
http://www.cooljunkie.com/fashion/
by Hannah Dodson
This year the Raleigh Hotel in Miami Beach played host to the Sunglass
Hut Swim Shows Miami presented by LYCRA®. Designers presented their
2007-swimwear collections in three venues around the hotel’s famous
pool area.
The event began with an opening party on July 15th thrown by The Raleigh
and Ocean Drive Magazine. On the evening of the 16th, shows by Speedo,
Carmen Marc Valvo, Inca and Cosabella Mare, showcased the latest swimwear
innovations and trends.
Rosa Cha by Amir Slama, Gideon Oberson, Red Carter, Becca, Esteban Cortazar
and Shay Todd were just a few of the many designers who also showcased
their latest collections.
“We couldn’t be more excited to launch Sunglass Hut Swim
Shows Miami with these designers, representing the best of the industry
and leaders in design," comments Fern Mallis, Vice-President of
IMG.
South Beach designer, Red Carter displayed his latest collection poolside
under the glow of red tinted lights. Cleverly named pieces, such as
“Bohemian Rhapsody” and “Hollywood Squares,”
capture the lively energy of Carter’s Miami inspired designs.
Belted hipsters, halters and tunics played on the bohemian theme of
the season with fresh flavor and flair. Masha Archer’s signature
jewelry creations accentuated Carter’s sophisticated and sultry
new collection of bikinis and one-pieces.
"Sunglasses, designer swimwear, a beautiful pool…there’s
no place in the world more appropriate to have this event," Mallis
says. “Miami and swimwear are inexorably linked and these collections
will bring the fashion world’s attention to this fabulous city."
The Independent Fashion trade show, which took place during the Sunglass
Hut Swim Show week, also showcased up and coming designers.
Held at the Sanctuary Hotel on South Beach, the event provided a rare
opportunity to view the collections of designers such as, Cardiac, Krelwear,
Ashrana and Raiza within steps of each other.
Halland Chen of Verve Theory.com comments, “Karelle Levy and
Paulina Casado did a phenomenal job at creating an intimate experience,
where both buyers and clients could come and discover the depth of talent
that reside in and outside the Miami area.”
A runway constructed amongst the bamboo of the courtyard, provided
a fresh and natural canvas for the innovative designs that were showcased
throughout the event that closed a weeklong celebration of swimwear
and fashion design.