Words by Shirley Reynozo
Miami Swim Week was a blast this year, and we owe a huge thanks to everyone who made it all possible. First up, a massive shoutout to Art Hearts Fashion, always the heartbeat of Miami’s fashion scene. And let’s not forget the PR maestro Timur Tugberk and Tara Gaines, who brought the energy and flair we all love. Our stylish stay at The Gabriel Miami South Beach, Curio Collection by Hilton, was simply divine, offering us the perfect blend of luxury and comfort.
The party extended beyond the M2 venue taking over South Beach with various ancillary events as well. On Friday, May 31, 2024 Snatched Plastic Surgery hosted a panel discussion at the Gabriel Hotel surrounding the idea of how fashion informs body trends, and vice versa. This was a very rich conversation, moderated by Timur Tugberk, that celebrated the nuances of different beauty standards from the east coast to the west coast. In Miami, plastic surgery seems more culturally acceptable, as more people seem to have it. The conversation also highlighted how people who get plastic surgery also experience body shaming.
Fashion and body trends are always influencing each other, shaping what’s hot and what’s not. As styles change, they highlight different body types, making us rethink and redefine beauty standards. Athleisure has everyone obsessed with toned, athletic bodies, while the vintage revival is all about celebrating those classic, curvier figures. On the flip side, body trends push fashion to evolve. The body positivity movement is a game-changer, pushing designers to create inclusive collections that celebrate all shapes and sizes. This back-and-forth keeps fashion fresh and exciting, always reflecting and redefining our culture. The body positivity movement celebrates individuality over conformity. This dynamic interplay ensures that both fashion and body trends continually adapt, reflecting and shaping the cultural zeitgeist.
The conversation was informed by panelists such as Snatched Plastic Surgery’s Dr. Paul Boulos about the different procedures trending. One perspective that he gave was that women who have given birth often have surgery because they want to go back to looking how they did before childbirth. Other women have surgery to enhance the features they already have. Another key factor that he mentioned was that trends do inform people’s decisions. For example, when Kim Kardashian augmented her body, he had patients that wanted the same. Now that Kim Kardashian has removed her BBL and that athleisure is the new beauty standards, he has patients showing him different inspiration pictures. Trends certainly influence how people see themselves.
Another panelist that contributed to the discussion on how fashion informs body trends is Lila Nikole. Inclusivity is a cornerstone of Lila Nikole’s brand. She emphasizes, “When I look for models I look for people that are interesting. It doesn’t matter what our background is, what your ethnicity is, it doesn’t even matter your shape. If you can body the runway, that’s what I look for. In the end, the people that were the collection are just people, of all shapes, all sizes, all ethnicities. I think it’s really important that we share that with everyone that purchases the products.” Her commitment to representation ensures that everyone who wears her collection feels seen and celebrated.
The body positivity movement isn’t just about plus-size models owning the runway; it’s about every woman, regardless of shape or size, feeling fully represented. Whether you’re slim, have a BBL, fake boobs, or keep it all natural, it’s all about aesthetics over stereotypes. This shift means more diverse body types are celebrated in fashion, making the runway a space where everyone can see themselves.
The Snatched Plastic Surgery panel definitely gave me a fresh perspective. I hadn’t really thought about how body types influence fashion trends and how fashion, in turn, shapes our views on body image. It’s like a constant cycle where fashion highlights different body types, setting new beauty standards, and then these standards push fashion to evolve. The discussion made me realize how interconnected and impactful these trends are in shaping our culture and self-image.
Another round of applause goes to Snatched Plastic Surgery, the game-changer of Miami Swim Week. Founder & CEO Claudia Borges is not only a medical executive extraordinaire but also a beacon of beauty, brains, and community spirit. Claudia, your influence made this season unforgettable, and we’re grateful for your support. Miami Swim Week 2024 wouldn’t have been the same without these amazing sponsors. Here’s to the next one!
