As we entered Cabaña Grande for the Nicolita show, we felt like models on the set of a photo shoot as our hair blew around like a bonafide diva. Apparently, organizers got the memo that everyone was miserably hot yesterday. The air-conditioning was set on full blast, and not only did it make up for yesterday's steam room nightmare, but we got a welcome reminder of what goosebumps feel like.
Luckily, the shoulder-shaking beats of Celia Cruz' Quimbara Quimbara helped us shake them off. It was also a good thing that the people-watching was half-way decent. With Ms. Florida parading around in her satin sash and the Real Housewives of Miami's Alexia Echevarria and Marisol Patton looking oh so fabulous, it helped to distract us from the fact that the show was running nearly 40 minutes late.
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When the lights finally dimmed, we were ready to get the show started. What we weren't expecting was that it was an actual stage show.
First, a guy in a white suit and fedora walked out to a narrated tale set to a slow salsa song. Then, out came four girls in sunglasses, mini khaki trench coats, and flashlights reminiscent of Inspector Gaget helping the heartbroken fellow look for...wait for it...The Search For The Perfect Booty. That's because not only was "Booty" the recurring theme of the show, but it's the actual name Nicolita's 2014 collection.
After the detective girls stripped off their trench coats, they immediately turned the switch on to model mode, showing off the first four looks of the evening. Next, out came Lisa Pliner donning the first one-piece suit of the collection, and the crowd started to roar.
A projected sign above the stage flashed the word "Booty." And that's when the show really began.
With songs like Destiny's Child's "Bootylicious," Ying Yang Twins' "Shake it Like a Salt Shaker," and Sir Mix-A-Lot's "Baby Got Back," we half expected the models to start twerking down the runway. Instead, the ladies kept it surprisingly classy, just like the darling swimsuits they were wearing.
Nicolita's summer 2014 collection charmed with look after look of Malibu Rockabilly girl meets Havana Nights muchacha. A color palette of mint green, buff pink, peach, and bright coral came in either solid colors or patterns like chevron, polka dots, and watercolor florals.
Each of the looks were complimented with a matching head scarf that pleasantly reminded us of Rosie the Riveter. Details like ruffles, bows, and hearts also colored us smitten.
With on trend high-waisted bikini styles and 1940s-style bikini bottoms ruched at the hips, several of the pieces offered coverage for fuller figure women with curves. One example: a high-waisted bikini in buff pink with black polka dots with a bow that hugs the hips.
Nicolita's swimwear presentation was young, fun, and light-hearted, and unlike many of the shows we've attended so far, they didn't take themselves too seriously. What we loved most is that many local gals could actually relate to the models. They were average height gals with hips and booty. It was as refreshing as the air that cooled Cabaña Grande.
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