FUNKSHION Fashion Week was its own beautiful blur of swimwear, designers, parties and hotels running concurrently during Swim Week.
The tri-annual event that features over 40 fashion shows and presentations piqued your curiosity at each show with a creative atmosphere that reflected Miami’s sexy, luxury lifestyle.
Known for “challenging convention to escape traditional fashion methods” its no surprise that swimwear shows and presentations were held in unorthodox locations such as the SLS Hotel and Plymouth Hotel between July 20 and July 24. FUNKSHION, Miami’s connecting force between Latin America and US markets, featured heavy hitters from the fashion world.
Believe the L’Etage team when we tell you, there were many fashion shows and presentations to attend during Swim Week. Need a recap of your favorite shows? We’ve got you covered. Read our recaps of the following shows:
–Planet Fashion Swim at the SLS South Beach
–Keva J. Swimwear at Loews Miami Beach
The most important part of Funkshion was the swimwear. Designers such as Luli Fama, For Love and Lemons, Blue Life by Planet Blue, Sinesia Karol, Aguaclara, Agua Bendita, and Lolli Swim showed their 2018 collections to Miami’s fashion scene.
When it comes to FUNKSHION we had high expectations and they were met and more. Our team of editors sifted through all the hoopla, including gift bags, lookbooks, photo galleries and first-hand experience, to give you the hottest moments from Funkshion that we can best describe as being “so Miami.” Read our list below for the insider scoop.
1.Marie Claire Editor Moderates Conversation About Swimwear At The Setai Hotel
Marie Claire Editor Adrienne Faurote moderated a spirited conversation at The Setai Hotel with several panelists including Angela Chittenden, founder & designer of Beach Bunny; Naomi Newirth, founder of ACACIA; Juliana Londono and Cristina Mesa of Maaji and CMO of Seafolly, Adriane McDermott.
The discussion covered the future of the swimwear industry, specifically how technology is impacting modern consumers wants and expectations from designers.
2. Relaxing & Recharging In The Funkshion House At The Plymouth Hotel
Funkshion House, a three day pop-up space to relax and recharge your mobile devices, was held at the Plymouth Hotel. Guests sipped on speciality cocktails while enjoying live DJ sets by Blaze Carreras while enjoying the amenities in the Kopari Summer Glow Lounge and Bare’s Stay Smooth On The Go Room.
Building on the Swim Fashion Week platform, FUNKSHION presented a series of curated shows along with cool interactive events never seen before at Funkshion Fashion Week.
3. Brunch At The SoHo Beach House
VIP attendees and media were invited to an invite-only brunch held at the SoHo Beach House. Kopari Beauty and For Love and Lemons brunch was hosted by Devin Brugman and Natasha Oakley, founders of A Bikini A Day.
4. Celebrity Sightings
FUNKSHION Fashion Week attracted celebrities from all over including Leonardo DiCaprio, Tyson Beckford, singer Nicky Jam, and Charlotte McKinne.
4. Models On Stand-by
Super models Chanel Iman and Shanina Shaik were spotted along with Ariadna Gutierrez, the woman who was infamously and mistakenly crowned Miss Universe in 2015 by Steve Harvey.
5. Celebrities As DJs
Nick Cannon spinned on the 1s and 2s as the celebrity DJ for the Art Hearts Fashion show which included guests such as Leonardo DiCaprio and singer Nicky Jam.
Cannon wasn’t the only celebrity moonlight as a DJ. Taryn Manning maintained the vibe at The Nautilus Hotel for the U.S. launch of Scandanavian beauty brand, The Perfect V. The beauty brand held a runway show that featured swimwear from Scandanavian designers North, Demadly, Gestuz, Hanne Bloch & Ganni.
6. Maaji & Seafolly Take Over The Setai Hotel
Columbian brand Maaji and Australian line Seafolly turned the Setai Hotel into a dreamy oasis with a high energy show lit by LED lights.
Its no surprise considering Funkshion affirms, “There are no rules to creativity. Let your intelligence have fun.”
The sister brands were recently bought by the L´Catterton family, the investment arm of the LVMH Group. The LVHM group is home to luxury brands such as Moët, Hennessy, and Louis Vuitton.
Grammy Award-winning hip-hop group ChocQuibTown closed down the Setai Hotel with a live performance on the runway to the delight of guests.
Maaji and Seafolly weren’t the only fashion shows that made a splash.
7. Acacia Sitting Pretty Over Lincoln Road
Hawaiian Swim label, Acacia took guests high above Lincoln Road for their runway show overlooking the city.
The swimwear was marked by gorgeous tones, sexy cuts, wet suites and looks to take you from surf board to pool side.
8. Ice-Cold Runway
Models beat the heat at swimwear shows by Bianca Coletti, Beach Bunny and more by walking on a cryogenically frozen runway.
What was your favorite moment from FUNKSHION?