Runway Recap: Mercedes-Benz Swim Week 2014

Mara Hoffman, Miami Swim July 20, 2013, Raleigh Hotel

Over the weekend, legions of buyers, journalists, and celebrities congregated together at Mercedes-Benz Swim Week 2014. The biggest boon of the summer season,  was primarily held at exclusive the Raleigh, SLS and Soho Beach House on South Beach was host to high-end swimwear labels such as Wildfox, Chloe, Mara Hoffman, Beach Bunny, amongst others.

Mara Hoffman’s highly anticipated presentation, which was held at the tents at The Raleigh, was inspired by colorful, East Asian elements.  Models strutted down the runway kaleidoscopic-printed bikinis and stamped bindis on their foreheads. The models also donned colorful tassels in their hair and eye-catching woven bangles.

Wildfox, on the other hand, was held poolside at Soho Beach House. The invite-only presentation gathered the crème de la crème of Miami’s fashionable elite, including Haute-lister Brett Ratner.  The youthful brand was clearly inspired by the 1970’s. Think big round sunnies and puffy beach hair. The models donned one pieces with the phrase “I’m really a mermaid,” and fruit-printed one and two pieces that elicited a standing ovation from the audience.

By Dilara Tuncer