Miami Swim Week 2021: Jaw-dropping Runway Looks

Written By LaKisa Renee

Photo credit: Getty Images

Miami Swim Week: The Shows 2021 made it’s fabulous return to Miami Beach, Florida from July 7th-11th showcasing designers, models and manufactures from all over the world. This long-awaited return of in-person runway shows after virtual shows due to Covid 19 pandemic was definitely worth the wait. The swim week featured the hottest shows and events powered by fashion powerhouses Paraiso, DC Swimweek, Art Hearts Fashion, Planet Fashion TV, Flying Solo, Cabana, COTERIE, PROJECT Miami, MarediModa, La Plage and more. Miami Swim Week features over 50 shows and events which I had the pleasure of attending many of them.

The Paraiso shows included the highly anticipated Sports Illustrated swimwear show that featured a preview of its next magazine issue. Gorgeous Supermodels such as Jasmine Sanders, Allie Ayers, Tanaye White and Ella Halikas who represented for the plus sized models, all strutted down a runway built over a pool at the Baia Beach Club at the Mondrian Hotel overlooking a picturesque view Biscayne Bay and Miami. Another wonderful Paraiso swimwear show included the Bfyne Models of Colors Matter show showcasing all beautiful shades of black women and advocating for the presence of more women of color on international runways. Also, the beautiful closing finale show the Nalu Swim collection by Johanna Chone featuring beautiful metallic prints, light colors, flowy pants and bohemian inspired bags.

The Black Tape Project collection by Joel Fernandez

The Art Hearts Fashion shows featured a stunning swimwear collection by designer Lila Nikole inspired by caribbean carnivals outfits, showcasing amazing rhinestone swimsuits, feather wings and beautiful headdresses. The Friday night finale show of Celebrity Designer/Stylist Willdredo Gerardo was a star-studded event. His collection was beautiful and versatile with pieces for both men and women. Other show highlights included the popular Matte Collection which featured Celebrity Angela Simmons and Influencer Jayda Cheaves on the runway. The Adam Saaks collection featuring Love & Hip Hop: Hollywood Star Princess Love Norwood, who is also the wife of singer/actor Ray J. The breathtaking collections of Designers Natalia Fedner and Giannina Azar that featured intricate chainmailee designs, floor length embellished cover-ups and resort wear. There were an endless number of models that graced the runway, the audience didn’t want the show to end because it was so amazing. One of the most talked about collections during the Art Hearts shows was The Black Tape Project collection by Joel Fernandez and attended by Supermodel Tyson Beckford. This was the finale closing show of the Art Hearts swim week. His jaw-dropping collection featured swimwear made entirely from the only skin safe artistic body tape and adhesives in the world. Models such as Supermodel Jessica White walked the runway in elaborate multicolored mosaics, metallic and mirrored adhesives that were made into clothing, halter tops, bracelets and more. Skin was definitely in for this line!

Other popular star-studded swimwear shows included The Forever 21 collection and The Boo Hoo swimwear Collection at the historical Villa Casa Casuarina (Formerly The Versace Mansion) featuring a performance by Singer Ty Dolla Sign, and attendees Rapper Saweetie and Purple Miami. Also, The Pretty Little Thing swimwear show featuring modeling appearances by 8 months pregnant Fitness Influencer Bruna Lima, 19 year paralized former Gymnast Anna Sarol who strolled down the runway in her wheelchair and Transgenders Tokyo Styles celebrity hairstylist to Cardi Band Gia Gunn star of “Rupaul’s Drag Race.”

Miami Swim Week 2021 featured over 50 swimwear shows and events. Not only were you able to experience fashion shows, you also were able to attend some of the most exclusive trade shows and after parties. Industry guests and store buyers attended the Cabana Show, the biggest premiere trade show connecting brands, retailers and industry trendsetters. The trade show features many items from clothing to swimsuits, accessories and more. After a day of fashion shows and trade shows, models, designers, guests and attendees ended their night with the hottest after parties at Story Nightclub with special guests Rick Ross and Justin Laboy, Club E11even with special guest Doja Cat, Fountaine Bleu with a birthday bash for Antonio Brown, The Blonds NY Paraiso After Party or the Bodvar sponsored Mansion Party by Black Whiskey Global/Peru and Ricardo Wilson. Miami Swim Week 2021 came back this year bigger and better than ever, cheers to a job well done for all involved.

For more visit: http://miamiswimweek.net/

Instagram: @miamiswimweekshows/

Photos credits:

1. Jayda Cheaves for The Matte Collection/ Phot by Arun Nevader Gettys Images 2. Forever 21 Swimwear Show/Photos by Keston Duke

3.Ty Dolla Sign Boo Hoo Swimwear Show/Photo by Fernanda Calfat 4. Purple Miami and Saweetie/Photo by Monica Schipper 5.Pretty Little Thing Swimwear Show/Photo Courtesy of Charles Hundley, Go Runway Anna Sarol 6. Brian Lima/Photo Courtesy of Charles Hundley, Go Runway

7. Tokyo Styles/Photo Courtesy of Charles Hundley, Go Runway

8. Gia Gunn/Photo Courtesy of Charles Hundley, Go Runway