By Paige Mastrandrea By Paige Mastrandrea | July 6, 2021 | Style & Beauty, Feature,
MIAMI SWIM WEEK IS BACK AND HOTTER THAN EVER, DEBUTING A LINEUP OF MUST-SEE EVENTS, INCLUDING THE FIRST-EVER SWIM SHOWCASE BY NEW YORK FASHION POWERHOUSE THE BLONDS.
Full look from The Blonds New York’s current collection
Maintaining the dynamic nature of society and its most influential industries, the world of swimwear is a constantly evolving force that sets the pace for new trends to come. From sustainability to model inclusivity, entering the sphere requires a high level of ingenuity to make a lasting impact. Embodying this philosophy, New York-based fashion brand The Blonds (@theblondsny) makes its first foray into the swimwear world, set to shoot its video lookbook in Miami’s most iconic locations just in time for the steamiest week of summer. Co-founders Phillipe and David Blond deliver a philosophy of creating glamorously over-the-top pieces with a rebellious flair that has become revered since the brand’s inception in 2007. The swimwear world is a natural progression, as they deliver the theme of #FUTURESWIM. Inspired by artists like Sorayama, Nagel and the work of Rudi Gernreich, the pair has masterfully crafted swim- and resortwear that embodies The Blonds’ avant-garde spirit. “The vibe, the sun, beaches, music and glamour in Miami are always inspiring,” says Phillipe Blond. “We are thrilled to be partnering with Paraiso and DDA for Swim Week and can’t wait to make a splash.”
Shots from previous years at Paraiso Miami Beach swimwear shows and event activations
While last year may have strayed from our norm with an innovative hybrid format that included virtual and in-person shows and private appointments due to the pandemic restrictions, Swim Week-goers can rejoice in the return of in-person shows, parties, brand activations and enticing programming. Rest up, piece together your most photogenic ensembles and head to the beach because Paraiso (@paraisomiamibeach) is set to deliver a captivating and star-studded lineup of runway shows and events that will keep you party-hopping from one fete to the next from July 8 to 11. Expect showcases from veteran brands like Agua Bendita, Oh Polly, Mikoh, Liliana Montoya and Maaji as well as a handful of fresh brands that are setting the stage for a new wave of swim exhibitors. The signature Paraiso tent will return to Collins Park on Miami Beach as well as the Ritz-Carlton, South Beach with satellite events throughout the beach including Plymouth Miami Beach, Meet Dalia, Mondrian South Beach and MILA.
Shots from previous years at Paraiso Miami Beach swimwear shows and event activations
Group of girls including Tash Oakley and Devin Brugman of Monday Swimwear at Paraiso Miami Beach Swim Week
Noteworthy to the 2021 lineup is Jonathan Simkhai’s first in-person introduction to the swimwear industry on Thursday, July 9. Additionally, there will be a wellness and fashion experience by CARAVANA by Jacopo Janniello, an artisanal lifestyle brand from Valladolid, Mexico. Influencers Stef Roitman and Nicole Williams will both debut their collections on the runway this year, while statement-making lingerie brand Honey Birdette will showcase its first-ever swim collection. Expected to be a provocatively boundary-pushing moment, the show will be enhanced with a runway appearance by RuPaul’s Drag Race stars Violet Chachki and Naomi Smalls. Boohoo will enter the stage, catering to millennial-focused users as it debuts its first-ever fashion party. And of course, it wouldn’t be a Miami Swim Week without the return of our favorite gorgeous faces from the Sports Illustrated Swim crew. While we don’t know for certain who will be making an appearance, previous years have graced us with models like Olivia Culpo, Kate Bock, Kate Upton, Hailey Clauson, Camille Kostek, Jasmine Sanders, Joy Corrigan, Danielle Herrington and more. Led by trailblazer MJ Day, the iconic brand never fails to deliver a runway show that redefines the predated norms set by the modeling and swim industries, inclusive of all sizes, races, genders and styles. Come Saturday, it will close out the evening with what will certainly be an epic runway show at the Mondrian South Beach. For the full schedule and breakdown of events, visit paraisomiamibeach.com
Photography by: THE BLONDS IMAGE BY PHILLIPE BLOND; ALL OTHERS COURTESY OF PARAISO MIAMI BEACH