It’s that time again in Florida when fashion invades Miami Beach.
FUNKSHION Swim Week, a four day fashion extravaganza, is being held from July 20 through 23 to the delight of Miami’s style spectators.
Guests can anticipate big changes now that Swim Week is part of FUNKSHION‘s tri-annual fashion collective which includes The Retreat, a fitness and wellness festival dedicated to athleisure. Both venues are hosted year-round by the production company with at least 40 shows and presentations.
The swimwear venue continues to be the pre-requisite go-to event of the year.
Attendees can look forward to FUNKSHION Swim Week’s ominous tent tucked conveniently at Collins Park (in front of the Bass Museum). They can also expect a bevy of shows featuring swimwear collections from international designers booked at The Setai Hotel, The Nautilus Hotel and The Plymouth Hotel.
READ: Is Your Favorite Designer In FUNKSHION Swim Week 2017?
“Designers from all over the globe are choosing to showcase their brands in Miami Beach because of the growth of the trade shows and media focus,” Sale Stojanovic, partner and co-founder of FUNKSHION Productions, said. “That has inspired us to innovate and offer the most creative options for the brands to tell their stories.”
FUNKSHION Swim Week will heat up Miami Beach with a lot of fun, new changes, too.
“This season is especially important as we evolve Swim Fashion Week to showcase the brightest talent in the industry today,” Stojanovic said.
FUNKSHION Productions gave L’Etage Magazine the inside scoop on what guests can expect from South Florida’s biggest swimwear venue. Continue reading below for the 411 on Miami’s hottest swimwear venue.
1.Air-Conditioning
Guests no longer need to compete with the sweltering heat during a runway show. According to the production company, the FUNKSHION tent, situated on Collins Ave between 21st and 22nd Street, will be climate controlled. That’s right: Guests no longer need to fret about ruining their blow-outs or sweating through their outfits.
2. After Parties
Expect an array of rooftop affairs and a litany of other parties throughout South Florida to celebrate FUNKSHION Swim Week.
3. Celebrities
Be prepared to see your favorite reality TV stars in Miami Beach during Swim Week. Lovely ladies Ashley Wheeler, Darnell Nicole and Haiti native Hencha Voigt of WAGS Miami will be in town (possibly filming?). Other confirmed guests include America’s Next Top Model alum, Eva Marcille whose scheduled to walk the runway of Keva J. Swimwear.
4. Swimwear
Over 20 designers will be showcasing their swimwear collections with trends such as high-waisted bottoms, teeny tiny bikinis, monokinis and cover ups.
5. Gift Bags
Just in case you’re wondering, each fashion show and presentation comes with a complimentary swag bag. Generally these are filled with skincare, haircare, and fashion goodies, although there may also be some products like those available on SleekWristbands.com as companies look to include some branded items.
6. Parking
It’s safe to say to bring lots of change or cash for the meters during FUNKSHION Swim Week as Collins Park Tent is surrounded by a 200-space parking lot and is a block from a 150-space car garage.
7. Swim Show
Guests are encouraged to wear sensible shoes at the Miami Beach Convention Center where FUNKSHION Productions has scheduled a swim show right in front of Cabana Trade Show.
8. The Collins Park Tent
Considered the hive of FUNKSHION Swim Week because of its sheer size, The Collins Park Tent will be hosting 11 shows and presentations. With a seating capacity of 450 (90 seats are sectioned off for the VIP front row), attendees will view the hottest trends in swimwear on models strutting their stuff on an 80 feet runway. The FUNKSHION Tent (also referred to as the Collins Park Tent) will be situated on Collins Avenue between 21st and 22nd Street at 2100 Collins Avenue in Miami Beach.
9. The Setai Hotel
Many guests of FUNKSHION Swim Week will be staying at the Setai Hotel, one of many luxury hotels in Miami, so its not surprising that FUNKSHION Production put its courtyard to use. The Courtyard Runway, comes with a 72 feet runway and has a seating capacity for 350 people. The hotel will host five shows and presentations. The Setai Hotel is located at 2001 Collins Avenue in Miami Beach.
10. The Nautilus Hotel
What’s a fashion show without a runway built over a pool? Basic. Attendees will get the experience a lush landscaped pool area complete with a 70 foot runway built over a pool at the Nautilus Hotel. The pool area capacity is 400 people with 224 seated. The Nautilus Hotel is located at 1825 Collins Avenue in Miami Beach.
11. The Plymouth Hotel
Let’s be honest? At some point flocking to show after show in Florida’s humidity, you’re going to need a refresher. If you don’t have the luxury of staying at one of the nearby hotels, go to the Plymouth Hotel. If you’re hungry stop by the hotel’s restaurant, Blue Ribbon Sushi Bar & Grill for Blue Ribbon’s sushi and cooked Japanese cuisine. The Plymouth Hotel partnered with FUNKSHION Productions and launched a three-day lounge dubbed FUNKSHION Designer & Model House complete with live DJ sets. It’s the perfect spot to cool down, recharge your tech device and enjoy interactive entertainment. Fashion enthusiasts can sip speciality cocktails while they’re mobile devices reboot at charging stations. FUNKSHION Designer & Model House opens from 12 pm to 5 pm during FUNKSHION Swim Week. Located right across the Collins Park Tent the lounge will open to the public July 20. The Plymouth Hotel is located at 336 21st Street in Miami Beach.