Beyond the Runway: Designer Naomi Acacia Newirth Shares Her Inspiration and Passion for Swim Design
From New York to Paris, Fashion Week is one of the most celebrated times of year for designers and fashion enthusiasts alike. From city to city around the world, the one-week event highlights some of the most sought-after names in designer fashion from around the globe. And Fashion Week Miami, otherwise known as Miami Swim Week, delivers the same couture experience but with the intensified heat and sensuality that has almost become synonymous with the city of Miami.
Differing from Fashion Week in other cities, Miami Swim Week features the most desirable names in swimwear design. From July 20 through 26, the streets of South Beach were afloat with swanky runways to highlight the 2018 spring-summer collections, including the quintessential FUNKSHION and SWIMMIAMI shows, after-parties at the trendiest hotels, and of course the 35th annual SwimShow trade show in the convention center.
This year, however, one show stood out – or above – from the rest. While many designers took stage in the iconic South Beach boutique hotels, pools and patios, Naomi Acacia Newirth, founder and designer of ACACIA, an internationally known resort and swimwear brand, took her collection to new heights, both literally and figuratively.
ACACIA’s 2018 swim collection debuted at Miami Swim Week on Saturday, July 22 on the Seventh Floor of 1111 Garage, located at the western end of the Lincoln Road Mall at the intersection with Alton Road. The 1111 Garage is designed by the internationally known Swiss architectural firm of Herzog & de Meuron and overlooks Miami Beach from an open-air loft-style, urban-chic cement deck. The cityscape backdrop silhouetted the runway model, complimenting the overall appeal of the ACACIA design and experience. Known for its intricately detailed designs, custom prints, buttery fabric, and seamless comfort, ACACIA mixes effortless femininity with sophistication.
The new line for the season draws a large emphasis on contemporary style, while still delivering trademark versatile styles that accentuates detail, never taking away from comfort and function. The collection celebrates the female form and encompasses everything from fun, bold colorful florals, to sophisticated, timeless stripes and animal prints.
Throughout the years, ACACIA has stayed true to its aesthetic and signature style, fusing together the perfect low-cut Italian bikini and classic Brazilian fit. The brand is inspired by Newirth’s love of travel and the Maui beaches she grew up on.
L’ETAGE Magazine had the chance to talk with Ms. Newirth about her passion for design and Miami Swim Week:
So, you have been creating your own swimwear since you were a child. Did you always know you wanted to launch your own swim line?
After learning how to sew my own suits in high school, yes, I dreamed of owning my own line!
Do you wear your own brand?
It is the only swim I wear. I do wear acacia clothing as well but of course wear other clothing brands too.
What other designers in this industry inspire you?
There are quite a few I love, but one of my favorites is Isabel Marant.
We loved the location for your show. What made you choose the iconic 1111 Garage?
I wanted industrial, minimal, modern….the 1111 couldn’t have been more perfect.
Funkshion and I were on the location hunt last August when I was visiting my grandma in Florida introducing her to her great grandson, so I snuck a trip in to go location scouting and fell in love with this garage!
When was your first year presenting in Miami Swim Week? How, if at all, has the event changed since you first joined?
Our first summer showing was back in 2011. Since then we switched shows and are now apart of Cabana which was the best decision we made. The aesthetic of their show is the perfect fit for ACACIA. There were a couple strange years when IMG and MERCEDES pulled out but with Funkshion taking over I think it will only get better! This year was amazing.
How has Miami Fashion Week helped your brand?
It helped to put us on the map and in front of the buyers we wanted to sell to. When we started social media it was not what it is today so tradeshows were key to get your brand out in the forefront.
What has been the biggest challenge for you or your company?
The biggest challenge for me has been the learning process. I am basically self-taught so with that comes mistakes you learn from but that only make you stronger and allow you to grow
What advice do you have for aspiring designers and artists?
Stay true to what you love and believe in. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.
What’s next for you?
You will have to wait until we are ready to unveil what is next!
Thank you!
Newirth began sewing her own swimsuits at a young age in hopes to create the perfect bikini. After getting a taste of the endless design opportunities she found while traveling in Bali, and graduating with a fashion degree in Merchandise Marketing, Naomi created ACACIA.
To ensure all ages have the opportunity to wear ACACIA designs, Newirth expanded the brand by creating a children’s line named Acacia Honey.
Within the recent years, the brand has also established itself as a major celebrity-loved brand, with fans including; Beyoncé & Blue Ivy, Kim Kardashian West and North West, Kourtney Kardashian, Kate Hudson, Vanessa Hudgens, Emily Ratajkowski, and Joan Smalls.
