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MSM Online, Shows & Events, Swimwear

MIAMI SWIM WEEK COMEBACK 2021

By Karen Huggins, Miami Swim Week, the biggest swimwear spectacle on the planet returned post-pandemic and saw hundreds of brands, veterans, and newcomers. The swim-centric event featured the latest trends and fashions from brands and designers including Oh Polly, Luli Fama, Maaji, Boohoo, Jonathan Simkhai, Honey Birdette, Megan Mar, Liliana Montoya, Forever 21, Pretty Little Thing, Mery Playa among others. Cocktail hours, brunches, dinners and afterparties are essential at the four-day swimwear event.  All of them with amazing brands and opportunities to experience the new collections. This year I covered the events with two local Miami babes and influencers: Vanessa @vanessarosetilley and Juanita @jlondonostyle. We started the week with beautiful models descending upon Miami Beach for the Select Models-hosted party for Paraiso swim show at Meet Dalia. After an amazing night we were ready for the first day of shows and events. Jonathan Simkhai held a presentation at Joia Beach, the perfect scenario for featuring his stunning Resort 2022 Swim Collection. Sophisticated and elegant designs for the chic woman. Destination Colombia show brought a colorful explosion of amazing designs and quality fabrics including brands such as Ancora, Bahama Mama, Mar de Lua, Mola Mola, Naranja Furcado, Palmacea, PQ Swim, and Smeralda. They also hosted a brunch at the Ritz Carlton South Beach where we could meet the designers and learn why this country is one of the leaders in the industry. Paraiso presented the panel series where industry insiders came together to express and exchange ideas. A key panel of experts including Omnisend and Okendo talked about Direct-to-consumer (D2C) and Courvoisier hosted a lavish lunch at Mila Restaurant. The consciously beauty brand, Elaluz hosted a brunch with the founder and influencer Camilla Coelho. The acclaimed businesswoman and instagramer presented a new Elaluz line, the brand presents timeless must-haves featuring powerful Brazilian superfoods with extracts and oils from plants, fruits and nuts.  After a fruitful day learning about the industry with the panel and meeting designers, we headed to Byfne Show presented by Models of Color Matter. An explosion of colors, joy and vivid designs. Oh Polly introduced us to their new sister company Neena Swim on a show with sexy models with flawless bodies. A neutral color palate including nudes and whites in daring cuts. Gorgeous! @glamandbrains at Miami Swim Week @elaluz event @jlondonostyle with Camila Coelho at @elaluz event @elaluz brunch@jlondonostyle at Oh Polly Yacht party@vanessarosetilley Miami Swim Week 2021 @vanessarosetilley at Miami Swim Week Bfyne @modelsofcolormatter showDESTINATION Colombia Bahama MamaDESTINATION Colombia_Ancora_Oliva PontonJonathan Simkhai show Jonathan Simkhai showMiami Swim Week 2021 @glamandbrainsOh Polly Oh Polly

Cover Stories, Fashion, MSM Online, Swimwear

Miami Swim Week Preview

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

Cover Stories, MSM Online, Swimwear

Monica Hansen Endless Summer

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.

Beauty, Cover Stories, Fashion, MSM Online, Skin Care, Swimwear

Nicole Williams from WAGS on E!

