Retro Swimwear - We Love Norma Kamali!

By: Tiffany Olson

Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim has just wrapped up in Miami, and I have to say, I'm kind of loving the retro swimwear.

Norma Kamali had a fabulous collection of 50's inspired swimsuits that I think Marilyn Monroe would definitely approve of. Don't you agree?

Halter + sequins + retro sunglasses. This is a swimsuit look I'd wear possibly at a sexy resort or maybe on the beaches of St. Tropez! (Let's daydream a moment.)

How fun would this high-waisted number be with a floppy hat and fruity drink in hand? This would no doubt be a pool scene attention grabber!

PS - Did you know that Norma Kamali is the designer of the famous Farrah Fawcett red swimsuit? She knows her suits!!

I love the blast from the past swimwear! Definitely a great excuse to glam it up on the beach!!!

Would you wear a retro suit?

Day Five- Tyler Rose

On Monday, July 19, 2010, California-based designer Nichole Carroll showcased her latest assortment of swimwear fashion in a collection she is calling “Sweet Emotion,” – retro-chic pieces that are reminiscent of the time period spanning the late 70’s to the early 80’s – a little glitz mixed with a little glam. 

Nichole Carroll, designer

Rock and Roll met glamour on the Runway for the finale show of Mercedes-Benz Swim Week at The Raleigh, Miami – Oasis Tent.

Tyler Rose Swimwear showcased a collection full of mix-and-match separates, luminous colors, feminine ruffles, braiding, stripes, lace and crochet detailing for Spring 2011. Girlfriend of musician John Legend, Sports Illustrated model Christy Tegan strutted the runway along with the other models, all donning retro-inspired makeup looks and big, teased hair courtesy of Make Up Forever and Femme Coiffure Hair Spa.

The front row included notable attendees like celebrity rapper Trina, better known as “Da Baddest Bitch” who stayed for photos and to meet the designer after the show; Buccellati Handbag Designer, Laura Buccellati. 


Tyler Rose Swimwear was recognized as an emerging designer during Swim Week in Miami last summer, participating in an off-site show at The Rooftop at Gansevoort Miami Beach. This year, the designer couldn’t be more proud of herself as she introduced her latest collection under the official Mercedes-Benz Swim Week tents.

Attendees of this year’s runway show would agree that women everywhere will be “Walking Poolside like it’s a Runway” in Tyler Rose Swimwear!

Day Three- True Religion

On Saturday, July 17, 2010, guests gathered at The Raleigh Hotel – Cabana Grande at 9:00 p.m. for the debut of True Religion Swimwear Collection Spring 2011. True Religion Swimwear brought an American vintage vibe to Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim 2011 with its eye-catching men and women’s swimwear and accessories. 

True Religion Swimwear Collection Spring 2011 offered vintage-Americana, hippie-esqe style to women’s swimwear in a wide variety of colors and prints.

“This season was all about incorporating playful takes to the signature collection, said Fawn Arthur, Creative Director of Sea & Sun Swimwear. “We added touches of fun animal prints and plaids as well as unique fabric washes to maintain the vintage appeal.”

Day Three- Poko Pono

Founder and creator of Poko Pano, Paola Robba, invited guests to preview her love for Brazil – a celebration of the country’s pure and exotic environment. 

On Saturday, July 17, 2010 an eclectic mix of fashion elite including American pop-singer, Ana Cristina; shoe designers Donald J. and Lisa Pliner; luxury handbag designer  Laura Buccellati and  Miami Beach City Commissioner, Michael Gongora observed the preview of  “Amo o Brasil,” the Portuguese translation for “I love Brazil.” The dynamic Summer 2011 collection of swimwear and beachwear was inspired by the country’s intense aromas, attractions and landscapes. The vibrant color palette included variations of yellows, reds, and greens, turquoise, black and white. Signature designs included heart-shaped patterns that represented Paola’s passion for Brazil, toucan birds and banana flowers to signify the vibrant scenery, rose and coconut trees to denote the aromatic atmosphere. 

Day Three-Ed Hardy Swimwear

On Saturday, July 16, 2010, guests gathered at The Raleigh Hotel – Cabana Grande at 9:00 p.m. for the debut of Ed Hardy Swimwear Spring 2011 Men’s and Women’s Contemporary Swim Collection.

