Trend Spotting: Miami Swim Week 2021

For my first Miami Swim Week, there was so much to take in from the pace of the shows, to the models, messages, and fashion trends on the runway. Here’s a brief breakdown of my takeaways from the week.

color trends & prints

The color palettes ranged from one side of the spectrum to the other. With lots of metallics, greens, reds, blues, to neutral tones, and lots of white. The most notable prints were tribal, geometric, and palm. I loved to see the breadth of color on the runway with lots of bright hues and matching everything was also a trend.

most popular silhouettes

With barely-there bottoms as well as modest high rise, adorable strappy crisscross styles for bikinis, and so many impressive and beautiful things done with one-piece suits including cutouts, deep plunges, belts, lace-ups, and even statement sleeves.

all about accessories

From crowns to sparkling hair tinsel, wrap scarves, feathers, sheer ultra flowing kimonos, high-waist sheer pants, head-to-toe monochromatic, and unified print sets took over the runway in the best of ways.

steps for sustainability

Sustainability has been a growing trend in the fashion market and that includes a growing footprint in the swim industry. There were many sustainable brands showing this year, and as more and more cosmetic and apparel brands find ways to be cruelty-free, select locally and ethically sourced materials, along with upcycling and developing products from advanced materials made of plastic and other recycled goods I can only imagine more and more brands to take this approach.

every BODY was loved

Body positivity and inclusiveness were a huge trend of the 2021 Swim Week. With a mixture of plus, petite, POC and nationalities, and “real” bodies with visible stretch marks, and cellulite; you get me – real women, as well as traditional models, created an amazing energy at every show, and love for all. Honoring every body in a swimsuit with no body-shaming-game to be seen was a refreshing and incredible experience.

This is a really great time for fashion as creativity, sustainability and positivity are all at the frontlines.

Shows attended and mentioned in this post include Liliana Montoya, Meri Playa Be Happy, Destination Columbia, Boohoo, Oh Polly, B Fyne, Planet Fashion TV, Nia Lynn, and Nylu Swim.