Suboo Embellished Swim 2016

 Suboo brought the swim style from Down Under. The Australian swimwear brand showed a posh, embellished collection at the elegant Setai hotel in Miami. Bikinis certainly dominated the runway. From the amount of skin on display, the teenier the better.

Designer Sue Di Chio worked rich prints into the fabrics. There were options for the small chested to the underwired tops for fuller women. Most striking was the variety of embellishments and embroidery on these bikinis. There were graphic sequin patterns, 3-dimensional beading in abstract designs or chunky floral motifs.

photos by David TW Leung

Each runway ensemble was additionally styled with dramatic, over-sized statement jewelry. Huge necklaces that doubled as body sculptures or bracelet cuffs. They looked like bigger, knotted versions of the embroidery on the suits themselves. Hair was styled with pop color extensions or long colored feathers. I thought of it as Blue Lagoon chic on acid.

Suboo 2016 was gorgeous, sultry and fun. Bondi Beach in Australia is legendary and I wouldn't be surprised if this collection is the reason.

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Top Trends from Miami Swim Week

The hottest fashion shows of the country (both literally and in attitude) was in South Beach. Distinct fashion trends from Miami Swim Week emerged. We rounded up the top trends for the beach for the upcoming year:

Get a hold on the best fashion trends for the beach

Flash Tattoos 
Metallic body jewelry was everywhere. I saw these on multiple runways and all over the streets. It makes sense. actual jewelry is too heavy in the humidity and how else do you glam up your look when you're wearing nothing more than a few inches of bikini?

Fringe 
This was the one of the top trends for the fall 2015 shows in New York Fashion Week. This detail also ruled the runways of Miami as well. Fringe decorated everything from necklines to sleeves to skirts and tunic hems. Any body part you can shake is a place that you can add some fringe.

The Butt-revealing Cut
 The posterior is the erogenous zone of this decade. While thongs are more daring than many women are comfortable with, the high-cut back to frame the behind was popular across almost every collection I saw in South Beach. I'm just waiting for the hip-hop community to immortalize this silhouette in music.

Photos by Mariana Leung and David TW Leung

Bollywood Chic
Several swimwear labels looked to the East for their muse this season. The Filthy Haanz show used gold thread embroidery, color-blocked styles inspired by the Indian flag and prints that took its muse from the graffiti of Mumbai. Dijana's fashion show opened with traditional Indian dancers. San Lorenzo Bikinis opened their show paying tribute to yoga and multi-limbed deities.

South Beach brought the heat. Now it's up to your to bring Miami Swim Week's hot trends to your own sandy runway.

Check out The Hottest Runways of Miami Swim Week 2016
by Ms. Fabulous at Mode

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Miami Swim Week: Lila Nikole 2016

The runway shows of Miami Swim Week hosted collections from all over the world. Lila Nikole 2016 however, was the hot swimwear label that actually represented the locals. The designer brought her own Latin heritage and the South Florida community to the catwalk of South Beach's 1 Hotel.

photos by Mariana Leung

There were ultra-bright solid hues and vivid prints as part of the avant-garde swimwear cuts. There were super-high cut legs or backsides or cap sleeve suits and plunging necklines. The sporty feel of the collection was emphasized with the over-sized visor shades and high-top sneakers that accessorized the models.

Being a part of the local community, Lila Nikole involves herself and the company with organizations like Make-a-Wish and the Boys and Girl's Club of Miami. Her fans include celebs like Kim Kardashian and Mya.

Her swimwear outfits the local sports team's cheerleaders to really show her neighborhood pride.

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Miami Swim Week: Gottex 2016

Gottex is one of the poshest swimwear collections at Miami Swim Week. Something about their vivid color prints and detailing just makes their swimwear look like only fit in on a million-dollar yacht in St. Tropez or Cannes.

I just can't picture a woman swimming laps in a generic pool, or barely getting wet in these looks in general. There were elegant hardware embellishments, eveningwear style shirring, and metallic fabrics. I fell in love with the gorgeous embroidered flowers, but would be afraid to destroy them at the nearest swim-up bar.