The edgy apparel and lifestyle brand Ed Hardy joined the lineup of designers at this year’s Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim 2011, bringing an eclectic mix to Miami Beach with its eye-catching swim collections. Celebrity and VIP attendees included model/actress and accessory designer Phoebe Price, shoe designer Lisa Pliner, N*SYNC former band mate Lance Bass, America’s Next Top Model season 7 contestant Anchal Joseph, BRAVO’s Miami Social ’s Ariel Stein and luxury handbag designer Laura Buccellati.

Maintaining the tattoo edge that Ed Hardy is infamous for, designer Christian Audigier incorporated a feminine flare by mixing bright, bold colors and saturated neons.

New embellishments included zipper accents, lurex straps, chainlink details and custom hardware and textures, taking the authentic Ed Hardy art and giving the brand a fresh, new upgrade. New tie-dye combinations of lime paired with gold, shades of mango, vivid blues and aqua’s, added a tropical twist to the runway.

Chris Brown’s model girlfriend Jasmine Sanders walked in the show as well as Corde Broadus, son of rapper Snoop Dogg and Chrissy Teigen, model girlfriend of John Legend also sauntered on the runway.

Day Two- Beach Bunny Swimwear

California based Beach Bunny Swimwear stomped down the runway at the Cabana Grande this Friday night. Spotted in the front row were Selena Gomez and the Kardashian sisters.

Beach Bunny wowed the crowd with sexy satin cover-ups, metallic cutout one-pieces and lace embellished two-pieces.

The Newport Beach line was tantalizing with an array of turquoises, crèmes, blacks and silvers.

The feminine and flirty silhouette was emphasized with bangle bracelets, chunky necklaces, lace headbands and cutout gloves.

The line was balanced with a few rock-glam pieces highlighting the studded bikini tops and one-pieces.

Day Two- White Sands Australia

White Sands Australia was held on Friday afternoon in the Penthouse Suite in the Raleigh Hotel. The Australian based swimwear was a breathtaking view of fun prints, simple colors and classic cuts.

The prints were appealing and sexy, one to fit any body type. Prints ranging from peacock feathers to Hawaiian, the prints are sure to please any fashionista.

The simple colors and classic cuts were reminiscent to the high-waist swimsuits from the 1940s.

Paired with messy beach waves and giant vintage like sunglasses, White Sands was a delight to view for the press and Swimistas alike.

Extended Trina Turk coverage

TRINA TURK KICKED OFF MERCEDES-BENZ FASHION WEEK SWIM 2011

Los Angeles-Based Designer Brought “Acapulco Gold” to Miami Beach with her Swim Spa 2011 Collection

The ultimate fiesta, hosted by Los Angeles-based designer Trina Turk invited guests to celebrate her first appearance at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim 2011 with a celebration of glitz and glamour to introduce her Swim & Spa 2011 collection.  On Thursday, July 15, 2010 a global mix of fashion elite observed the preview of Trina Turk’s fresh approach to swimwear and beachwear.

Trina Turk set the stage with a dynamic collection inspired by the opulence of the Mexican world-class resort. The Swim & Spa 2011 collection, “Acapulco Gold,” included a strong variation of looks that included a range of exotic influences, vibrant colors and hypnotic prints. Acapulco’s pure exotica and tropical motif was featured throughout the collection of swimwear, beach apparel and accessories. 

The collection’s color palette introduced citron, fuchsia and ultraviolet. Additional highlights included gold hardware inspired by handpicked vintage jewelry in brushed links, circular-textured rings and filigree X’s. The collection’s feminine silhouettes featured one-piece keyhole bandeaus, halters with intricately-woven fabrics through gold hardware, sash hipsters and bikinis with border prints.

Matching accessories such as light-weight cover-ups ranged from chiffon caftans and modal jersey keyhole halter dresses to border-printed silk tunics and super-fine knit jersey rompers.  The collection also unveiled  Mr. Turk menswear, classic American resort wear styling reworked with Trina Turk’s signature prints and bold colors adorning khaki-textured cotton shirts, polos, Bermudas and tweed shorts. 