Written by Gisel Habibnejad Cover Photo and Photography by Josh Ryan Makeup Artist by Janelle Faretra Styling by Kat Lozhnikova For anyone who stays up to date with pop culture, it’s no secret Nicole Williams is taking the modeling industry by storm. Never shying away from a busy schedule, she also stars in the hit reality television series WAGS on E! The show follows the lives of Williams and her cast mates through which viewers experience a glimpse into the exclusive lives of wives and girlfriends of professional athletes. Williams has been dating Larry English, an NFL defensive end, for close to five years now. “I think our relationship is very relatable to a lot of people who watch.” Prior to WAGS, Williams had already made a name for herself as a professional model. “My mom used to put me in classes so I could get a better feel for being in front of the cameras and I LOVED it!” Her first big break was her Bonne Bell Cosmetics campaign in Canada. A model on a mission, Williams has struck numerous deals throughout her career—her latest being an ad campaign with PETA. In an effort to raise awareness for animal cruelty, she was honored to team up with PETA for a special cause. “It was amazing working with PETA, honestly a dream come true for me,” shares the vegan. “If I can use this little bit of fame for one thing, it’s to spread awareness all around the world.” The ad campaign hones in on the gruesome reality animals undergo in the leather making process. PETA encourages consumers to opt for vegan leather instead of real leather. Vegan fashion goods can be found at top brands such as Stella McCartney and Free People. The Canadian-born beauty has also been busy modeling for other campaign ads. Earlier this year, Williams posed for the luxury lingerie brand Agent Provocateur’s Aphrodisiaque perfume ad. Skincare has always been important to Williams, so naturally, partnering up with BodyBlendz was a match made in heaven. The premier natural body scrub brand created a Coffee Scrub inspired by Williams’ own beauty regimens. “I used some of my favorite scents that I use at home, it’s so good for your skin to exfoliate, it gets rid of dry dead skin and keeps your skin radiant and smooth.” Some of the vital ingredients used to make the scrub include coffee beans (great for minimizing the appearance of cellulite) and sea salt (leaves skin feeling soft). In addition, together with BodyBlendz, Williams will be launching a new tropical and beachy mist called Mandarin Mist. Poised to conquer the fashion world, Williams will be launching a swimwear line this summer called Nia Lynn. The collection will consist of three bikinis and three one-pieces, staying true to this summer’s hottest trends like mesh, strappy features, and neutral colors. You can keep up with Williams by watching WAGS Sunday nights at 10:00pm only on E! “You definitely don’t want to miss this season because there’s a few surprises in store for everyone!! It gets really exciting.” You can also follow her on social media (@justtnic), to get sneak peeks of her swimwear line.

Fashion, MSM Online, Swimwear

Miami Swim Week 2015: Keva J Swimwear Debuts The Nile Collection at the Ritz-Carlton South Beach

By Katie Jackson Keva J Swimwear, a favorite among celebrities like the Kardashians, presented “The Nile Collection” at an invitation-only poolside soiree at the Ritz-Carlton South Beach on Saturday afternoon. Inspired by African safaris and Egyptian glamour, Keva J’s Spring/Summer 2016 collection provided bright and bold hues with tropical motifs. The colorful swimwear was perfectly accessorized with earrings from Laruicci and the latest pumps from Steve Madden. Attendees sipped specialty summer cocktails provided by D’USSE while enjoying the showcase.

Fashion, MSM Online, Swimwear

Miami Swim Week 2015: A Hot Debut

By Alyse Mier Photography by World Red Eye Miami Swim Week featured an array of parties and fashion shows that is bound to leave those in attendance talking for days. However, among some of the more extraordinary parties was Hot As Hell’s swimwear debut. The much-anticipated debut took place at Soho Beach House. The party brought out top models Natasha Oakley and, Devin Brugman, esteemed fashion bloggers and exceptionally talented fashion photographers. Guests were treated to electrifying tunes by model turned DJ Alexandra Richards while sipping on a refreshing Dobel Black Diamond Margarita. And if that wasn’t enough, guests were also gifted with Essie nail polish and HAH intimates that would serve as a reminder of this truly memorable night. The night continued on with a screening of the film Le Premiere, which was projected on the wall of a neighboring building for everyone to enjoy. The film features multi-talented model Cailin Russo who showcased her boxing skills, impressive dance moves and her incredible singing talent with her cover of Take A Walk On The Wild Side. The magical night came to a close on an exceptionally high note with a performance by New York based band Swimsuit Issue who wowed the crowd with a set that featured music from their upcoming album. If this bash is any indication of what to expect from Hot As Hell they are sure to raise the swimwear industry standard.