Perhaps that's just the accomplishment of the designers to create a collection that looks that lovely. The luxury swimwear label is accessible but doesn't look it. It maintains an upscale persona for customers to strive for.

The look is sexy, but more flattering (i.e. forgiving) than they initially look. The twist front styling or the shirring at the waist disguise softer parts. The low cuts or high cuts elongate parts of the body you would want to extend. The sheer wraps of fabric around the body conceal and distract the eye more than reveal. As you can see, playing with a flowing piece of material just looks dramatic (and fun).

Gottex Swimwear 2016 will be your go-to label when you want to dress to impress at the beach club. If you want the look of high-end designer details, but still be able to fall into the pool, this collection is for you.

photos by Mariana Leung

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Miami Swim Week: Maaji 2016 Rhapsody Road

So who is ready to hit the road? Columbian label Maaji brought the most enticing mix of athleisure, active and swimwear to the Miami Swim Week Funkshion runway. I love watching their fashion shows, no other designers commit so fully to accessorizing their looks as this collection.

The designers include Juliana Londoño, Nani Valenzuela and Andrea Gomez. As sexy as the whimsically printed bikinis, shorts and activewear was, it really was meant to carry out a goat road trip. Men (yay!) and women strutted their tanned bodies to project activities like hiking, yoga, tennis, paddling in the cutest outfits you could want. Multi-pocketed vests (like my Dad would wear) helmets, rackets or a backpack bigger than the model were all a part of the Maaji look this season.

The color palette was a bunch of candy colors like floss pink, turquoise, lemon yellow, lime and orange.It was very much a traveller, hippie journey (complete with macrame details) with the quirkiest group of your friends. It all ended with a huge runway selfie with the design team.

The show reminded me of that last nostalgic summer with your buddies before everyone headed off to be an adult. Enjoy the Maaji 2016 road trip!

photos by Mariana Leung

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Miami Swim Week: San Lorenzo Bikinis 2016

 San Lorenzo Bikinis brought serenity from Hawaii. Designer Lisseth Figueroa started in Peru before moving to the South Pacific. Like many of the top swimwear labels, Figueroa found the market was missing the South American silhouettes with a Hawaiian sensibility.

The San Lorenzo Bikinis runway at Miami Swim Week was a display of zen. The theme was "Mind, Bali and Soul". The models strolled down the runway with tropical flowers entwined in their hair or carried in baskets for a message of hospitality. The opening look emulated a multi-limbed deity, while other looks carried spiritual symbols.

The suits themselves naturally included many bikinis. Some were barely there, held together with a creative arrangement of ties. My favorite style was the wrap bikini with cutouts on the side offered in solid colors and prints. The prints were a mix of pastel watercolor textures that the zen of rippling water. The star one-piece suit however, was the majestic lion's head print.

The collection was designed for versatility. Tops and bottoms were intended to be interchangeable and fabrics used were often reversible. It's no surprise that San Lorenzo Bikinis has fans in celebrities like Chrissy Teigen, Behati Prinsloo and Kate Hudson.

photos by David TW Leung

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Miami Swim Week: Sinesia Karol 2016

 Brazilian elegance. Designer Sinesia Karol 's Resort 2016 collection was a combination of South American chic mixed with her Massachusetts sensibility. As a big fan of the arts, she works with artists to create the beautiful prints of her looks.

This runway show was set in the Setai Hotel's inner courtyard on a floating runway. The setting was dramatic, the models glided down the runway (though often at risk of falling into the water itself). Many of the looks could double as evening wear. The luxurious fabrics were intended to be so light that the wearer doesn't even feel them on her skin.

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Miami Swim Week: Luli Fama Swimwear 2016

Of all the different family businesses in the fashion industry, Luli Fama has one of the most original. The design duo consists of Lourdes "Luli" Hanimian with partner and brother-in-law Augusto Hanimian. Their Miami Swim Week Show was a big party. Those of us in the media always look forward to their show because we know it will be fun.

