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Monica Hansen

Cover Stories, Fashion, MSM Online, Swimwear

Miami Swim Week Preview

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Cover by Richard Guaty Swim Week 2019 is arriving and not just the fashion shows but also the public Paraiso events are always a highlight.  Here are the dates worth saving. Public Paraiso Events Saturday, July 13th The Paraiso Bungalow, the oceanfront pop-up shop at Collins Park, featuring Resortwear, Beauty, Jewelry and Accessories by: Aloha Collection, Chopard, Olivela and Tropic of C. Hours: 11:00 am  – 8:00 pm Thursday, July 11th – Sunday, July 14th • Culinary Experience by Brad Kilgore on the terrace of the Paraiso Bungalow. Hours: Thursday & Friday 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm / Saturday 2:00 pm – 10:00 pm / Sunday 11:00 am – 10:00 pm Saturday, July 13th Beauty + The Beat Sunset Soiree| Brickell City Centre, 4:30 – 7:00 PM |public event, RSVP required Sunday, July 14th  Maaji Takes Over The Streets at Brickell City Centre Fashion Show| Brickell City Centre, 8:30 PM MSM’s Fashion correspondent Karen Huggins chatted with Paraiso founder Aleksandar Stojanovic about what to expect from this year’s Swim Week. Swim Week has become bigger, better and  simply more interesting each year. Mind giving us a few hints for 2019? We’ll have exciting spaces, like multi level tents on the beach where we offer anything from panel discussions to yoga classes to dinners, brunches and after parties for the shows. In addition we take over some hotels where we’ll have shows, like at the Setai, the Delanos and the W.   So lot’s of different venues. Fantastic. What unique features is Miami bringing to the table asa fashion metropole? Well, it’s the crossroad between North and South America, plus many Europeans frequent Miami. Then given that Miami has a summer that pretty much lasts 365 days, swimwear is the dress code here. A lot designers do not just show their collections here at the shows and trade shows but also stay afterwards to shoot their ad campaigns in Miami. This is something that not too many cities can offer.   How many visitors do you expect this year? Somewhere 25.000 to 30.000 people.   Impressive. Will the public also be able to enjoy Swim Week? Yes, we offer a certain amount of seats at shows to the public, so this way they can very much engage. And since we have so many different locations in order to underscore that every designer is unique, every show is very different from the other which makes the whole experience even more exciting.   The press must love it, too…Oh yes, we have media outlets from around the world covering Swim Week, including Australia, New Zealand, China, Japan, Russia, Europe, South America… you name it. Like the public the media too appreciates that you have highly diverse shows, you have trade shows, you have outstanding events …there is really something for everybody. From our Editor In Chief, Nadja Atwal… Talk about exciting! As for exciting shows to see, it is safe to say that like last year, Monica Hansen Beachwear will be one of the top show highlights during this Swim Week. Within only 3 years Monica Hansen Beachwear has become an international top-selling swimwear brand, beloved by both the critical fashion media and celebrity world. The success of the brand, founded by Top model Monica Hansen, involves 3 remarkable factors: First there is Monica Hansen’s detailed knowledge of swimwear from her time as a top swimwear model gracing hundreds of magazine covers. Secondly the handcrafted unique cuts combined with Made-in-Italy quality and last but not least the fact that top global media outlets – from Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue to Vogue – instantly recognized that these bikinis and swimsuits create an outstanding look on every woman who wants to flaunt her curves and welcomes getting (positive) attention for that matter. In 2018 Monica delivered her highly praised show at the Miami Swim Week where she herself graced the catwalk in one of her designs; which resulted not just in a wave of international sales and media coverage but an explosion of instagram posts with Hollywood stars and international supermodels posing in Monica’s designs. Her pieces don’t just look fabulous, they each tell a little story and enable women to show a different side of them whenever they feel like it. And although the swimwear market is so highly competitive, Monica’s designs dominated this years Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue. Almost 70% of all the featured swimwear is by Monica Hansen Beachwear! Naturally we felt Monica was the expert to ask about the new trends. “For the current season we are seeing a lot of neon and also animal prints” Monica told us. “There is a 1990’s influence with high cut legs on a lot of the bottoms and a focus on sports bras and one piece suits showing a lot of underboob. There is also the use of plastic clips or buckles as trims.” But what is the one trend we all should embrace? “Animal prints are the big trend, so it’s not surprising that our most popular suit for this current season is the Leopard One Piece Bardot swimsuit. For next season I forsee a continuation of animal prints and early 1990’s inspiration along the lines of Versace with the Victorian prints. Also popular will be some new colors like neon mint green and coral. ” With all this we can not wait for Swim Week 2019 to start. Stay tuned for our continued coverage including all the highlights from Monica’s show on July 13th. Monica Hansen Miami Swim Week 2018 / Monica Hansen Beachwear

