At the last event, held at Basement inside the Edition Hotel, the standing-room-only presentation pushed into cultural-appropriation waters when non-Native American models wearing headdresses were sent down during the opening Zacasha segment and the closing Cai Swim and Sarah Akiba collaborative segment.
With all of this year’s Swim Week changes, we’ve broken down the most important events you need to know. Though most of the events are closed to the public, nothing is impossible for those blessed with the art of finesse. Here’s your cheat sheet to Miami Swim Week 2016.
SWIMMIAMI
Presented by the company that produced IMG’s version of Swim Week for a decade, this event got its official start last night. In its second official season, this series will host a dozen shows, including standouts such as tonight’s Hot as Hell and KAOH’s shows, tomorrow’s Lycra Moves and Revel Ray events, and Sunday’s Myra Swim and Mint Swim runways, all at the W Hotel. The best part: If you email [email protected] and RSVP, you too can attend. Visit swimmiamicollections.com.
Funkshion
The longest-running runway event Swim Week is back for its 14th year. In years past, Funkshion could claim the only runway tent on South Beach. That claim is now contested by SWIMMIAMI’s tent erected on the north lawn of the W Hotel, but Funkshion’s is no doubt the largest, spanning two runway spaces, a lounge, and even a pop-up shop by KYBOE. Some shows will also be held at the Setai and the Nautilus hotels. Almost 15 designer shows make up the
Dive
Another event in its second year, Dive takes an outsider approach to the shows. It's running under the purview of a former producer of Made Fashion Week, the New York event now owned by IMG that launched for upstart labels and misfits. Initially, organizers planned to include a menswear presence this year. That plan fell through, but the event will still host New York-based
Key Fashion Parties
A fashion event is nothing without a score of good fashion parties, and this year Swim Week has them in spades. When IMG pulled out of the event, some designers left the runway schedule — but a select few, such as 6 Shore Road and Mara Hoffman, are maintaining their presence by hosting parties rather than all-out runway shows.
Tonight, 6 Shore Road teams up with Jose Cuervo for a fete at the Faena. With guests like Adrienne Bailon, the event will host the launch of a limited-edition swimsuit collaboration between the two brands featuring “beach-to-bar” apparel.
A Swim Week celebrity of her own making, Mara Hoffman will trade out her blockbuster runway show for a Sunday barbecue at the Standard. The hotel will round out its chic event listings with an opening party tonight featuring menswear labels such as Orlebar Brown, the debut of L.A.-based Dos Gardenias in a pop-up shop tonight, and a
Mikoh, too, will host a party. Sunday, the swim brand will kick off a new pool party series at 1 Rooftop at 1 Hotel & Homes South Beach. Titled Healthy, the weekly party will boast DJ Hannah Bronfman, as well as cocktails and “light bites.” Catch it this week or any Sunday this summer from 1 to 7 p.m.
Miami can’t really have a series of parties without self-proclaimed "director of vibes" YesJulz. So the event producer and agency head teamed up with NormaNow and PacSun to bring her Best Day Ever franchise to Swim Week for the first time at the Hall South Beach. With Eyewear designers Coco & Breezy, along with Chase B and DZA, on the lineup, it’s a can’t-miss blowout open to anyone who buys a ticket. Visit bestdayeverparty.com.