Their 2016 resort show opened with native dancers and drummers to set the festive tone. The high fashion swimwear that followed has a gorgeous display of prints. There was a group of digitally manipulated geometrics that also worked in Aztec motifs. There was a beautiful group of paisleys in feminine color palettes. There were animal prints that recolored into other-worldly hues. Think leopard and snakeskin as interpreted by aliens (but sexy!).

Luli Fama Resort 2016 was also about fringe fringe fringe. They were on hems, full skirts, sleeves and necklines. When you have very little on, why not enhance the movement of the body parts as they move?

photos by David TW Leung

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Miami Swim Week: Filthy Haanz Swim 2016

Unlike most of the collections showing in South Beach, the swimwear brand of Filthy Haanz hails from Canada. Their runway show at Miami Swim Week had plenty of style for the guys and ladies, often coordinated (if you're one of those obnoxious couples that dress alike, you're in luck).

The three main design directions were a color-blocked group. They almost looked like flags for some tropical paradise nation I would love to visit. The next was an artistic graffiti print of vivid colors. My favorite was a more regal, Indian-inspired collection. This collection had bright fushia, white and gold embroidery that evoked the elegance of saris. Creative director Wilver Tellez was inspired by the looks he saw during a recent trip to Mumbai.

For the guys, it was all about slim fitting shorts and shorter shorts. For the women, there was a mix of sassy bikinis or more practical one-piece suits that were printed in flattering lines. I love that these suits were really made to get wet. These are for the sporty guys and gals who are ready to play hard, but want to look good doing it. Nice job gentlemen!

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Miami Swim Week: Liliana Montoya Swim 2016

Columbia in the house! Designer Liliana Montoya presented a super-sexy "mermaid" collection for Miami Swim Week. It was bold bikini after bikini. If you like to play with your straps, this swimwear collection is for you. Liliana Montoya had every configuration of ties, straps and laces to frame the body in all sorts of artistic ways.

There were vivid, digitally printed botanical patterns that were mirrored to flattering effect. For sexy bikinis that are not meant for the water, there were sparkly sequined tops paired simple bottoms.

The most popular accessory by far was the shiny metallic Flash Tattoos that act as body jewelry. The stylists applied these in a complementary manner to highlight shapes of the bathing suits and accent parts of the body according to the model's signature poses.

Looking at the footwear, it was clear that the trick of wearing a nude colored heel to lengthen your legs must be true. This runway was a parade of glamazons in South Beach.

Liliana Montoya Swimwear was about feminine luxury conveyed through texture and design. This was the first show I shot this year in South Beach and it was a great start!

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Gypsy Sport Spring 2016

What a cheeky fashion show from streetwear brand Gypsy Sport. This was one of the most anticipated presentations of NY Fashion Week Men's. Designer Rio Uribe has won design awards and consults with other global brands for his unique perspective on men's style.

His particular expertise is in his headpieces. There were tongue-in-cheek twists on fisherman's hats with net, visors, tribal gear interpreted in candy colors, the list goes on. The avant-garde accessories also continued downward to fringe and net vests.

There were several distinct themes like the baseball pinstripe, quirky pink and pastel and then earthy safari themes. This collection was described as "gender fluid". While one hears the term "androgynous" quite often, gender fluidity seems to be a relatively new trend for people to self-identity.

In the case of Gypsy Sport, this was interpreted by adding details that are traditionally associated with women's' clothing in their men's collection. Think shirring and a ruffle on a top. Loose clothing isn't necessarily hiding something.

The models were clearly directed to enjoy themselves and create a character that suits the collection and mood.. Gypsy Sport is all about showcasing the beauty of diversity and taking them out of their comfort zone.

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Nautica Spring 2016

Thanks for the pecs and eye candy! My former employer Nautica presented their spring 2016 menswear collection yesterday. Creative director Steve McSween wanted to exude a feeling of urban city meets the water.

I thought that summed up what the modern Nautica brand was all about. It's simple, yet somehow the company under VF Corp didn't figure that out for years. I see the sleeker direction the clothing has taken that suits the lifestyle of the city gentleman. Referencing the nautical inspiration and water is more about an attitude and lifestyle you want to project towards your weekend.

