Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim

By Katie Jackson / Photography by Imani Ogden The annual Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Swim is notorious for bringing Miami one of the hottest shows in fashion in the world, and the 10th anniversary of the smoldering event was certainly no different. Beginning on July 17th, The Raleigh Hotel was taken over by editors, bloggers, and fashionista’s from across the globe who came to witness the incredible lineup of designers that would debut their 2015 collections. The days that followed brought a plethora of astounding colors, prints, fabrics, props, accessories, and of course, spectacular hair and make-up that left the thousands of attendees in awe. Didn’t get a chance to catch the shows? Don’t fret. We’ll break down the hottest shows to hit the MBFW Swim 2015 run- ways, as well as the glamorous late night soirees and poolside parties that followed. Let’s look back on all the swimwear fabulousness, shall we? Thursday, July 17: Celebrating 10 Years of MBFW Swim What better way to begin the 10th anniversary of the hottest week in swimwear than by throwing a bash to honor the designers that have participated since the beginning? Designers such as L*Space, Mara Hoffman, Suboo, CM Cia Maritima, and Red Carter—whose aqua Cherokee Bandeau Bra top graced our July/August cover—were all honored at the event. Attendees sipped cocktails poolside while enjoying a showcase of the designers’ timeless pieces. Friday, July 18: Bright Prints, Sexy One Pieces, and Over-the-top-Glam The pre-show anticipation finally came to an end Friday as Poko Pano swimwear kicked-off the steamy series of runway shows—minus the runway. The Poko Pano models ditched the catwalk for the water as Poko Pano’s Paola Robba debuted her 2015 collection in The Raleigh’s iconic pool. With a combination of tailored neutrals, bright and bold patterns, leopard prints, and the occasional leather detailing, Poko Pano was surely a great start to this year’s Swim Week. Do- lores Cortes later wowed the crowd with sky-high hair and heels to accentuate the tribal glamour of the 2015 collection, featuring asymmetrical and floral prints with sexy silhouettes. Clover Canyon also debuted graphic prints and florals in the form of tailored and sporty neoprenes, complete with single-strap sandals. But it was Wildfox Swim and Beach Bunny featuring the Blonds that were the real showstoppers of the night. Wildfox brought back the 80’s in the chicest way possible, pairing the outrageously bright and bold swimwear with equally eccentric, 80’s-inspired accessories. Beach Bunny brought us cyber space stunners that hit the runway in galactic-themed bejeweled bodysuits, bright bustiers and sequin and spike embellished cover-ups. It was pure over-the-top glamour, and we were loving every single second. Saturday, July 19: Leather Bikinis, Crochet Cutouts, and Palm Frond Hair Ties Caitlin Kelly began day two of the shows by debuting easy breezy cover-ups that can be converted into hot swimwear. The phrase “sleek and chic” came to mind, as the collection featured mostly solid neutrals with elegant gold chain embellishments. Later, the L*Space by Monica Wise models graced a water runway inspired by the “girls who love the brand and who are always looking for the perfect water in their travels,” says Wise. “We took the runway and are transforming it into an amazing group of girls that look like sirens from the sea. They’ll be covered with gold scales, slick hair, wet skin, and barefoot. It’s a love affair with the water.” The collection had an eclectic array of bright and soft colors, with special attention paid to the back detailing. The intricately woven strings and crochet cutouts on the back of the bikini tops certainly made us fall in love with L*Space 2015. But it was the leather swimwear featured in Mikoh that really left us in shock and awe. Not one, not two, but numerous leather bikinis and long-sleeved leather one-pieces dominated Mikoh’s 2015 collection. Though it may not be the best for the beach, it certainly creates a statement that many a Miami fashionista would love to make. And, of course, Mara Hoffman later captivated guests with her signature vivid colors and prints. This year, leopard and parrot motifs were included, while palm frond hair ties completed the looks perfectly. To top off the night, The Daily Swim threw an after party at the Shore Club’s Red Room, where Hoffman made an appearance along with Poko Pano’s Paola Robba Sunday, July 20: Sexy Silhouettes, Bold Colors, and Warrior Princesses On day three, Caffe Swimwear brought a whole ‘lotta hot to the runway. The models stunned in a smattering of sexy suits in bright hues like yellow, orange, and pink—including our July/August cover model Jessica Bleier. The Luli Fama 2015 collection heated up the catwalk even more as the models strutted in designer Lourdes Hanimain’s famously flattering-to-the figure swimwear. The show began with a brief performance by dancers who looked like they had just stepped out of Cirque du Soleil, and was followed by models dressed in gorgeous and brightly colored bikinis, monokinis, and light and flowy cover-ups. Pooja’s 6 Shore Road closed the Sunday night shows with her Nepal-inspired collection. “Nepal has a little Indian influence, a spiritual influence. The woman is more of a strong woman, like a warrior. So you’re going to see that through the music, through the hair, the make- up,” says Pooja. Complete with fierce braids, nose-rings, and heels with tribal chains, the 6 Shore Road models took the runway in brightly printed high-wasted bikini bottoms and alluring multi-colored one-pieces.       Monday, July 21: Printed Speedos, Flirty Showstoppers, and Motorcycle Babes On the last day of MBFW Swim, IMG brought us a special show featuring Sauvage, Aguaclara Swim- wear, Mia Marcelle, Aquarella Swimwear and Toxic Sadie Swimwear. Sauvage showed off a mirrored metal bikini that truly took our breath away, while Mia Marcelle gave the ladies a little eye candy, debuting a few printed men’s speedos. Aquarella produced fun and flirty swimwear in multiple fun colors and cuts that could be worn for any occasion, and Toxic