Our Favorite Looks From Miami Swim Week

Over the weekend, swimwear designers, editors, influencers, and bikini enthusiasts flocked to South Beach for Miami Swim Week to check out what some of the major players (and up-and-comers) of the swimwear world had in store for the upcoming seasons, Resort and Spring 2018, and boy, they did not disappoint.

Miami Swim Week is quite different from the other fashion weeks—you know, aside from being (mainly) focused on swimwear. It’s colorful and vibrant. Models dance and skip—even smile!—down the runways. The music is so good that it’s hard to not dance in your own seat. Essentially, it’s one giant party—and who would ever complain about that?

However, Swim Week has a lot more to offer than just bikinis. Many of the brands that show, whether Miami-bred or traveling from other parts of the States, South America, and even Scandinavia, present their swimwear collections with extended offerings. Some showcase chic cover-ups, slouchy jumpsuits, and beach bombers (one of the biggest trends this year) worn over intricate one-pieces and itsy-bitsy bikinis, while others effortlessly incorporate athletic wares into their lines for an all-around activewear brand.

Over at the Funkshion tent and stunning South Beach spots like The Setai and The Nautilus, we sought out the most standout resortwear collections of the weekend—and the looks that are taking them to the top. Keep scrolling to learn a little more about each.

For Love & LemonsFor Love & Lemon’s new collection for Spring 2018 was inspired by all things Cuba. “Retro-inspired swimsuits were the premise of the collection,” says Naomi Spindel, the brand’s designer. Notable looks included vintage fits such as high-waisted bottoms, peasant-sleeved crop tops, and other ‘70s-inspired silhouettes. Prints include classic beach stripes, terra cotta dotted prints, and washed out ‘70s florals. The brand also brought some newness to the runways, introducing cover-ups for the first time. creating garments out of patchwork mesh, lace, and oversized dots. “The idea is that it echoes the cobblestone streets of Havana,” says Spindel.

AcaciaSeason after season, Acacia perfectly blends sporty and feminine influences, bringing us a collection that's as functional as it is sophisticated. It's vast array of swim cuts (with new styles introduced every season) and slouchy, laid back ready-to-wear make it a go-to for the modern-day beach-dweller. Designer Naomi Newirth draws inspiration from her Hawaiian roots as well as her travels, as she does every season, delivering us a collection filled with everything from versatile neutral solids to colorful florals and animal prints.

SeafollyThis year, Aussie swimwear veterans Seafolly showed at Miami Swim Week for the first time, alongside its Colombian sister brand (both now owned by an LVMH private equity group). Genelle Walkon, creative director and head of swimwear design, explains that the collection was a response to the ‘80s styling resurgence: think higher waistlines, bright colors, and textured fabrics. Also showing alongside refreshing swimwear styles was the brand’s line of activewear. “The evolution of swim is an evolving hybrid styling mixed with activewear,” says Walkom. “We’re responding to that trend with cleaner cuts that also provide great support and functionality.”

MaajiColombian swimwear label Maaji presented its Spring 2018 “This Is Paradise” collection immediately following Seafolly, blending its “Colombian magic” with the “Australian summer.” This season, the brand paid homage to its roots with a heavy use of florals, palm, and other foliage prints, modernizing them styling them with sporty mesh, bohemian frayed denim, and embroidered elements.

NorthStanding out amongst the colorful exhibitions of Miami Swim Week, Scandinavian brand North brought its simple designs to a group runway presentation headed by beauty brand The Perfect V. All of North’s suits are a minimalist’s dream: black, clean and understated in design, and undeniably chic.

DemadlyAnother brand to show during The Perfect V’s group runway show, Scandinavian label Demadly is making waves in the world of swimwear. The entire collection is constructed with only ethically produced and locally sourced materials, with each piece designed to be mixed and matched for the perfect fit. The brand's ethos is to stand by slow fashion, building upon its offering each season, rather than starting from scratch.

LolliIf you’re into dreamy, cotton candy-inspired swimwear (and now, lingerie), Lolli is the brand for you. The relaxed, California-inspired collection presented a pastel dream world of romantic and feminine bikinis, fluttery one-pieces, and more. “I mean, we’re always really girly girly,” laughs designer Vy Ngyuen. “This season, we did a lot of sexier cuts, but also featured a lot of full coverage pieces, as we now carry sizes extra small to extra large.” The Resort 2018 collection also included a couple standout ready-to-wear pieces, such as an embroidered kimono robe and a sheer, embellished bomber jacket, making for the perfect poolside cover-ups.

Sinesia KarolBrazilian-turned-American swimwear designer Sinesia Karol was inspired by a trip to Marrakech for her Spring 2018 collection, elements that are apparent in her use of flowing silks and chiffons and printed swimwear. Along with her signature florals, she introduced patterns inspired by both Moroccan tiles and architecture in a collection she describes as “fearless,” designed for both beach-dwellers and jetsetters alike.

MontceFloridian swimwear label Montce’s designs are quickly becoming known for their feminine and playful elements. Designer Alexandra Grief launched her inclusive line with a desire to focus on fit, bringing suits that inspire confidence to all, accentuating all body types. Grief’s Spring 2018 collection has a heavy focus on polka dots, pompoms, and tropical foliage and florals that accent ruffled, off-the-shoulder tops, high waists, and plunging necklines.