Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim Cabana Grande tent.
Last week, I was lucky enough to attend the 2013 Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim in Miami Beach to cover events for a couple of the publications I write for. Being that I practically live in a bikini working at Fury and living in Key West, let’s just say that I’m a bit of a swimwear enthusiast and was thrilled to see the latest looks on the runways.
When it comes to working on the boats, I stick with sporty brands like Billabong, Roxy, and Reef, usually in darker shades so they hold up against the dirty work that sometimes comes with working on a boat. However, on my days off, I prefer something a little more fashion-forward, risk-taking, and luxurious. What girl doesn’t love lounging in the sun or swimming in the pool sporting a super cute swimsuit?
If you want to be ahead of the curve when it comes to swim fashion on your next Key West vacation, here are the trends fresh of the runway (literally!) from South Beach this week.
’50s pin-up at Lisa Blue.
The ’50s Pin-up Silhouette
This is seriously the freshest new look in swimwear and you have to be a bit of a fashion risk-taker to pull it off. From Mara Hoffman Swim, to Lisa Blue, to MAIO by Monica Wise, and Wildfox Swim, a high-waisted, cheeky bottom paired with an underwire cup in either a strapless or halter top was all the rage. The looks ranged from naughty to nice and could be rocked by anyone who wants to show off while also covering up a little bit.
Creative Cut-outs & the One-Piece
We saw lattice-work cutouts in bikinis and one-pieces at Mara Hoffman Swim and Cia.Maritima, straps criss-crossing the body at Aqua di Lara, laser-cut ruffles at L*Space by Monica Wise, and exquisite use of multi-splayed straps at Mikoh Swimwear. These cut-outs were so creative that they blended the line between bikinis and one-pieces creating a whole new category in swimwear. I can see this becoming a very popular trend in Key West vacation swimwear this season.
Lattice-work cut-outs at Mara Hoffman.
Lace Overlay
The freshest look for a coverup right now? A sweet lace overlay in white or black. This was spotted everywhere from Cia.Maritima to Tavik Swimwear with a focus on unexpected textures in both bikinis and coverups.
New Tribal & Ethnic Prints
Prints are always in for swim and the hottest prints of the moment recall certain ethnic and tribal influences, especially from places like Mexico, India, and Egypt. The traditional Mexican poncho-style stripes were seen reinterpreted in everything from coverups to shorts. Mara Hoffman’s signature bohemian prints were inspired by the ancient Aztecs and Egyptians, and 6 Shore Road featured Indian prints in pants, dresses, and even turban-style headbands.
Bright colors at ANK.
Bright Colors
Bright colors are another no-brainer when it comes to swim fashion, and this year with the emphasis on bright colors in all fashion it’s especially current. Think, tangerine, indigo, pink, yellow, and emerald worn as a solid set, mix and match, color-blocked, or in prints.
Really, anything goes! And what I love most about swim is that it’s such a liberating way to express yourself. During Swim Week, I discovered a brand that I had never heard of before called Made by Dawn that I absolutely fell in love with. Their mantra:
“The most beautiful suit you could ever wear is your birthday suit… Consider this bikini an accessory for your natural self… Be free… be happy… share the joy… love yourself & others.”
I couldn’t agree more! When you’re ready to visit, check out Fury’s Key West Vacation Packages. Now, put on a swimsuit and hit the sand (or hop on a boat)!
Shayne Benowitz is a Fury crew member and freelance writer. Email her at shayne@furykeywest.com and join the fun on Twitter @FuryKeyWest and @ShayneBenowitz.
**Note About This Content:
This Fury page includes content that reflects past events, attractions, or Fury news that is no longer up to date. As you are reading, please be aware that the information presented on this page is not current and should not be attributed as a current fact.
