INCLUSIVITY AND BODY POSITIVITY: THE NEW NORM AT MIAMI SWIM WEEK 2022

Photo by Michael Ferrer for TRAFFIC CHIC

By: Lourdes Nicolle Martínez, Co-founder & Editor in Chief

This year more than ever, we saw curves, inclusivity and bigger sizes on the runway. And why would it be that way? The years of protests and activism in the fashion industry and especially on swimwear have waken up the designers to the reality that fit, tal, white and blonde people are not the only ones that buy swimsuits… and are not the only way to sell them either.

Sofia Zamora at the Abyss by Abby Swim runway show at Paraiso Miami Beach - Photo by Michael Ferrer for TRAFFIC CHIC
Sofia Zamora at the Abyss by Abby Swim runway show at Paraiso Miami Beach – Photo by Michael Ferrer for TRAFFIC CHIC

The Aussie and celebrity-favorite brand Abby Swim launched Abyss with an homage to the pre-covid parties with the collection “Party like it’s 2019”. The brand showcased swimwear and resort wear filled with deep colors making a strong palette for the swim collection from emerald to copper and black bikinis with flowing skirts and sarong wraps, had every guest in attendance ready to hit the pool – a perfect OOTD to be shown in the magic city. Sultry curvy silhouettes, impeccable designs and swimsuits that can be worn from the pool to the club. 

Abyss by Abby Swim runway show at Paraiso Miami Beach - Photo by Michael Ferrer for TRAFFIC CHIC
Abyss by Abby Swim runway show at Paraiso Miami Beach – Photo by Michael Ferrer for TRAFFIC CHIC

Fetty Wap wowed the audience with his performance seranading all of the models as the walked the runway for the entire show. He kept the party going after the finale walk with a final song. The collection shown on the runway is available for consumers to shop immediately following the show at abyssbyabby,com. It reminded all in attendance that this is Miami and they were here to celebrate. Designer Abby Kheir was inspired by all the fun times she’s excited to have now that she could travel to show her collection with Paraiso from her home in Sydney. 

Riot Swim runway show at Paraiso Miami Beach - Photo by Michael Ferrer for TRAFFIC CHIC
Riot Swim runway show at Paraiso Miami Beach – Photo by Michael Ferrer for TRAFFIC CHIC

Riot Swim made its debut at Miami Swim Week with a collection that featured featured men’s and women’s looks on the runway. The ethereal collection included bikini and one-piece silhouettes with sultry cutouts and daring cuts in an earthy color palette.

Riot Swim runway show at Paraiso Miami Beach - Photo by Michael Ferrer for TRAFFIC CHIC
Riot Swim runway show at Paraiso Miami Beach – Photo by Michael Ferrer for TRAFFIC CHIC

Unapologetic to society, proposed high thigh bottoms that expose the beautiful woman’s curves.

Riot Swim runway show at Paraiso Miami Beach - Photo by Michael Ferrer for TRAFFIC CHIC
Riot Swim runway show at Paraiso Miami Beach – Photo by Michael Ferrer for TRAFFIC CHIC

Tops had interesting shapes and cut-outs making the swimwear a new alternative for both the beach, the pool or as regular resort wear. 

Cupshe runway show at Paraiso Miami Beach - Photo by Michael Ferrer for TRAFFIC CHIC
Cupshe runway show at Paraiso Miami Beach – Photo by Michael Ferrer for TRAFFIC CHIC

Cupshe brought light and magic to the runway showcasing two collections in the 42 look runway show. The runway show featured hot and haute influencers carrying their self confidence and self love down the runway in Miami. The brand debut two celebrity capsule “See Now, Buy Now” collections to a packed house. The first was a collaboration with former Bachelorette and CNBC star Joelle Fletcher featuring Charlotte McKinney and the second was a size inclusive collaboration featuring curve model Hayley Hasselhoff and amputee model, Marsha Elle.

The brand had an inclusive runway featuring top-tier influencers and models with diverse backgrounds and body types. 

The first collection, Cupshe x JoJo Fletcher was inspired by the Bachelorette alum’s vibrant and joyful life.

This collection used a combination of soft tricot, floral stretch jacquard, and dusty lurex swim. Coverups featuring crochet, chiffon and a rayon challis complemented the suits to perfection. Colors were inspired by the Sahara with warm, baked sunrise hues and punchy accents. Clay and terracotta toned neutrals mixed with retro lavender transported guests to a dreamy locale with pastel hued sunsets and the feeling of freedom and joy.

Cupshe x Tabria Majors runway show at Paraiso Miami Beach - Photo by Michael Ferrer for TRAFFIC CHIC
Cupshe x Tabria Majors runway show at Paraiso Miami Beach – Photo by Michael Ferrer for TRAFFIC CHIC

The second collection, Cupshe x Tabria Majors was a plus size line inspired by the outdoor lifestyle of Los Angeles. The bold prints and colors you see in the collection mimics the murals and artwork you see throughout the city of angels. The collection featured fun bright tricot, metallic lurex rib and sheer mesh designed especially for swimwear. Coverups featured mesh used in swimwear pieces and airy rayons. The silhouettes accentuated the beautiful curves of the models and featured electric cyan, punchy pinks, neon citron and solid black in a celebration of the female form going beyond body positivity to body celebration.

The Models of Color Matter presented the Bfyne show to close off one of the nights at Paraiso Miami Beach. The “Eden” collection for Resort 2023 was a true love and empowerment letter to black women. 

