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.