Fashion, MSM Online, Swimwear

Miami Swim Week 2015: DIJANA Swim Fashion Show at the Bass Museum of Art

By Katie Jackson Friday evening was a night of firsts for both DIJANA Swim and the Bass Museum of Art. The contemporary art museum hosted its first swimwear showcase during Miami Swim Week, while DIJANA Swim debuted their line. Designer Dijana Molina launched her eponymous swimwear line to create a collection that accommodates any woman’s mood or experience. Attendees were able to view the entire 2016 summer collection, which provides staple pieces in an abundance of colors and patterns. The collection, inspired by symmetry, sensuality, and beauty, also includes a variety of chic beach cover-ups. The DIJANA Swim Fashion Show was the last show to take place at the Bass Museum before it closes for renovations.

Fashion, MSM Online, Swimwear

Miami Swim Week 2015: Tori Praver

By Gisel Habibnejad Photography by Simon Soong At this year’s Miami Swim Week, Tori Praver Swimwear introduced their Resort 2016 collection combining Praver’s experiences with travel and her love for fashion. The collection, titled Sonoran Sun, embodied girly pieces with edginess. Whether it was expressed in prints or in the designs of the swimwear, you can easily see the inspiration was taken from her favorite Latin destinations. The trend on this runway was easy to spot: pinks and purples were Praver’s favorites this season. Tori Praver Swimwear went even further than prints and colors by debuting a unique fabric which combines different textures to create subtle patterns. In addition to swimwear, the collection included dresses, kimonos, chic tops, and bottoms.

Fashion, MSM Online, Swimwear

Miami Swim Week 2015: Follow 6 Shore Road on a Journey through Panama

By Alyse Mier Inspired by lazy beach days and pieces that can easily transition from day to night 6 Shore Road perfectly captures the essence of being effortless and chic. Designer Pooja Kharbanda is known for taking you on a journey with each one of her collections, and last night’s stop was Panama. The show dazzled everyone in the crowd, from celebrities to fashion enthusiasts and press. The collection drew inspiration from the lush landscapes and rich history found in Panama, which is where Kharbanda spent her teenage years. Ornate patchwork embellished the front of some swimsuits and maxi dresses and represented the craftsmanship of some of Panama’s indigenous people. Other pieces incorporated 6 Shore Road’s signature floral print, which was reminiscent of the lush rainforests found in Panama. These pieces provided a beautiful color palette full of pinks, blues and purple tones. In addition to the swimwear and edgy resort wear, the 2016 collection debuted new bags and sandals, which stayed true to 6 Shore Road’s beachy vibe. The 2016 collection is intended for those days when your tanning on the beach and then dancing the night away as the sun goes down all while feeling effortlessly sexy.