While their New York Fashion Week Men's paired their sportswear items like blazers and outerwear with their swimwear, it clearly was not meant to be taken literally. The swimwear had a slimmer, flattering fit. The outerwear had a stylish, easy approach. I found it brave, but effective not to show other categories to flesh out the full collection (like shirts, their classic polo knit, etc.) They showed the two product categories where they excelled. Plus, they clearly realized that everyone already knows what a basic woven shirt and polo looks like. (If they don't, Macy's will hit them over the head with ads by Father's Day.)

While I was sad to see all but three people I knew still at the company to give hugs to, I was happy to hear that the new director was a cool guy. Happy spring 2016 for Nautica.
photos by Mariana Leung

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Summer Serenity with Gold Toe Ultra Soft, Oh. So. Soft.

I am frazzled and desperately trying to get everything ready for my trip to South Beach for Miami Swim week.

I spent too many days and hours in heels, and now my feet are hurting for it. The opportunity to work on a sponsored campaign and try their gift of Gold Toe Ultra Soft, Oh. So. Soft socks was a welcome one!

I can honestly feel relief the last two days when I have put on these surprisingly soft socks. This new collection is accurately named. The Ultra Soft, Oh. So. Soft socks have a brushed, silky, cozy finish that is such nicer than any other socks I currently have. I wear them instead of slippers (because slippers and I just don't get along). My lovey-dovey cat likes touching them and snuggling my feet when I wear them. It is cute unless you are in a rush to go somewhere. You can't move very fast with a furry animal clinging to your ankle.

These are going to be my MVPs on the plane tomorrow. I love cozy, fuzzy socks to combat the aggressive air conditioning of the airlines. A fresh pair also lets me curl up into the seat.

Gold Toe is a hosiery classic. Both my Dad and my  Hubby will testify that I have been "stealing" their Gold Toe socks for years. I like to think of it as borrowing and warming them up. This is before I started buying them for myself. Now I can flaunt my ultra soft treasures in front if them. Because they are sized and styled for me, I have no fear they will return the sock-napping favor. 

I was afraid that they would lose their soft texture once the socks went through the laundry, but thankfully, they are as cloud-like as ever. The Gold Toe Ultra Soft, Oh. So. Soft will be my go-to brand going forward whenever I need my feet to feel warm or pampered!

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Gold Toe.

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Malan Breton Men's Spring 2016

It was all about a beachy lifestyle. Taiwan's most famous fashion designer Malan Breton created his spring 2016 collection for men around a blissful way of life. The main focus was on the fabrics. His menswear offerings mainly had a color palette of navy and white with a some bronze thrown in.

Natural fabrics of silk, cotton and bamboo for its heat-friendly properties were the heart of the collection. The batik technique was heavily featured as well as updated patterns of his native culture. Another tribute to his home country was the prominent use of traditional Hakka blue shirt in this presentation.

This season also marks the debut of Malan Breton Homme, the designer's brand of luxury accessories. There are cufflinks, eyewear and even skateboards on offer. He used brushed metals and enamels accented with Swarovski crystalss.

photos by Mariana Leung

Together with his press manager Bonnie Bien, they duo screened their collaborative documentary following Malan Breton's A Journey to Taiwan. It had first debuted and won awards at the New York International Film Festival. It is a beautifully shot film showing all of the colors, textures and inspiration Breton gets from his culture and gives back.

Some creatives and their press team have a great relationship. For a press manager to work with the designer to produce such a personal story on film is a truly special one. I love that my first show for NY Men's Fashion Week presented such a great start. Enjoy the beauty of Malan Breton Men's Spring 2016.

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Fashionware's Wearable Tech Fashion Show 2015

So what is your view of wearable tech? Is it stylish? Runway worthy? The big convention of tech CE Week rolls out the newest gadgets to the techie consumer. Their marquee event is the Fashionware fashion show to showcase the glam side of gadgets.

This show demonstrates that wearable tech is more than your FitBit. You can make a bright impression, with dresses by Angela Dale. The holographic, rainbow LEDs on the silver dress (top) and the space-age dresses worn by the musicians of the band Sidney York were choreographed with the tunes of the catwalk.  The cute Stella Audio clutch handbag the model up top is carrying is also embedded with Bluetooth speakers so you can produce your own soundtrack so you can turn any spot into your personal nightclub.

