If you like babes in bikinis--or even just half naked models--then your favorite week of the year is upon us. Hello, Miami Swim Week.
With so many shows, both official Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim functions and satellite events, it's impossible to see it all. But don't worry; we've done our homework and have hand-selected our five favorite indie designers gracing the catwalks this week.
See also: Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim 2012: Winners and Losers
Wildfox
Wildfox made a splash a few years ago with its artsy prints collection. Since then, the brand has shown us swimwear with constellations, horses, and even a nod to patriotism. But Wildfox is taking its cheeky designs down the sophisticated route for this collection, pairing prints like fruits and butterflies with va-va-voom-inducing deep plunges that scream class with a little sass.
Site: wildfoxcouture.com
Showing: Sunday, July 21, at Soho Beach House
Open to the public?: No.
Minimale Animale
If you've ever wanted to look like you've jumped out of The Fifth Element while at the beach, you'll want to sport some pieces from Minimale Animale. The brand was recently featured in the Sports Illustrated: Swim Edition (you know, the one with a near-frozen Kate Upton).
Site: minimale-animale.com
Showing: Monday, July 22 at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim
Open to the public?: No.
6 Shore Road
The swim pieces from 6 Shore Road are more high fashion than made for actual tanning-- unless you want some interesting tan lines. This is the brand's first year at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim.
Site: 6shoreroad.com
Showing: Monday, July 22 at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim
Open to the public?: No.
Swash
Across the pond, there's a whimsical world filled with dogs in fancy parachutes and rabbits rocking Shakespeare collars. Well, that's what London-based brand Swash would have us believe, anyway. Their last collection's prints were a kaleidoscope of colors that included all of that and then some, as seen in the scarves above. But it all came off more eccentric and less kitsch.
Site: swash.co.uk
Showing: at Standard Swim Week
Open to the public?: RSVP at [email protected]
We Are Handsome
Don't let the name fool you: We Are Handsome is a swim brand from Australia. Their tongue-in-cheek sense of humor stands out in their swimwear, too. Each piece carries a landscape or wildlife that's both jaw-dropping yet chic. Think: tigers, penguins surrounded by ice and foxes in the forest.
Site: wearehandsome.com
Showing: at Standard Swim Week
Open to the public?: RSVP at [email protected]
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