Fashion, Style & Beauty

Strong, Sexy, and Colorful: Women Shine at Miami Swim Week 2024, Powered by Art Hearts Fashion

Captivating Designs and Unstoppable Confidence Take Center Stage at M2 Runway Shows

By Ryan Perrino

June 13, 2024

Designer Lila Nikole Rivera and the models pose at the finale of the runway for the Lila Nikole Collection fashion show during the Miami Swim Week Powered By Art Hearts Fashion. (Photo by Arun Nevader/Getty Images for Art Hearts Fashion)

Art Hearts Fashion lit up Miami with its thrilling Swim Week Runway Shows from Thursday, May 29 to Sunday, June 2, held at M2 nightclub with official after-parties each night at E11EVEN Miami.

The runway wasn’t the only thing lighting up Miami Swim Week, as dynamic sponsorship activations took over M2, transforming the event into an immersive, exciting experience. Attendees enjoyed luxurious gifting suites, tantalizing tastings, and exclusive photo opportunities.

Marquis sponsor Snatched Plastic Surgery created a buzz with their consultation lounge, where guests met top doctors and learned about the latest procedures. They also spiced things up with a thrilling money grab machine, offering chances to win fabulous prizes and discounts.

Dria Dair’s gifting suite was a hotspot for influencers and guests, who sipped bubbly while exploring her exquisite collection. Fade Masters of Miami set up a trendy pop-up shop featuring retro kicks, while That’s It Salon’s talented stylists worked their magic backstage, ensuring every model’s hair was runway-ready.

Miami Swim Week, Powered by Art Hearts Fashion

Founded in 2010, Art Hearts Fashion has become a driving force in fashion, art, and entertainment. It’s the premier platform dedicated to showcasing innovative designers and artists through contemporary events and runway shows.

Art Hearts Fashion’s main headquarter is in downtown Los Angeles. They host major events across Los Angeles, Miami, New York, and Las Vegas, including Fashion Week, Swim Week, and Art Basel, solidifying its influence in the fashion industry. They are also partnering with MMGNET & Resorts World to launch the inaugural ‘Swim Week Las Vegas’ this summer, August 15 to August 20 at Resorts World.

But, before we jump to the sizzling sun of a Las Vegas summer, explore a few of the designers below from Miami Swim Week, powered by Art Hearts Fashion, showcasing their striking collections that set the runway ablaze.

LUXE ISLE

Thanks to Art Hearts Fashion, I was able to go back stage to meet some of Miami Swim Week’s talented designers, including former model, animal advocate and plant enthusiast, Mali Hayes. Despite a grateful barrage of models thanking her for an opportunity to walk in the LUXE ISLE show, a super appreciative Mali took a moment to answer a couple of questions for StyleLujo.com, including the inspiration behind her colorful collection.

“Living next to the Florida Keys, cotton candy sunset skies and sparkles in your eyes, sparkles around you everywhere,” Mali shared with her own twinkle still shining during my interview. “Miami life is pretty glamourous.“

When I asked her about the models she sought out to bring life to her collection, she told me that yes, she wants “girls who are pretty, but they’re not overdone. They’re not overstated. They are happy. They are smiling.“

Mali was a beam of light and a colorful woman with a humble smile from ear-to-ear. The models seem to interact with her as if they were her loving children, ever so thankful for the opportunity to feel luxurious, sexy, and gleefully happy all at once.

As I thanked Mali for her time, she remembered a feathery inspiration behind her collection’s colorful palette, the peacock. Famous for their strikingly beautiful and colorful tail feathers, which can be fanned out in a stunning display, their feathers feature iridescent blues and greens with eye-like patterns. I can tell you that sitting front row, she absolutely nailed it. But, don’t take my word for it.

Notice the headpieces on each model and you’ll find the beautiful adornment designs of Roxana Lynch. I took a moment to say hello to her, as well. Her collection tells stories, fusing whimsical realms and eclectic elements, all collected from the riches of life’s journey and her vintage treasure trunk. Her brand symbolizes self-acceptance, self-expression, and transformation for any Goddess Queen. Her pieces can be seen on the runway, at weddings, and just around town with her Posh Rock collection of caps.

Giannina Azar

In addition to my back stage access was the opportunity to chat with a few of the models, including Jenna Dykstra, Lindsay Endicott, and Alina Sushchenko. These beautiful woman all walked for Giannina Azar (listed left to right). Amongst the preparation chaos for the show, they were able to give me a moment of their time to talk about their experience at Miami Swim Week.

Jenna, Miss Supranational USA, was excited to walk in her first show, while Lindsay and Alina each walked in their second Miami Swim Week.

Pink Melon

If there was a model during Miami Swim Week who oozed an energy of poise and sexy confidence, look no further than Maria Jose Benavides. Maria slowed down time as her pace forced you to observe every step she took and every sway of her hips from side-to-side. I had a chance to briefly chat with Maria in the sponsor area after a show and her sweet smile was as captivating as her serious and sensual look on the runway. Here she is below, posing for Pink Melon, a colorful display of ocean-inspired designs that can make any woman feel like a sexy island girl at heart.

One-piece bathing suits made a stunning impact on the runway this season, stealing the show with their varied and eye-catching styles. From designs exuding chic sophistication to those offering sun protection or seamlessly transitioning from day to night, each designer infused their unique vision into these timeless pieces. Here’s a piece from Pink Melon designer, Sandra Santana.

A model walks for the Pink Melon Swimwear fashion show during the Miami Swim Week Powered By Art Hearts Fashion. (Photo by Arun Nevader/Getty Images for Art Hearts Fashion)

Black Tape Project

While I had heard of the Black Tape Project, I never knew the story of its creator, Drakhan Blackhart, the world’s only body tape expert and the pioneer of the Body Tape Art Genre. Beyond the initial wow factor of his barely-there “swimwear,” I was moved by his inspiring journey of resilience and determination.

From living in his car with no money, food, or hope to discovering an old cigar box filled with his late grandfather’s money while gazing through a hole in the ceiling of his dilapidated house, I watched Drakhan’s runway show with a deeper respect for a person I had never met.

With his last $1,500, Drakhan bought a camera and started photographing cars and bikes in Miami. This led to his images being published in magazines, and eventually, an opportunity to photograph an out-of-town model. She asked him to tape her body for her final look, resulting in a tight, incomplete design. Despite this, he continued to refine his craft, finding ways to complement the body with lines and negative spaces.

Within a few years, he was taping dancers and eventually Miss Puerto Rico at a charity event in Haiti. When her images went viral, Drakhan’s life changed, again. Today, he is an educator, artist, and entrepreneur traveling the globe. I had the good fortune to attend his show, which showcased not only his work, but also the energy of someone whose life was transformed by believing in himself and his art. Below are three of his designs.

Lila Nikole

Lila Nikole, the acclaimed Miami-raised swim, resort wear, costume designer, and celebrity stylist dazzled the runway with her latest collection, ‘GRAPHIC PARADISE.’ Inspired by Miami’s vintage art deco aesthetic, the collection featured vibrant colors, intricate patterns, graphic designs, and asymmetrical cuts, designed to flatter all body types. Models strutted to a high-energy soundtrack curated by Lila’s longtime friend, DJ Dinero, ensuring an exhilarating and fun-filled show.