MIAMI SWIM WEEK: Mara Hoffman Spring 2011 Swim

Mara Hoffman chose iconic American rock songs evoke a cool bohemian feeling for her 2011 Swim Resort collection show in Miami during Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in Miami. Ms. Hoffman is a New York based designer with schooling from Parsons School of Design and the renowned Central Saint Martin’s College of Art and Design

Pretty looks at Mara Hoffman Spring 2011 presentation

The theme of California girls with international rock hippie flair came thru brilliantly in a fantastic collection. The show channeled her travel inspirations of far flung places like Goa and beyond. The runway pieces were effortless with printed dresses, hooded shorts, après sun robes and cowl-neck cover-ups.

The models were prettily styled with bandannas, messy braids and sun-kissed makeup. Ms. Hoffman designed her suits with African-inspired prints and tie-dye details in fresh, light colors. The palette included soft aqua, pink and magenta with the requisite slimming black. There were so many wearable looks that looked comfortable and flattering on non-model bodies that I could see the audience mentally checking off on their 'to buy' list.

Hoffman's white bikinis featuring pops of print at the bandeau and side of the bottoms looked very relaxed and ‘chill’ as they say in Goa.

Fittingly Jimi Hendrix's "Fire" finished up the finale and it's easy to imagine any girl wearing these suits hearing a boy plead "Let me stand next to your fire."