Fashion, MSM Online, Swimwear

Your Guide to Miami Swim Week 2015

By Gisel Habibnejad Miami Swim Week is only a day away and with so many fashion shows and events occurring this week, it’s hard to keep up. MSM has compiled a list of scheduled events to make sure you don’t miss a beat. WEDNESDAY, JULY 15TH Peroni Annual Sneak Peak ­– 6-9pm ­– STK Miami THURSDAY, JULY 16TH Art Institute Fashion Show – 1pm – Main Funkshion Tent Liliana Montoya – 6pm – Main Funkshion Tent If you love mermaids, you are not going to want to miss Liliana Montoya’s Swim Spring/Summer 2016 collection. The show will include “sea-jungle” inspired trends that are all the rage this summer. Planet Fashion TV VIP Opening Night Reception & SWIMMIAMI Kickoff – 6-10pm – W Hotel What better way to celebrate the first official day of Miami Swim Week than with a special performance by MSM’s co-owner, Julio Iglesias Jr.? Sponsored by Planet Fashion TV, the fun event will include a presentation by Lacoste™ to celebrate the opening of SWIMMIAMI 2016. RSVP: (305)793-1389 Art Hearts Fashion – 8pm – Main Funkshion Tent Peroni Emerging Designers – 9pm – SLS Hotel FRIDAY, JULY 17TH Gypsea Swimwear & Lychee Swimwear – 12-2pm – Kaskades Suites Issa de’ Mar Dinner & Presentation – 6pm – Soho Beach House Robb & Lulu – 6pm – Main Funkshion Tent SAME SWIM by Shea Marie ­– 6-8pm ­ EDITION Hotel Clover Canyon Presentation – 6:30-8:30pm – SLS Hotel Hammock Runway Show – 7pm – W Hotel Dijana Swim – 7pm – Bass Museum Filthy Haanz – 8pm – 1Hotel Mikoh – 8:30pm – 1Hotel Mikoh designers Oleema and Kalani Miller showcase their latest swimwear collection highly influenced by surfer chic meets femininity. Style Saves Swim – 9pm – EDITION Hotel Sinesia Karol – 9pm – The Setai San Lorenzo Bikinis – 9pm – W Hotel Wildfox NightSwim – 9pm-12am – Delano South Beach 6 Shore Road by Pooja – 9:30pm – Main Funkshion Tent Mia Marcelle – 10pm – 1Hotel At this year’s Miami Swim Week, fashionistas will be excited to learn that the Mia Marcelle 2016 Collection is bigger and better than ever. You can also expect the men’s line to be joining the runway once again! Hot As Hell Party – 10pm-12am – Soho Beach House SATURDAY, JULY 18TH SwimShow – 9am-6pm until Monday – Convention Center Hammock Trade Show – 9am-6pm until Monday – W Hotel Cabana Trade Show – 10am-6pm until Monday – Collins Park Zigilane Lunch & Presentation – 12pm – Delano Hotel Bungalow 253 by RxGenesys – 1-4pm – EDITION Hotel Escape Miami Style Lounge – 1-6pm – Shelborne Hotel Elite Gifting Lounge & Body Beauty Suite – 1-6pm – 1Hotel Keva J. – 2-4pm – Ritz-Carlton Hotel Mohini – 4-6pm – Shelborne Hotel DIVE Preview – 5pm – SPACEBY3 Gottex – 6pm – 1Hotel Tori Praver – 6:30pm – Main Funkshion Tent CFDA Fashion Incubator Presentation – 7pm – W Hotel Mara Hoffman – 8pm – Casa Casuarina – Invite Only DIVE IN Movie – Swim Week Edition – 8:30pm – The Standard Luli Fama – 9pm – Main Funkshion Tent Join Luli Fama as they present their latest swimwear dream catcher themed show. Being one of the highly anticipated designer brands at Miami Swim Week, you won’t want to miss it! Caffe Swimwear – 9pm – W Hotel Belusso – 10pm ­– 1Hotel With celebrities like Jessica Biel, Miranda Kerr, Eva Longoria, and Chrissy Teigen rocking this swimwear brand, you know you can only expect unique and detailed designs by Belusso. The comfortable pieces exude luxury as this year’s designs were inspired by Steve McQueen’s automobile collection. Frankie’s Bikinis – 10:30pm – W Hotel SUNDAY, JULY 19TH Akai, Alexibella & Siempre Golden Brunch – 11am – Seagrape at the Thompson Hotel Swim Week Field to Table Brunch – 11am-3pm – Mmmm French Café We Are Handsome Preview Brunch ­– 11:30am – EDITION Hotel The always interesting, We Are Handsome designs never seem to disappoint. This year, the Australian-based brand will showcase their latest pieces with an exclusive presentation at the EDITION Hotel. Lazy Sunday BBQ: Swim Week Edition at The Standard Spa Miami Beach – 12-8pm – Standard Spa Bungalow 253 by RxGenesys – 1-4pm – EDITION Hotel Swim Week Pool Party – 2pm – The Broken Shaker Anita Rincón Swim – 2-4pm – Riviera Hotel Nookie – 5-7pm – Mondrian Hotel Lycra Presents: Lybethras & Lila Nikole – 6pm – 1Hotel SwimShow Cocktail Pool Party – 7pm ­– Thompson Hotel Protela Colombian Trend (Maaji, Agua Bendita, Hernan Zajar, Saha, Malai, Firlan) – 7pm – W Hotel Maaji – 8pm – Main Funkshion Tent Hot As Hell Resort/Spring 2016 Collection – 8:30pm – 1Hotel Hot As Hell designer Sharleen Ernster debuts her first ever swimwear collection at this year’s Miami Swim Week. With previous experience as the Chief Design Officer of Guess, it’s safe to say this collection is one to watch out for. AD for Men – 9pm – SLS Hotel Floridita – 9:30pm – The Setai Acacia – 9:30pm – Main Funkshion Tent Indah – 10:30pm – W Hotel

