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 Latin Fashion Week - Keidy Amara - Colombian Designer

VIVE Katerin was photographer was on hand at Latin Fashion Week for a collection of runway shows from Latino designers based both in the United States and in Latin America.  One of my favorite designers at Latin Fashion Week was Keidy Amaya.  Ms. Amaya is a Colombian designer, who bases her designs on traditional Mantas Guajiras inspired by the art of the indigenous Wayuu people from La Guajira, Colombia. The flowing garments are feminine and sexy, and Amaya makes use of many different colors and textures that combine into a collection that ranges from formal to casual. As someone of Colombian heritage, I'm very pleased to see the level of talent in fashion design coming from Colombia.

Photo credit: Seks Wilson for VIVE Katerin

-Katerin

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