Beauty, Body, MSM Online, Skin Care

Miami Beach Goddess Guide

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  Looking your best on the beach means a fabulous tan, a dashing outfit and “ I’m loving life” attitude. After talking to some of our favorite celebs and one of America’s top beauty experts, plus some serious self-testing, here are our 5 steps to make you shine on the beach. 1 ) GOLD The moment the sun visibly kissed your skin, (yellow) gold is the metal that compliments your skin the best. So put on that necklace, have fun with a belly chain or simply sport some golden hoop earrings to channel your inner JLO. Swimwear designer Monica Hansen www.MonicaHansenBeachwear.com bedazzled her models with gorgeous little gold accessories from ear to toe. We can’t get enough of it! If you like statement pieces, check Lea Blacks accessories www.leablack.com  ( her bestseller, the butterfly gold cuff, is a must have).   2.) EXFOLIATE To get and keep an even tan that glows. Scrubbing aggravates the already sensitive sun-exposed summer skin. Elphia www.elphiabeauty.com delivers the dreamboat we have been waiting for: You apply the gel-like lotion and while softly rubbing it in, the dead skin comes right of  – within seconds. Yes, seconds. Even beach bunnies with sensitive skin love it and the result is smooth skin that is ready for more fun in the sun. It’s anti-aging ingredients also help keeping your skin healthy and happy. Our August covergirl Joanna Krupa is a fan, she told us. “My skin is very sensitive, so I needed something that is non-irritating while still showing real results. “ And yes, we too love what it does for our skin. Especially when following up with the serum that is loaded with great nutrients.   3.) BLOCK Dr. Garth Fisher is often called ” the Kardashian’s beauty doc” but has been world famous as a plastic surgeon for over 2 decades already.  We gave him a call about his new beauty breakthrough product DOCBLOCK and learned a few things :“Sun exposure doesn’t just create wrinkles or negatively affects pigmentation”, says Fisher. ” It also affects the skin’s elasticity, means it can lead to skin sagging. So it’s essential to protect your skin at all times.” And since a true sun goddess doesn’t like any sun block residue on her skin, nor a load of chemicals (that we sadly find in most known sunscreens), Fisher delivers also on that front. “Our product has a unique blend of ingredients, so it’s actually good for your skin, plus it’s very blendable, so you feel comfortable using it as a daily moisturizer.” So no chalkiness, no white cast. And given that it has the perfect SPF 55 and works well as a make up base, it is no wonder this product is so loved by photographers and models for beach shoots.    4.) ENHANCE & EXTEND  ….your golden color.  Bellini www.bellini-beauty.com is a bestselling, anti-aging self-tanner from Europe that works in record time. After 15 minutes you already see the first result, which intensifies over the next 24 hours, yet always looks natural. On top of that it’s loaded with anti-aging ingredients and smells divine.   5.) YELLOW ….is the color that can make you look ill when you are tan-less and gorgeously vital after a few days in the sun. It’s the color of this season (and the next), so go and get your sunny one-piece or bikini and enjoy the good vibes that come with it.

Fashion, MSM Online, Shows & Events

MONICA HANSEN BEACHWEAR MAKES RUNWAY DEBUT AT PARAISO FASHION FAIR

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Monica Hansen Beachwear was the first brand to officially kick off the runways at the Paraiso Fashion Fair at Collins Park. This was Monica Hansen’s runway debut as a designer, sponsored by Dr. Garth Fisher Beauty DocBlock Sunscreen. Additional sponsors included Icelandic Glacial Water, ShoeDazzle, and Absurda Eyewear. “I was so honored to have shared my 2019 collection during Swim Week for the first time. The inspiration for this collection comes from the 80s and 90s – it’s a very sporty collection but also elegant. I’m so excited to see where the brand goes further from here,” Hansen said. It was not just Monica Hansen’s designs and gorgeous models that made waves. The former Miss Norway who graced countless magazine covers as a model before she ascended to the Designer Olymp stunned the audience when she appeared on stage wearing one of her own bikini designs flaunting a perfect supermodel figure and simply looking flawless. 