Fashion, Interviews, Swimwear, The Issue

One-On-One with L*Space™ Founder & Creative Director Monica Wise

By Katie Jackson Photography Courtesy of L*Space™ L*Space has been known as the popular fashion-forward swimwear line seen on beaches and at poolside parties around the world for the past decade. Founder and Creative Director Monica Wise brought the beloved swimwear brand to life hoping to not only provide stylish, high-quality bathing suits and cover-ups, but to also make her customers feel fabulous in what they are wearing while playing in the sun. We sat down with Wise to discuss the beginnings of her brand, the inspiration behind her 2016 collection, what she thought about Joanna Krupa falling in love with her designs, and more. MSM: What influenced you to become a swimwear designer?Monica Wise: I’ve always had a love for the warmer months. Growing up in the Midwest, I became tired of the brutal winters and would escape off to Florida’s beaches whenever I had the chance. As soon as I could, I moved out of Ohio to the warm beaches of Florida and developed a love affair with the inspiring local culture of tanned and toned bodies. MSM: Why the name L*Space? MW: I found that everything that was important to me personally and professionally seemed to start with the letter L (Love, Laughter, Living, Lounging). I was searching for the missing L’s in my life and creating my “L” space. MSM: Tell us about the inspiration behind your 2016 collection. MW: My “L” this season is inspired by our LOVE to explore exotic parts of the world that are rich in culture. This collection is filled with bold ethnic prints, barely there shades and nontraditional color mixing. Spring 2016 is all about the destinations that truly move you – about the places you’ve never been but want to go. MSM: What are some of the most important lessons you have learned as owner and creative director of L*Space and why? MW: It’s important to listen to your customers – make sure you’re delivering what they want and not what you prefer. It’s also so important to stay passionate about whatever it is you choose to do – the minute the passion is lost you might as well throw in the towel. MSM: What advice would you provide aspiring designers? MW: Deliver product that is different, compelling, and special. Also, quality, quality, quality – without quality you have nothing. MSM: Joanna Krupa loved wearing and modeling your swimwear design on Miami Shoot Magazine’s cover. How does it feel to have an international supermodel absolutely love your designs? MW: With so many choices of bikini collections, I’m honored she loves our brand. I love seeing my swimwear worn by women who exude style and confidence – Joanna is the epitome of an L*Space customer. For more information on L*Space or to purchase designs, please visit www.LSpace.com Click here to view this post in the July/August digital issue. Click here to view our online issue.