Bfyne runway show by Models of Color Matter at Paraiso Miami Beach - Photo by Michael Ferrer for TRAFFIC CHIC
Bfyne runway show by Models of Color Matter at Paraiso Miami Beach – Photo by Michael Ferrer for TRAFFIC CHIC

Sexy swimwear in ochre, greens, purples, and browns tones oozed into the atmosphere and had guests yearning for the next look. 

Bfyne runway show by Models of Color Matter at Paraiso Miami Beach - Photo by Michael Ferrer for TRAFFIC CHIC
Bfyne runway show by Models of Color Matter at Paraiso Miami Beach – Photo by Michael Ferrer for TRAFFIC CHIC

As expected the styling was on point with oversized straw hats, beaded accessories and shades from Foster Grant SUN LUV collection, adding richness to the looks that walked down the runway in all shapes and sizes. African inspired Kaftans, and vibrant ready-to-wear yielding screams and applause from the audience.

Bfyne runway show by Models of Color Matter at Paraiso Miami Beach - Photo by Michael Ferrer for TRAFFIC CHIC
Bfyne runway show by Models of Color Matter at Paraiso Miami Beach – Photo by Michael Ferrer for TRAFFIC CHIC

“A show like this is important because representation matters. This show was dubbed by many guests and editors in attendance as the ‘Best show of Swim Week’ because it’s more than clothes, it’s a space celebrating underrepresented beauty, Black joy, femininity, and prosperity. In fashion many times we, as Black Women, are given a seat at the table without the utensils to eat, and at this show, we all eat and shine.” said Nicole Doswell, Founder of Models of Color Matter.

MONDAY Swimwear returned to the Paraiso Miami beac runway for Resort 2023highlighting the brand’s attention attention to fit, construction and body positivity. The collection proposed curvy and plus size styles, maternity alternatives and a variety of cover ups in sheer or full coverage fabrics. There were swimwear for every style and occasion, standing out the bold animal prints.

A light to dark palette appealed to the fashionistas that love to travel and have fun during summer. One thing that caught my eye: the boobielicious swimwear that supported all sizes of breast, making them perky, stable and flattering.

MP The Label runway show at Paraiso Miami Beach - Photo by Michael Ferrer for TRAFFIC CHIC
MP The Label runway show at Paraiso Miami Beach – Photo by Michael Ferrer for TRAFFIC CHIC

Breakout star and cast favorite Juliette Porter of MTV’s Siesta Key and designer of body positive designer swimwear and apparel brand JMP The Label brought the heat and ferocity to the runway during this year’s Miami Swim Week. The show opened with Miss USA, Elle Smith, cast mate and model, Kelsey Owens walked, and the show was styled by Emmy award-winning costume design and wardrobe stylist Rebecca Weinberg of Sex and The City fame. Siesta Key cast members sat first row in support of Juliette.

JMP The Label runway show at Paraiso Miami Beach – Photo by Michael Ferrer for TRAFFIC CHIC

“Into the Jungle” was captivating. The designer incorporated her signature stiletto-stomping, risk-taking aesthetic that put Miami Vice and ‘Sex in the City’ fashion on the map(alongside Pat Field), for an unforgettable show.  The collection featured wild and bright prints from tortoise shell, neon pinks and oranges, rich and exotic crochet, plenty of neutrals and more. With an abundant selection of mix and match bikinis, flattering one pieces to vibrant coverups, JMP The Label is a one stop shop for swoon worthy swim and loungewear that will take you from the beach to the bar.

The brand featured inclusive models and leads important conversations around positive body image, women’s health, and wellness, and normalizing beautiful and natural bodies of all sizes. Plus, they upcycle fabrics and support the local community in Bali where they manufacture.

VDM The Label runway show at Paraiso Miami Beach - Photo by Michael Ferrer for TRAFFIC CHIC
VDM The Label runway show at Paraiso Miami Beach – Photo by Michael Ferrer for TRAFFIC CHIC

Celebrity and influencer-loved, Australian line VDM the Label brought the Amalfi Coast to Miami this evening under the bright lights of the Paraiso Miami Beach catwalk. “Vacant” Spring/Summer 2023 collection proposed quality, timeless yet trendy swimwear pieces met their exotic match with inspiration pulled from iconic Italian designers like Gianni Versace and Roberto Cavalli. The proposal embodied the rich essence of the Italian Riviera, with the inclusion of key themes and silhouettes of trends featured in the 90s and early 2000s. This collection was designed to  emulate one’s dreams of an Italian summer and transport you there. 

VDM The Label runway show at Paraiso Miami Beach - Photo by Michael Ferrer for TRAFFIC CHIC
VDM The Label runway show at Paraiso Miami Beach – Photo by Michael Ferrer for TRAFFIC CHIC

Textures have been studied and implemented throughout this collection to provide all VDM customers with the newest and most unique items available in the recycled and sustainable realm of design. Vacanza touches on all key colors of summer exploring both pastel and vibrant tones throughout the collection. Supplying all the colors you could want and desire for your summer wardrobe and more.

VDM The Label runway show at Paraiso Miami Beach - Photo by Michael Ferrer for TRAFFIC CHIC
VDM The Label runway show at Paraiso Miami Beach – Photo by Michael Ferrer for TRAFFIC CHIC

The brand ventured into the most luxurious and flattering to all shapes resort-wear.

We expect for this to keep happening on Miami Swim Week and maybe the industry globally can really adapt to what matters most… achieve that the customers identify with the brand.

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