Clinique and Femme Coiffure Hair Spa teamed up with Trina Turk to complement the bold and flirty “Acapulco Gold” look with sun-kissed skin and flowing beach waves. Aside from the array of bikinis, one-pieces and cover-ups, several models pulled off an ultimate accessory - oversized straw hats. 

Beach Bunny Swimwear Sneak Peek!

Since we haven't seen a Beach Bunny show since LA Fashion Week quite a few seasons ago this is def a highlight of the week!

Beach Bunny Swimwear takes the spotlight on the largest stage, Cabana Grande, presenting next season’s collection, which includes the latest “Kardashians for Beach Bunny Swimwear” line.  The brand’s newest design trio: Kim Kardashian, Kourtney Kardashian and Khloe Kardashian-Odom are confirmed to be front and center...

In addition to the Kardashian’s confirmed attendance, Beach Bunny Swimwear is flying in top supermodels to walk their runway show. Including Sports Illustrated’s Jessica White, Chrissy Teigen, Lisalla Montenegro, Dominique Piek and many others.  Making her Beach Bunny Swimwear debut is Jessica Rafalowski, the brand’s first annual Model Search Winner.  Jessica beat out over 10,000 contestants for the chance to shoot with world renowned Beach Bunny Swimwear photographer Yu Tsai on their next campaign.

CEO and Designer, Angela Chittenden created collections themed as “Old Hollywood,” “Safari Glam,” and “Sailor Chic” and draws her inspiration from upscale lingerie and her travels around the world.

Stay tuned for more details after the show........

MBFW -- Miami Swim -- Day One--Trina Turk

On Thursday, July 15, 2010 to kick off Swim Week 2011, Los Angeles-based designer Trina Turk set the runway with west coast glamour at in the Cabaña Grande tent.

Marking the designer’s first appearance at the annual swimwear event, the Trina Turk Swim Spa 2011, making a splash with colorful and intricately-crafted swimwear, beach essentials and accessories. The alluring showcase of laid-back, Palm Springs lifestyle, including color palettes of orange, turquoise, pink and deep violet, is incorporated into feminine silhouettes and sultry cuts, accented with hardware inspired by vintage jewelry.

The collection also includes Mr. Turk menswear, classic American resort wear styling reworked with Trina Turk’s signature prints and bold colors.

Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim to Debut Exclusive New Style Event

ZYNC from American Express presents 'Swim & Style' a unique and distinctive style experience for Miami Fashionistas MIAMI BEACH.

Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim kicks off today, July 15th in Miami Beach for its sixth sizzling season. This year, ZYNC from American Express and Nic Del Maron July 18, 2010 at The Raleigh.  have teamed up to create a one-of-a-kind style and shopping destination called 'Swim & Style'

Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim is rolling out the red carpet to the fashionable crowd of Miami for an experience that provides special access to the collections they love. ZYNC from American Express will host an exclusive pool party with special performances by the synchronized swimming group, Aqualillies, who fuse music and style for a unique performance set to a hot mix from a celebrity DJ. Guests will also enjoy personal style sessions from Miami’s own fashion boutique and Daily Candy’s “Sweetest Thing” winner Nic del Mar, helping them find their most fashionable and flattering swimwear fit.

MAKE UP FOR EVER, TRESemmé and Clarisonic Sonic Skin Care will also be on site, providing attendees with goodies that fit their personal style including MAKE UP FOR EVER touch ups with the new Aqua  Cream Collection, TRESemmé’s TRES Two hairspray and even a little pampering with mini-facials from Clarisonic’s sonic beauty technology.

You will find guests stopping by the Mercedes-Benz poolside driving simulator featuring the new Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG super car to get a taste of the fast life.

Sounds like a great start to this exciting week!

Fashion Alert! Miami Fashion Week

By: Elizabeth Seever,  Contributing Writer

Miami Fashion Week is quickly approaching! (Thursday July 15-Monday July 19) and some of the trends that we are looking forward to seeing this summer are fun, flirty yet classic.

A trend that we are very excited for is the cutout swimsuit. Designers like Lisa Maree are trying the trend out on 2011 Swim Collection. The only thing on my mind is cut out tan lines and how to get around them.

Yet again watch out for Metallics! Red Carter, Crystal Jin and Tyler Rose are each designing swimwear that glitters in the sun.