The strapless cocktail dress and heels on the top right corner were both 3D printed to the model's measurements. Other hacks were the use of technology like the MeU display that can be applied to garments and programmed via smartphone to display and design (picture the flirting or cursing possiblities...).

Designer Valerie LaMontagne created an elegant shift dress and ruffled scarf that looked at home in any posh setting but used "smart" fabrics.. What you don't see is that the dress is embedded with motion sensors that react to the wearer's movements. The scarf contains hard and soft circuits. The model's necklace is a fashion forward locket by Kiroco. Instead of traditional photos, it acts as a digital safe to hold your precious moments.

Chris March, the flamboyant Project Runway alumni, and entrepreneur (I love his collaborations with Target) hosted the event. The runway presentation was short, but CE Week's Fashionware runway should provide enough inspiration for tech-savvy designers to think about their next collection.

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BCBG Fall 2015

photos by Mariana Leung

Designers really went back to the 1970s for autumn. The BCBG fall 2015 collection by Max and Lubov Azria was all about groovy knits and folksy embroidery. The color palette had a range of earthy neutral colors like sand and tan. Brighter colors included red, orange, brown, and navy. 

The design team worked the colors into a color blocked patterns, something I have seen from them in the last few seasons. They also worked in some faux fur for when the weather gets cold. Being a West Coast based fashion brand, many of their team probably doesn't see the winter, so naturally, lots of layering was involved to accommodate all climates. There was a lot of thread embroidery that emulated the techniques and patterns the design team saw in their foreign travels. This added to the global nomad hippie vibe of the overall runway. 

I saw less handbags in this show than previous ones. BCBG looks like they finally graduated from the flat envelope clutch to the bigger, chunkier envelope clutch. In footwear, it was all about the tan leather boot. A lot of tan leather boots.

No doubt, NY Fashion Week was all about the 1970s. Some designers went with luxurious disco glam. BCBG Fall 2015 went with bohemian chic. There's a look for everyone in that decade.

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Fashion Design Competitions and Opportunities for July 2015:

Entrepreneurs, designers, megabrands to be. Everyone has to start somewhere. Be seen and shopped at these current opportunities. Fashion design contests, American and international design competitions are a huge foot in the door, even for finalists.

This is Story: 

Rachel Schechtman's editorial/retail dream project STORY has their legendary pitch night on Thursday. Creatives will not only be pitching to her but Editor in Chief of Surface Magazine Spence Bailey to be a part of the store or potential publication. RSVP for STory's Pitch Night here.

Martha Stewart's American Made:
Are you a maker who creates from the United States? You could be designer, chef, inventor, farmer or someone with an amazing passion project. Martha Stewart's team is looking to promote the best of the best, be sold in the marketplace and grants up to $10K with a trip to New York. I was really inspired by last year's winners. The accompanying American Made conference is a must for anyone who can go.

Eco-Chic Design Awards:
Are you an emerging designer committed to sustainable fashion? This international fashion design competition aims to raise awareness of production with minimal waste. Prizes for finalists include all sorts of global exposure and valuable tools for your business. The big winner will develop an exclusive collection with Shanghai Tang. Apply for the Echo Chic Design Award here.

Art of Patron Bottle Art Competition

Want to get crafty with your summer margaritas? Patron is hosting a global competition inviting artists to create artwork inspired by or with the classic Patron tequila bottle. To enter, you need to present your artwork and also a short written statement on what your piece is about. Grand winner will be awarded $10 000. That is quite the commission, wouldn't you say? Learn more about the Art of Patron here.

DHL Exported Global Fashion Competition
Are you an established fashion designer who rocks your hometown? Do you want to expand and be a global star? Winners of the DHL Exported competition will have their chance to show their collection down the runway of the biggest fashion weeks around the world away from their home base. This has helped designers earn new buyers, international press and all sorts of new goodies. Get yourself over to DHL Exported now.

All right talents! Go forth, show your stuff and get famous! Don't let these design contests and pitch opportunities slip by.

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