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Boheme Boutique kicks off Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Swim 2010 in South Beach, Miami

Big hats to die for and bold splashes of color all went into a

BRIGHT direction

DAY ONE: Boheme Boutiques

When: Wednesday, July 15th, 6pm

Where: The Raleigh, Pool Deck

Images of The Raleigh, Casi Densmore-Koon

Runway images by Frazer Harrison/Getty Image

Boheme’s motto is “Love, Peace and Bohemian Luxury” and it was just that as we all gathered around the famous Raleigh pool to kick of Merces Benz Fashion Week Miami Swim 2010 with a Boutique Show.

The models strutted through the water showing off a little eightes mized with a little bohemian with simple make-up thanks to RICH GIRL COSMETICS and simple long locks were made possible by FEMME COIFFURE hair spa. The flora bella hats were to die for – along with handbags also from Flora Bella, Moyna and Boheme. Another plus was the LOVE for frills – sequin, buckles, beads and be jeweled – the special touches.

If a beach vacay is in the stars, get away with these CHIC essentials from Boheme:

The seventies BOHEME caftan coverup gauze dress, it’t not just a cover up and it comes black, peach, white and green. PIN-UP’s pucci print esq pink bikini is perfect for the GLAM out there. If you want to cover up opt for the blue one piece with skirt by PIN-UP. And we love the details on the KENZO belted birght yellow bikini – it’s all about the details. The gauze and macrama pieces were defintely a CUPCAKE MAG fave.

As for the men, it was a little too eighties for our taste, we love color but the trunks and jackets were just too much – but if you want to step back in time it is a perfect place to start.

If your in Florida, Boheme has 4 locations – South Beach, Fisher Island and Key Biscayne - so make sure to check it out. And check out designer Anna Kosturova’s bold tie dye elegance.

For more info visit www.bohemeboutiques.com

BEST IN SHOW: Mara Hoffman Takes Us On An Exotic Getaway with the Swim 2010 Collection

Text, Dwayne Knight
Edited by Casi Densmore-Koon
Images Courtesy of Ming Hung Chang/Runwaynewswire.com and Getty Images

Miami was taken by storm with hot trends in swimwear from July 15^th -July 19^th during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Miami Swim. Keeping with true Miami form Mara Hoffman exposed us to a world of bright colors, sexy silhouettes, and a craving for warm weather fashion.

The show began around 6pm on Saturday, July 18^th at the Beachway located at the Raleigh Hotel in the South Beach district of Miami. The show was produced by the high regarded Peoples Revolution’s Kelly Cutrone, who always puts on a great show. Accompanying the production team and going back to her roots was Whitney Port, who opted to go behind the scenes instead of sitting in the coveted first row. Hair and makeup sponsors for this truly amazing event were Omar Lopez for GHD, a new religion for hair, and Lottie Stannard for Makeup Forever. Chinese Laundry provided the impeccable shoes to compliment the spectacular designs gracing the runway. Gift bags were provided to a number of spectators which included Venus Embrace Razors and Satin Care Lavender Kiss shaving cream who sponsored the event.

The energy at the show was amazing- the most exciting of the week. Attendees were thrilled as a positive energy filled the air. Dina Manzo, one of the beautiful Real Housewives of New Jersey and Olivia Palermo, a true fashionista, from MTV’s The City were among those viewing the collection from the first row and no doubt had the attention of many attendees. Other notable people at the show were Paige Sreenan and Stephanie Gramling.



The collection was made up of 35 looks and included swimwear (both one piece and bikini), beaded body necklaces (which were the perfect accessory for many of the looks), chiffon gowns, dashikis, and headdresses (made in the same colors and prints and the garments). The colors were vibrant, exotic, and feminine ranging from neon to metallic and others in between. Many of these colors were brought to us in forms of prints with names such as white wolf, white bird, neon cage, galaxy, grey columns, and black bird. Prints were psychedelic at times yet had a beautiful tribal vibe. It’s no lie that Mara Hoffman can make the most out of a print and create a garment which is both flattering and thought evoking. Among our favorites were a white wolf chiffon desert gown which was soft and sexy, a red scarab knotted dashiki with silver v wire bikini, a pink v wire bikini with beaded body necklace, and a trendsetting black wolf chiffon jumpsuit which is a must have for any true fashionista. Fun details like turbans, cut outs, braids, body necklaces, and neon fringe kept each moment interesting.

Designers Mara Hoffman and Klee van Schoonhoven know exactly what to do to put us in a tizzy with an exotic aesthetic. They left us beyond sizzling and craving more. It’s no doubt that we feel privileged and gracious for having the chance to see such a stimulating collection.

Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week SWIM: ANK by Mirla Sabino

When: Friday July 17th, 6pm

Where: The Raleigh, Beachway Tent, Miami

Text, Elizabeth Seever, Cupcake Mag Contributor

Images, Getty Images

Guests, editors, stylist and then some gathered on the Beachway at the Raleigh Hotel to see the new collection from Mirla Sabino at Mercades-Benz Fashion Swim Week. The sweltering heat and humidity on this Friday evening did not stop the fashionistas from seeing the collection called ANK.

The models strutted down the runway in color-blocked corals, blacks, grays, blues and greens. The designer traveled to the Caribbean Islands to find inspiration. Inspired by the Mola textiles by the Kuna Indians, the runway was full of braided belts and native butterflies but was modernized with multicolored stones and silver and gold trims.

Mirla Sabino, who is from Brazil, used fabrics that contoured to the body, making cuts that flattered any body shape. She also introduced her eco-friendly line of handcrafted bags made of leather, straw, and recycled rubber. Miami got even hotter with the unveiling of this line and was far from cooling off with two more days to go.

Sweet Swimwear: Marysia Swim 2010 Collection

When: Thursday July 16th, 9pm

Where: The Oasis Tent at The Raleigh

If Carrie Bradshaw wasn't fictional MARYSIA SWIM would be her warm weather go to style. From feminine ruffles to tutus - a perfect fit for the true fashionista

Spotted:

Design Phenom Esther Nash of Babydoll

Babydoll, the small clothing line by Esther Nash that has appeared on Sex in the City. Babydoll sells on the Upper Westside in New York City at Allen & Suzy, and in the West Village at Planet Jungle.

Sitting next to Esther wasn't the only highlight of the show last week - one of our NOW favorite swimsuit labels, Marysia Swim, debuted its 2010 collection inthe Oasis tent at Mercedes Benz Fashion Week at The Raleigh in South Beach.CUPCAKE MAG couldn't get enough of the retro-inspired suits, feminine colors (soft pinks and nudes) and ruffles galore. The designers ballet roots were truly channeled in this uber girly collection that was quite refreshing.

Images below Ming Han Chung / Runwaynewswire.com

Q & A with MARIA DOBRZANSKA REEVES

Perry Reeves (Entourage) and designer Maria Dobrzanska Reeves pose backstage.

Photo above by Kristian Dowling/Getty Images North America

CM: What inspired the ballerina meets punk vibe, along with contrasting colors?

Maria: The inspiration came from my professional ballet boarding school days. The contrast of how I had to present myself and what kids on the street wore is really what inspired both the colors and trims. I wanted to blend the soft with the hard, the neutral with neon.

CM: Having 2 little girls I was thrilled to see the little one take the runway - What made you decide to do a line for tots?

I have a girl myself, Elle. After I would dress for the beach in my line, she never had anything adorable to wear! So, I set out to create a line for tots called “Bumby.”

CM: When did you realize fashion was your passion? How did you get where you are today?

From when I can remember I was a fashionista. Every Christmas I put on fashion shows- casting myself and my cousins as models- the family loved it, but it wasn't until my husband convinced me to go to fashion school that I took it seriously as a profession. After all those years of studying Biology I wasn't sure how I could be a physical therapist – especially because I’d have to wear a boring uniform every day of my life!

CM: What is up next? What can we look forward to in the future?

I'm so happy with how things are going now! Presenting here in Miami happened so much faster then I thought it would. I hope this line gets picked up by many more retailers before we add anything to the collection. But I do have big dreams for the future – stay tuned! :)

For more info visit http://marysiaswim.com/

LULI FAMA’S BIKINI BASH BROUGHT SEXY GLAMOUR TO MERCEDES-BENZ FASHION WEEK SWIM

Miami-Based Designers Celebrated Their Previewed 2010 Collection

When: Sunday July 19, 2009, 9pm

Where: The Raleigh, Oasis Tent

IMAGES: Ming Han Chung / Runwaynewswire.com

The ultimate fiesta, hosted by Miami designers Lourdes Hanimian and Augusto Hanimian of Luli Fama, invited guests to celebrate Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim with vibrant balloons, shimmering stars and rhythmic bongo beats to introduce Luli Fama’s 2010 collection, appropriately named “Luli Quiere Rumba” (“Luli wants to party”). On Sunday, July 19, 2009, with an audience including American fashion model Brooklyn Deckerand reality-TV celebrity and designer Ariel Stein, onlookers celebrated the preview of Luli Fama’s fresh approach to swimwear.

Luli Hanimian and brother-in-law Augusto Hanimian unveiled “Luli Quiere Rumba”, a celebration of sexy glamour with a strong variation of looks including 2010’s hottest swim trends ranging from sexy cut-outs to tribal influences, vibrant colors and hypnotic prints. Inspired by Miami’s mix of culture, nature and picturesque scenery, including stunning tones evocative of the seductive blues of the ocean, moody of the purples of the sunset sky and glimmering gold of the night stars, their collection was full of vibrancy and versatility.