One last trend that we hope to see a lot of is high waist bikinis circa 1940’s and 1950’s. For those who loves a good thrift store, high waist bikinis are always a find for the Marilyn Monroe esque. We love that the classic look is back on runways everywhere.

As for our favorites be on the look out for Maryisa Swim and Tyler Rose. So everyone get their tanning lotion and shades on and look out for Miami Fashion Week! Coverage to come........

Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Schedule Announced -- Fall/Winter 2010 Designer Collections will walk on Bryant Park's final runways

From February 11-18, 2010, during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week (MBFW), thousands of fashion industry professionals will come together in Bryant Park's iconic Tents for one last week before MBFW re-locates to Lincoln Center in September.

Starting off a New Year and new global fashion cycle, the retailers, reporters and editors are eager to see the Collections from the world’s established and up-and-coming designers, and how this creative community sets the tones and trends for what we will wear in Fall/Winter 2010.

"As we close a chapter in the history of our event, IMG is excited to be working with Lincoln Center, the CFDA and the City to create a new home for the fashion industry at Lincoln Center,” said Peter Levy, SVP and Managing Director of IMG Fashion Worldwide. “We are looking forward, with our partners, to rolling out our plans in the coming months."

“All of us at IMG Fashion are excited about the outstanding and stellar lineup which has come together from around the world to share in this historic Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week,” said Fern Mallis, SVP of IMG Fashion. “This will be a significant season, as we reflect on 17 years, 31 seasons and close to 2,500 fashion shows in Bryant Park that have launched many careers....from Designers to Editors, Models, Producers, Celebrities, TV Commentators and Reality Shows. We all also look forward to the change - and September's move to Damrosch Park in Lincoln Center."

Saluting and showing in Bryant Park, and Associate Member shows on Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week 's schedule are: BCBGMAXAZRIA, Richard Chai, Duckie Brown, Toni Maticevski, Ports 1961, Anne Bowen, La Perla, Farah Angsana, The Heart Truth’sRed Dress Collection 2010, Cynthia Steffe, Project Runway, Yigal Azrouёl, Michael Angel, Christian Siriano, Nicole Miller, Charlotte Ronson, Venexiana, Lacoste, Georges Chakra, Andy & Debb, Adam, Academy of Art University, Prabal Gurung, ARISE Magazine African Collective - III, Lela Rose, Luca Luca, Malandrino, DKNY, Rebecca Taylor, Calvin Klein Men’s Collection, Hervé Léger by Max Azria, Diane Von Furstenberg, TonyCohen, Y-3, Tuleh, Custo Barcelona, Vassilios Kostetsos, Carolina Herrera, Carlos Miele, Jill Stuart, Donna Karan Collection, Tracy Reese, Monique Lhuillier, Yeohlee, Tadashi Shoji, Ecco Domani Fashion Foundation, Perry Ellis, Elie Tahari, Badgley Mischka, Vera Wang, Pamella Roland, Max Azria, Dennis Basso, Diesel Black Gold, Thuy, Tibi, Narciso Rodriguez, Toni Francesc, Tory Burch, Michael Kors, Nanette Lepore, 3.1 Phillip Lim, Milly by Michelle Smith, Alexandre Herchcovitch, Anna Sui, Brian Reyes, Ralph Lauren, Isaac Mizrahi, Trias, Calvin Klein Women’s Collection, Naeem Khan, J. Mendel and Tommy Hilfiger.

The Bryant Park Tents’ three venues include the Salon, the Promenade and the Tent. Over the course of eight days, the runway venues, lobby and backstage sponsor lounges will be bustling from 9 AM to 9 PM, when approximately 100,000 people come to attend shows, meet and greet the media, retailers and fashion professionals.

Title sponsor Mercedes-Benz is joined by DHL, American Express®, Maybelline New York, W Hotels Worldwide, TRESemmé, The Heart Truth Campaign, Starbucks Frappuccino® Coffee Drink, Peroni, Chambord, Martini Gold Mixers and O.N.E.™ One Natural Experience as well as the following media outlets The New York Times, Vevant, Women's Wear Daily and Getty Images. Each of these sponsors will be providing hospitality, services and amenities to make the hectic week of shows as effortless and pleasurable as possible for all attendees.

Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week is an IMG owned and produced event.

Photo by Brian Ach/Getty Images North America

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

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.