Miami Fashion Week Swim: LUXE by Lisa Vogel 2012

How do you bring luxury to the beach when one doesn't wear that much?  Lisa Vogel answered that question in a tent and on the runway at Miami Fashion Week.  The fashion show contained a beautiful watery prints in multiple shades of blue.  An elegant group of delicate paisley-inspired prints also in a blue palette also strutted down the catwalk.

The "luxe" part of LUXE by Lisa Vogel was seen in the upscale details probably not meant for the chlorine of a swimming pool.  Pretty crystal details anchored shirring on some suits and bodices on others.  Silhouettes themselves were simple and flattering.  Twisted straps gave interest in halter form or as an asymmetrical single strap.

If you want to want to show maximum sophistication with minimal actual coverage, Lisa Vogel is the one to dress you in style.

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Miami Fashion Week Swim: Cia Maritima 2012

Cia Maritima's show at Miami Fashion Week drew the most enthusiastic response from the burly men of the photographer's pit.  How can you go wrong with a vintage Van Halen soundtrack and hot models in bikinis?

For those of us actually studying actual fashion details of the collection, there were sexy animal prints to be found.  Leopard spots showed up in chiffon wraps and swim suits.  A sorbet color palette of raspberry, lemon and pops of turquoise came up in dip-dyed cover-ups and watercolor floral prints. 1980's rock and roll influence could be seen in the off-the-shoulder fringed tops or revealing cut-out silhouettes.

Cia Maritima is the hot Brazilian swimwear line from Benny Rosset.  The grandson of a famous shirt manufacturer in the 1930's, Benny updated the family business to mix high-tech textiles and luxury workmanship into upscale fashion for the beach.

Whether you are a groupie or looking to acquire an entourage of your own, Brazil's top swimwear designer has your back.

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Miami Fashion Week Swim: Poko Pano 2012

Polo Pano led the first show of the Oasis tent Friday night in Miami Fashion week with a bold collection of tropical-chic.  The models on the runway were styled as strong, Amazonian women.  The hair was intertwined with tribal feathers like a warrior, the walk was strong and confident.

The swimwear itself featured jungle-inspired prints like over-sized fronds, snakeskin and tiger silhouettes.  The color palette was simple.  White popped on the tanned bodies.  It was paired with olive, coral, black and tan.  Pops of bright turquoise was reminiscent of the ocean surrounding the islands.

If you hit the beach with a take no prisoners attitude, Poko Pano is the collection for you.

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NY FASHION WEEK: Gottex Spring 2011

A sunrise was a beautiful prelude to another stunning swimwear collection for Gottex, Spring 2011. The line featured inovative shapes with rich embellishment and new fabrics to create looks that fuse technology and luxury.

The new Spring collection shaped the female body using criss cross lines, high-waist bottoms with belts, bandeau swimsuits and one piecers with interesting cut-outs. Cover ups have been re-invented: Long flowing printed silk capes and dresses that are worn underneath or tucked into the suit.

Luxury for the hot season at it’s highest form with rich use of rock embellishment, sequins and crystal embroidery especially on the more glamorous pieces such as the wet look and metallic swimsuits.

The only question left to ask is: When will there be Red Carpet Poolside Events I can wear this to?

Reported by Sonia Leix of Women's Mafia:

Photos by Mariana Leung

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MIAMI SWIM WEEK: Boys! Parke & Ronen Spring 2011

Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim gave guests a treat with the Swell Suits group show of men’s swimwear. Anyone who needed some eye candy were satisfied by the end of the presentation.

Designers Parke Lutter and Ronen Jehezkel came from different backgrounds (One from Parsons School of Design in NYC, the other from Italy’s Instituto Europeo Di Design). Together, they created Parke & Ronen, a men’s swim collection inspired by 1950’s silhouettes.

Not for the shy boy, the runway had everything from skimpy rainbow-striped briefs to flattering European cut shorts. The prints were bold and graphic; the color palettes had a retro 50’s to 80’s feel.

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