Beauty, MSM Online

“Beachwear and Beachbody “ By Nadja Atwal

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 Our former cover star Monica Hansen tells us her tips to navigate through this summer in shape and in style. The former top model has become THE new star of swimwear design again. Sports Illustrated chose several of her designs for their new Swimsuit Issue. NA: What are the must haves this summer for making a big splash on the beach or by the pool? MH: My Must Haves this summer for making a big splash at the beach or the pool are: Dr. Garth Fisher’s new sunscreen product DocBlock, Evian water spray mist bottle,  Virgin Coconut oil for hair and skin, Beach towel by Mayde towels in Australia, and of course some of our favorite swimsuit items from our collection. NA: You are a designer but still have your supermodel figure and pose in top magazines. Please share some workout and diet tips so we all can look a bit better this summer. MH: To stay in shape my tips are to obviously stick to a healthy diet with smaller sized portions, but since we all want to enjoy a bigger meal, sometimes, I strongly advice  to eat any heavier foods earlier in the day. Keep it light in the evenings! I eat a lot of salads and fish, although I do occasionally eat chicken or steak, and yes,  I try to drink a lot of water. As far as exercise goes, I do some light weight training and cardio at the gym but the thing I really focus on is mega pilates 3 to 4 times per week. It’s a game changer. NA: Your favorite drink while being cool by the pool? MH: My favorite poolside drink is a cool refreshing mojito NA: Your favorite hang out in Miami for beach and pool time? MH: When I am in Miami my favorite places to hang out for beach and pool time are the Edition Hotel, the Faena and the Hyde Beach Club at the SLS South Beach NA: What skin care do you like for both skin protection in the sun and aftercare? MH: For protecting my skin when I go out in the sun I love Dr Garth Fisher’s new sunscreen called DocBlock.  And for post-sun aftercare I like products by Dr. Obagi. NA: Where and when can the Miami crowd see your designs in action next ? MH: We will be showing our collection in a runway show at the Funkshion main tent as well as in the Cabana Trade Show.  Swim week is the biggest swimwear trade show/convention in the world and will take place this year from July 12-16th in South Beach Miami. So see you then!