Cover Stories, Entertainment, Fashion, Interviews, Swimwear, The Issue

JOANNA KRUPA

SUPERMODEL JOANNA KRUPA PROVES BEAUTY IS MORE THAN SKIN DEEP Interviewed By Katie Jackson Photographed by Alessandra Fiorini Hair & Makeup by Tony Yates Styled by Katie Jackson Set Assistant: Nycole Sariol Location: 1100 Millecento Brickell Most know Joanna Krupa as the mega successful supermodel who has graced the covers of major publications including Maxim, Cosmopolitan, and Glamour, or as the star of the hit reality television shows Dancing with the Stars and The Real Housewives of Miami. But the Polish-American beauty’s success goes far beyond her glamorous glossy magazine covers and stints on TV. Krupa is leading a powerful movement against animal cruelty, actively protesting the injustice that happens to innocent animals every day. In providing care for abandoned animals through her organization Angels for Animal Rescue, participating in campaigns for PETA, and blasting animal cruelty on her social media accounts, Krupa has helped save thousands of animals’ lives. To this day, Krupa lives and breathes her beliefs, making her not only an icon in the fashion industry, but also an example of how to relentlessly stand up for a cause in which you truly believe. Born in Warsaw, Poland, Krupa moved to the United States at a young age and worked her way up to becoming one of the most successful supermodels. After landing high-profi le spreads in magazines and roles in multiple movies and television shows, Krupa was approached to become a part of the cast of The Real Housewives of Miami, a reality television show surrounding the lives of several glamorous women living in the Magic City. The show highlighted Krupa’s relationship with now husband and Mynt Lounge owner Romain Zago, airing their nuptials on the Season 3 finale. Through the series, Krupa has remained friends with a few of the RHOM cast members, including Miami’s go-to celebrity dentist Karent Sierra. “One of the best things that came out of the show was my friendship with Karent,” said Krupa. “She is one of my closest friends.” Since the show’s last season, Krupa has been enjoying being a newlywed while also maintaining a busy career schedule and traveling back and forth between her homes in Miami and Los Angeles. Most of Krupa’s projects are based in L.A., while Zago’s are in Miami. Though she admits that living a bi-coastal lifestyle provides its diffi culties, Krupa says it is crucial to maintaining both her career and a healthy marriage with Zago. “We make it work because we have no other choice,” said Krupa. “Neither one of us want to give up our careers. But when we are ready to start a family we will have to be based in one city when our kids start school.” In addition to her marriage and career, Krupa has made animal activism an immensely important priority in her life. Always an animal lover, Krupa realized the horrific cruelty millions of animals experience after watching a PETA—People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals—video. “I saw the way animals are skinned alive for their fur, and I had to do something,” said Krupa. “I had to help spread awareness and be a voice for the voiceless and defenseless. I decided to dedicate my life to do whatever I possibly could to spread the message on all types of animal cruelty until the day that I die.” Krupa began participating in PETA campaigns, bringing worldwide attention to animal cruelty and the anti-fur movement. After becoming one of PETA’s most successful models, Krupa led animal cruelty protests before deciding to create her own non-profit organization Angels for Animal Rescue. “There are so many big organizations out there where you don’t know exactly where the money is going,” said Krupa. “So I wanted to open my own organization where I know that one hundred percent of the money is going to the animals.” While Krupa’s organization is small—it is run solely by Krupa, her rescue partner Gabi Gutierrez, and sister Marta—Angels for Animal Rescue has been responsible for saving thousands of animals’ lives. “We rescue all kinds of animals including cats, dogs, rabbits, pigs, chickens, etc.,” said Krupa. “But since we don’t have our own facility we rely on donations and fosters to grow our rescue efforts so we can keep saving lives.” But Krupa’s animal activism does not end there. Krupa has also spoken out against animal testing, and even decided to create her own cruelty-free skincare line, Cellogica. “I wanted products that really work and that aren’t tested on animals,” said Krupa. “There is no reason at all to test on poor, innocent animals for products.” Cellogica uses natural ingredients to reverse the signs of ageing at the cellular level. “There is a day cream and a night cream, and they both do their individual magic which makes them a great team.” As far as her successful modeling and TV career, Krupa will soon be jetting off to her homeland for Season 5 of Poland’s Next Top Model, and then head back to L.A. to shoot a movie where she—very fittingly—will play an animal activist. But no matter what prominent project Krupa takes on, it is evident that she models so much more than the latest chic fashions and sultry swimwear. To get involved with Angels for Animal Rescue, please visit www.angelsforanimalrescue.org Click here to view our online issue. Click here to view this post in our July/August digital issue.

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