Transitioning into summer, with animal, paisley and confetti prints, Luli Fama set the stage for an energetic fashion fiesta. The groups named “Rumba”, “Boom Boom Boom”, “Fiesta en Miami” and “Pasion” exuded excitement with their eclectic mix of magenta, white, lemon, amethyst, blue and garden green hues found on bikinis, monokinis and cover-ups.

Luli Fama offered a range of cover-ups from one-pieces to mini-dress length shirts, offering an effortless transition from a day on the sand to a beachside party. These versatile swim cover-ups are adorned with encrusted crystals in black and jewel tones. Each embellishment beautifies every garment providing instant glamour to traditional beachwear.

Luli Fama closed the show with “Pasion”, a bandeau monokini with suspenders radiating hard-edge glamour. The dynamic piece featured kaleidoscopic print bandeau with gold hardware, zebra skin ruch bottoms and confetti suspenders emanating a look of hard-edged glamour. “This fashion show was incredibly meaningful to us.” Lourdes Hanimian continued, “By incorporating live beats and other festive touches, we felt it would bring the collection alive as well as offer a surreal celebratory experience for guests. Our presentation reflected a broad range styles and intricate designs that we adore, and we feel our goal was accomplished!”

Let's not forget the jewelry - 25-30 pieces of Alicia Shulman jewels added to the trendsetting collection. To learn more about Alicia Shulman read about her in our FEATURE section.

Designers Luli Hanimian and brother-in-law Augusto Hanimian spearhead the direction of Luli Fama. An undeniable Latin flair is infused throughout the brand as designers were born in Cuba and Argentina, respectively. Luli Fama adds a feminine yet sultry influence to the swimwear industry, offering a lifestyle collection of colorful and carefully crafted swimsuits and beach accessories designed to meet the demands of globe-trotting trendsetters. Celebrities such as Gisele Bundchen, Bar Rafael, Anna Kournikova and Katherine McPhee are fans of the popular brand. Luli Fama retails from $120 to $150 and can be found at selected retailers, including Diane’s; Everything But Water; Swim N Sport; Gone Bananas in San Diego, CA; Bikini Village in Miami Beach, FL; and Wynn & Encore Resorts in Las Vegas, NV, to name a few. For additional information, please visit lulifama.com.

SHAY TODD 2010 COLLECTION FASHION SHOW AT W SOUTH BEACH Presented By Nivea

A collection worth going back to the eighties for

We decided to skip a few shows at The Raleigh tents just to make sure we weren't late for Shay Todd. With an awaiting line of guest and rain tearing down backstage - the collection still made it's debut at WET at W South Beach on Friday, July 17th. Bringing back the eighties, Shay Todd's 2010 beachwear collection was presented by NIVEA, as the evening became an unforgettable setting with sex appeal and intrigued guests.

Celeb front row guest including Bravo TV's The Real Housewives of New York, Kelly Bensimon, The Real Housewives of New Jersey, Dina Manzo, Actress, Tara Reid and Bravo TV's Miami Social, Maria Lankina all looked on as a playful collection was reveled in which Shay Todd incorporated four different personalities as she reinvented the 80's with swimwear, cover-ups, and resort wear. “I feel the 80s was the most fashionable yet versatile decade as it featured irresistible styles ranging from rock to bohemian-chic trends,” states Todd. “I wanted to tap into each personality of fashion expressionists by creating a collection of assorted designs.”

The collection was filled with retro inspired pieces in muted and vivid tones as models strutted down a runway that was placed in the middle of the W's outdoor pool. Sexy cuts, high-waisted bikinis and feminine silhouettes were shown throughout.

It began with the Androgynous Underground 80s as the bright pink "La Femme" corset design bikini started the show followed by the "Bondage" patent leather monokini with side lattice design presented hard-edge glamour.

The preppy 80s was next with bright whites and crisp pale blues - very clean cut. The effortless chic cover-ups popped in flowing whimsical prints which included the "Goddess Maxi Dress." The powder blue "Romance Romper" seemed to grab the crowd’s attention showing of the love for ruffles.

Next was the new wave flamboyant 80s filled with Madonna esque style composed of vivid colors, unbiased cuts and oversized style. The neon palettes went into a bright direction as well as Koi-inspired prints, as featured on "Crazi 8 Bikini Top with Harem Pant" which is no stranger to the runway this season.

Lastly to make its debut was the bohemian chic 80s which was clearly inspired by Mexico and Africa. The earth tones were clearly desert inspired which included ivory, burnt orange and olive green. We loved the "Chastity" classic belt and the bikini in Henna featuring gold chain link hardware.

In the end, Shay Todd was well worth the line and rain – making it an unforgettable experience. Luckily, the Nivea filled gift bags, extraordinary collection & front row seating made all the chaos go away.