Summer’s most anticipated fashion event is underway as Miami Swim Week 2023 kicked off this week. This event, known for bringing together the industry’s most extraordinary swimwear designers, has become one of the year’s hottest shows. Featuring captivating runways, glamorous events, and exclusive parties in one of the world’s premier tropical destinations, Miami Swim Week has established itself as a leading platform for international talent. HOLA! had the privilege of attending the most sought-after bikini week fashion shows at the Fontainebleau Hotel, and we’re excited to share a recap of the standout Latin talents that commanded attention.
Latin designers who dazzled with their swimwear creations during Miami Swim Week
GIANNINA AZAR
The fashion designer of Dominican and Lebanese descent presented her latest swimwear collection during the first day of Miami Swim Week 2023. With a client portfolio that includes international celebrities like Jennifer Lopez, Britney Spears, Thalia, and Gwen Stefani, Giannina Azar’s latest work was one of the year’s most anticipated swimwear collections.
The designer showcased her collection “Mar Ardiente” (Burning Sea). Pareos with tropical prints adorned with fringes, one-piece swimsuits that seemed bathed in gold, colorful tunics with extravagant designs, and XL accessories like straw hats and necklaces tied stole our breath.
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CHAVEZ
“Creating art through fashion” is the motto of Chavez, the brand of Guatemalan designer Antonio Chavez. With designs resembling artworks rather than clothing, Chavez has gained recognition in countries such as the United States and Canada, making his brand a favorite in the entertainment and show business.
On this occasion, the designer designed bikinis with rhinestones, netted cover-ups, transparent dresses, lace pants, and armors that seemed to come from a science fiction movie down the runway – a unique and unforgettable collection.
PINK MELON
Pink Melon Swimwear is a brand created by Sandra Santana, a Cuban-born designer whose passion for fashion has been evident since she began designing her own garments at a very young age when she was just 13 years old. With the clear goal of standing out and avoiding the ordinary, Pink Melon focuses on creating luxury pieces with a contemporary design, perfect for everyday wear.
For her latest collection titled “Ocean Paradise,” the designer celebrated femininity and the sea with a runway full of color and sparkle. Sequined flower bikinis, starfish-shaped tops, one-shoulder mini dresses, and tropical print pieces filled a runway inspired by sea creatures.
WILLFREDO GERARDO
Willfredo Gerardo, a designer of Mexican and Cuban origin, grew up in Los Angeles, California, where he founded his eponymous brand. With an extensive career in the fashion industry, the Latin designer has become a favorite of celebrities and television personalities like Paulina Rubio and Paris Hilton.
For Miami Swim Week, the designer presented his new collection with bikinis in solid colors such as coral, yellow, and lilac made with luxurious shimmering fabrics.
LILIANA MONTOYA
Liliana Montoya is a Colombian-born designer who has perfectly captured women’s sensual and delicate essence through her brand. Constantly inspired by the mythical legend of mermaids, Montoya focuses on creating colorful, textured swimwear to elevate women to the highest level of comfort and confidence.
In her latest show during Miami Swim Week, the designer surprised us with a feminine collection full of pastel colors, subtle floral prints, fringed pareos and flowing cover-ups.
LOVECHELL
In her quest to change the swimwear industry, young designer Michell Llouvent founded Lovechell, an inclusive swimwear brand with a sustainable focus. The designer of Colombian descent traveled to London to study at the prestigious Central Saint Martins University, and it was there that she decided to start her own swimwear brand.
Manufactured in Colombia using recycled materials, each of her collections focuses on celebrating women’s bodies regardless of their size or physical condition. In her latest runway show, her collection featured shades of pink, green, and white, which reigned in bikinis, one-piece swimsuits, corsets, and transparent cover-ups.