Beauty, Fashion, MSM Online

Six Superb Valentines Day Gifts With High IQ

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By Nadja Atwal No, most girls don’t care for a tv promoted pj as a Valentines gift. And yes, a  teddy is cute, but should be only the accessory to the Valentines gift – not the main gift. And since most of us fashion lovers watch our figure, a box of chocolate is really not helpful. Guys are so smart and often also exceptionally creative at work – why then so many uninspired gifts? Send him the links to our gift tips. That should improve his cognitive ability to find the right thing for you. As for what to give your man on the day of love, there is a special gift tip in here that he ll never forget. And if you are single, just reward yourself – they always say we need to love ourselves first, so lets get spoiled! For her : If he does not get this piece for you, reward yourself. The  heart hair barrette  (in copper or silver) from Copper Street Studios with red Swarovski crystals is the perfect hair accessories for those who like to tame their mane in a non-vanilla way. It’s handmade and the heart shape of this gorgeous and very functional  piece softly whispers “Oh how romantic”. www.etsy.com 2.) For him and her : “Give” a wild animal. If your sweetheart is an animal lover, the symbolic species adoption from WWF is a romantic way to support global effort to protect wild animals and their habitats. It comes with an adoption certificate, photo of the animal and a matching 8 inch plush. Wanna bet this gift puts a smile on anyone with a heart for animals? https://gifts.worldwildlife.org/gift-center/ 3.)  For her (even though he may not be able to keep his hands off it as well) : The Bellini Self Tanner set is a true breakthrough product and the only self tanner I publicly endorse, since it really turns me into a beach goddess. Developed by one of the best health product and cosmetic inventors in Europe, this perfect self tanner comes in spray form and with a matching spray-on exfoliator! They work as a team and give the most natural tan within 15 minutes. Plus it is full of anti-aging ingredients and moisturizers to keep skin soft and smooth. Pssst: it also smells devine. The product just hit the stores in Europe and we are told the brand can barely keep up with the orders. And how lovely that they offer a Valentines Day Special! www.Bellini-Beauty.com 4.) For him:  If you feel your guy is less into “stuff” but more into experiences, give him something unforgettable. Guys love golf, so why not help him to amp up his game? Cloud Nine Livings motto is “Create a memory – give an experience,” so you may also consider (depending on his interests, your budget and location) a helicopter flight lesson, racing a Lamborghini or a wine tasting sail. www.cloud9living.com For her : Enough with those lingerie sets. Summer is coming and so is the next holiday trip to the beach. Oh, what to wear, what to wear to look cool by the pool ? What about a bikini that will catch all eyes when out and about and has the va-va-va-voom to seduce him in the bedroom …or any room? The Leather & Lace Collection by Monica Hansen Beachwear is true genius. And how thoughtful that the brand offers up to 75% on some of these sexy bestsellers especially for V- Day www.monicahansenbeachwear.com For her : There is lipstick and there is the Glamour Garden LE Collection from Katarina Van Derham. Not only did all of Katarina’s longtime experience as a top make up artist go into this, but the box itself is a piece of art. And with 4 versatile, gorgeous colors in one package (the colors can of course be mixed), she will always have the matching color for every outfit, mood and occasion. Truly genius. www.lasplashcosmetics.com

Cover Stories, MSM Online, Swimwear

Monica Hansen Endless Summer

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One on One with swimwear designer, Monica Hansen By Nadja Atwal / Photos by Cameron Hammond 1.) You went from being a super successful swimwear model to now being the new rising star as a swimwear designer. How did you do it? I have always had passion for design and fashion.  It was a very natural transition for me. I started doing drawings and illustrations at a very young age. I started my swimwear company about 2 years ago, and since then I’ve been a full time designer. 2.) Few markets are as competitive as the swimwear market – what sets your designs apart from the competition? I think there are a few key factors that sets our line apart from others . We manufacture in Italy and all our fabric and trim suppliers are Italian. Most swimwear companies manufacture in China and other countries. The fabric and workmanship that Italy provides is far more higher quality in comparison to other countries when it comes to swimwear. I have also structured the line, so that there is 5-6 options for tops you can mix match with 5-6 options for bottoms. We sell our tops and bottoms separately. We carry sizes XS to XL. We all are built different. Some people are S bottom  large top or vs. Most swimwear companies do not provide you that many options of tops and bottoms to mix match. The other benefit about that is that a customer can by two tops and one bottom, then have two sets of bikinis that looks different. 3.) What are the trends for now and which trends are here to stay in your view? The trends are little bit of 80’s and 90’s vibe. It’s very body and fitness focus cuts and trims. The suits and bottom have more of high waisted cuts, which makes your legs look long. Colors are black, white, nude.. You will see a lot of pastel and also yellow for the coming season. This trend will carry over to the next season. 4.) The supermodels and Hollywood crowd love your designs. Kindly tell us about one of your favorite instagram’s from a celeb in MH and why do you love it so much? I love Beyoncé in our Pineapple suit and also Christie Brinkley. Beyoncé because it’s just her style and it fits her perfectly. Christie Brinkley because she still rocks our smallest suits at 63.. She just amazing!! 5.) Not everyone has perfect curves and your designs are so far more on the revealing side. Can we also expect swim dresses or retro style designs a la Monica Hansen for extra coverage but as much sex appeal? Yes, we are planning to expand our collection starting next season with more ready to wear clothing (dresses, coverups and other clothing) 6.) What is your favorite destination in Miami for playing the beach queen or pool bunny? (name the hotel/resort and why) I love the Edition hotel ! It’s such an amazing hotel. Modern and so cool. They even have an ice skate ring in the basement. It’s so much fun. I had my models last season ice skating with bikinis. Also their pool is a site to see. Something magical about that hotel.

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