Maaji Swimwear at MBFW SWIM Miami 2015

Maaji Swimwear presented its 2015 collection on the runways in Miami Beach for Mercedes Benz Fashion Week SWIM.  The appropriately named swimwear company seemed to fill the runway with some kind of bikini couture magic. There were a bevy of sexy cowgirls in straw hats and models outfitted in not-so-proper English equestrian attire complete with riding crop. Elaborately detailed prints with fun motifs such as horseshoes are expertly matched together with checkered patterns of varying color were on display.  While swimsuit collections are most often categorized as ready-to-wear, Maaji's collection is closer to couture.  

Manuela and Amalia Sierra launched the Maaji brand with the objective of creating magical, . Inspired by the diversity and natural wonders of their native country, Colombia, these talented sisters set out to create a brand that would create awe and wonder.  Over the last few years, Maaji has become know for their elaborate swimsuits, which are all unique one-of-a-kind creations.

New York Fashion Week - Harmless Sociopaths by Mishka Velasco

FIT trained and New York City based designer Mishka Velasco was born at the Panama Canal - the dividing boundary between two worlds.  Perhaps it is fitting then that her 2013 New York Fashion Week runway show, titled Harmless Sociopaths, seemed to straddle two worlds with an 'accountant by day, Bacardi by night' type of aesthetic.  Fairly modest black dresses and bright pastels that could be worn to work or a daytime social function were met on the runway with BDSM-influenced, latex clad models.  The juxtaposition of the two was interesting, and while creative, I don't feel it enhanced the designers core product.

Velasco's look book, available at http://www.mischkavelasco.com/ shows a creative, ready-to-wear collection for women and men.  Perhaps I'm too much a traditionalist, but I won't have preferred a more straightforward presentation of what the designer sells to her customers without the Fifty Shades of Grey slant. Mishka Velasco has an urban, eclectic feel to her designs, which should appeal easily to those fashionistas with a downtown vibe.

-Katerin

MAAJI Swimwear 2013 Mercedes Benz Fashion Week SWIM Miami

It is fitting that Maaji Swimwear hit the runways in Miami for the 2013 Mercedes Benz Fashion Week SWIM with a fun and flirty pirate themed show.  While the 'pirate' models are certainty more sexy than scary, the show is historically correct in harkening back to a time when pirates roamed the waters from the coast of the Carolinas and Florida down through the Carribean islands.

Maaji Swimwear is the product of sisters Manuela and Amalia Sierra hailing from Medellin, Colombia and the swimwear is produced in this fast growing country. Their brand is all about providing one of a kind pieces that surprise the discerning fashionista. Each collection carrying a magical, surreal theme.  But don't let the theatrics fool you, these swimsuits, biknis, beach dresses and men's swim trunks are well designed, with vivid colors and exquisite attention to details.

As someone of Colombian heritage myself, I am very proud to see such amazing design work - dare I call it swimwear couture - coming from Colombia.  To learn more about the Maaji brand, visit their website at www.maajiswimwear.com

Credits:
Photography: Seks Wilson for VIVE Katerin, LLC

LULI FAMA - Mercedes Benz Fashion Week SWIM 2013 Miami

Lourdes “Luli” Hanimian and her brother in law Agosto Hanimian are the designers behind the LULI FAMA swimwear brand. Born in Cuba, but raised in Miami, the designers bring together a mix of eclectic colors, prints and styles. From brightly hued bikinis to crochet sun dresses, the silhouette is always form-fitting and sexy.


Click on the video to see the designs:

Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Swim - Beach Bunny 2014 Collection

The Beach Bunny 2014 swimwear collection at Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Swim in Miami Beach is a sexy, boudoir inspired collection. The swimsuits from Orange County, CA designer Angela Chittenden make use of varied textures and patterns to achieve a look that is curvy and sexy while still maintaining an upscale sensibility.  Look for use of wild animal prints, metallics, and cut-aways on models that look like they are having a ton of fun wearing the swimsuits. One can only think they will be as much fun poolside or on the beach as they are on the runway.

Photography credit: Seks Wilson for VIVE Katerin, LLC