was the heavenly place that the hottest swimwear trends of 2015 where revealed and discovered – with the likes of Mara Hoffman (known for her exotic textiles), Wildfox, Frankie’s Bikinis and many other talents! Their glistening and summer kissed models sashayed down the runways or in this case make shift runways on pool decks, cabanas, beach clubs and seaside resorts. Some trends stood out from the beginning: retro looks, slogans one-pieces, statement jewellery, high wasted bottom and strategic panelling.
There were however a few new stand outs that we are going to break down. Here are the Top 8 swimwear trends coming from Miami, the land of eternal summer!
Nineties One-Pieces
This doesn’t only refer to the bright lycra one-pieces that Wildfox presented at Miami Fashion Week but also the iconic symbols of the Ninties: like Malibu Barbie and the Baywatch girls! With slogans such as “Malibu”, “Barbie” and “This Bod’s For You”. This was inspired by the retro Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issues and the 80s and 90s supermodels. The swimsuit line was reminiscent of Malibu Sands and CJ Parker, they ranged from bright reds of bay watch to neon and pastel ombre’s of barbie.
To make this scene even more Ninties radical the models were strutting to a background of 90s pop hits and R&B tunes
Cut-Out Hybrids
This trend solves the consistent dilemma with swimwear – one or two piece?
The tribal inspired Doleres Cortes collection presents one of the stylish solutions in the form of unique hybrid suits, as part of their “Urban Safari” theme. To accompany this daring look, models showed off one of the most unforgettable hairstyles of the week – high braided ponytails with gold wire headdresses. It is very Amazonian Princess of the world!
Plunging Necklines
The plunging sexy V neckline can do wonders at enhancing the female form; torso lengthening and tip toping the line between sophisticated sexiness and tartiness. Wildfox kept it classy and minimalist with a long flowy black midi-dress while Mia Marcelle had a cool print trend.
Meanwhile, Bryana Holly looked like she was having some major fun in one of our favorites – a baby blue one-piece from Lolli Swimwear lined with a candy necklace print and a teardrop of a cut-out. This is one of the most versatile trends as it looks flattering on almost any body shape, making you look both taller and leaner at the same time.
Surf, Sport, & Scuba
This brings rash guards, zipper, neon and mesh! How can we forget the sporty and scuba insider swimwear trends? They are still going strong for 2015.
Clover Canyon’s prints motif stood out with their wetsuit inspired two pieces with panelled high waist bottoms and frontal top zippers while Mia Marcelle presented sporty mesh cover ups for the more athletically inclined.
Of course, Wildfox stole the spotlight with its neon slogan bikini and versatile side zippers. The ensemble was appropriately accessorized with white high-tops, sporty wristbands, waterproof watches and mirrored sunglasses.
Fantasy Babydoll
Little sister, flirty fun was the theme behind the fantasy baby doll trend we saw at Mia Marcelle, Wildfox and Frankie’s Bikinis. This was highlighted by soft white pastel colours, gingham, terry cloth and water nymph elements. We loved Frankie’s Bikinis interpretation of this trend with gold freckles, chic cut outs and flirty polka dots.
What came as a surprise was Francesca Aillo, the youngest designer ever to showcase her work there at just 19 years old, blew us away! Her suits with simple, clean yet versatile and a flattering fit. It gave us the nostalgic feeling of the carefree surfer girl (anyone remember Blue Crush!?) of the early mid-90s. The bikinis featured a bohemian chic vibe infused with a tropical twist.
Fluttering Tops
Designer Vy Nguyen’s line Lolli Swimwear hit the bull’s eye in bottling the essence of the fun lovin’ summertime girly girl and channeling it into a refreshing take for this year’s collection. The line was born out of the influence of her beachside childhood, incorporating whimsical shapes and playful prints, including bow-bottomed bikinis and ruffled tops.
We felt that the fluttery top was the overall motif of this line, appealing to the ladies who aren’t afraid to be both flirty and feminine. 6 Shore Road incorporated a more exotic version of the flowy top, with sheer fabrics and tribal print necklines while Lolli kept it young and playful with bow-prints, citron yellow, sherbert pink and baby blue.
Jungle Safari
Summer time always brings out the tropical jungle theme! But Mia Marcelle’s venture into this theme was elegant and sophisticated. It had less fever, more safari. Inspired by a Tahitian vacation, the collection boasted a softer, more sensual version of that tropical paradise. The plunging black one piece was rightly accessorised with a wide brim safari hat and models wore minimal jewellery for that jungle adventure quality.
This sophistication didn’t end on the catwalk. The VIP guests were gifted with wine and cigars from the designer’s very own vineyard Copper Cane (co owned with husband Joe Wagner). Clover Conyon’s abstract patterns also conjured up by the rich visuals of South America’s tropical forests. Models looked chic yet comfortable in simple printed slides, matching the vivid color and graphics of the suits.
Lastly, but my FAVOURITE trend of all is;
Brilliant Patterns
Print and textile genius Mara Hoffman was the star purveyor of this trend. Like a spontaneous yet extraordinarily orderly prism-burst of bold patterns and colors, each piece stood on its own as if a thoughtful work of art from a brilliant mind. Always one to draw inspiration from exotic locales, Mara and her team designed the collection based on the life and beauty of the people, art, textiles, culture and landscape of Guatemala.
This season’s fresh take also included reversible 2-in-1 suits, a striking solid color to accompany her bold prints. Creative director of Catwalk by TIGI added the perfect finishing touch to the designer’s signature braid with palm leaves tied at the end. Other designers incorporating this trend included 6 Shore Road, Clover Canyon and Mia Marcelle.
