I remember when Miami Swim Week started, pretty much with one tent that served as a popup and for runway shows. And now it’s the largest swimwear show in the US and globally with simultaneous shows, panels, popups, lifestyle events, you name it, happening all over town. I zeroed in on just a few select picks, from the runway show Riviera: La Cote d’Azur of Melissa Odabash who has a serious pedigree to offshoots from Swim Week including Colombiamoda Miami 26, with its own events and a popup of fashion, accessories and attractive people watching (also did some shopping damage). And finally, have a look at the the inspiring fashion at the Miami Fashion Institute’s Annual Graduate Fashion Show. Here’s a photo gallery of some of the “eye candy” from Miami fashion events.
Miami Swim Week:
At the Paraiso tent in Miami Beach, Melissa Odabash showed off her collection of bathing suits, resort dresses and outfits, all for women. Her designs have been worn by A-list icons including Kate Moss, Beyoncé, Rihanna, Eva Longoria, and the Kardashian family, spanning generations from Kris Jenner to Kylie Jenner, and even grandmother Mary Jo Campbell. As her press materials describe, “Her creations have also attracted the attention of royal families across Europe, who admire her elegant, timeless, and more conservative designs.” And my attention as well – I got a bathing suit and feminine, flouncy coverup. My favorite were the bathing suit coverups that also double as resort wear. It’s difficult to find attractive ones in solid colors that work with print and any solid color bathing suit. With that in mind, here are my picks from the show:
Colombiamoda Miami 2026:
Colombiamoda Miami 2026 was a several day event for the trade and consumer of runway shows, fashion and lifestyle activations, and a wonderful popup at Throw Social in Wynwood, formerly the Oasis.The popup featured resort wear, active wear, hats, jewelry, handbags, cowboy boots, you name it. I find Colombian fashion flattering, unique, trendy but not overly so, and accessibly priced. Once again did some damage –ended up getting an adorable two in one beach coverup or pajama (see picture below) and a hand embroidered bathing suit with some beading. Equally fun was seeing the Latin buyers who came dressed to impress along with the vendors.
Miami Fashion Institute’s Miami Made 2026 Annual Fashion Show
One of the most inspiring shows I went to was the Miami Fashion Institute’s Annual Graduate Fashion Show which took place at the Freedom Tower. A highlight was a fashion show of work by students of the Institute of Miami Dade College. It was a testament to the creative talent in our community. The evening also celebrated 10 years of MFI, highlighting the community and collaborators who have shaped its success and featured special guest. Ruben Toledo, renowned illustrator, and husband of the deceased famous fashion designer Isabel Toledo. Here are some of my favorite creations:
