By Qianna Smith
POSTED July 18, 2011
RUNWAY RECAP
Swim Recap: Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Miami Spring/Summer 2012
For the seventh year, thousands of fashion industry professionals migrated to the sands of South Beach Miami for five days of "invitation-only" shows and events at Mercedes-Benz Fashion
Week Swim (MBFW). The activities kicked-off with the ‘Hills’ reality star Kristin Cavallari (pictured left) walking in Diesel’s runway show followed by an after-party at the iconic Raleigh pool
deck where show attendees sipped cocktails provided by
SKYY Vodka. Q+A then dashed to the Cosmopolitan en Español 5th Annual ‘Summer Splash’ at the Setai hotel were we enjoyed
drinks by
Alizé followed by a swimwear fashion show hosted by Cosmos Jackie Guerrido that included, Elie Tahari, Inca Collection Swimwear, Maya Swimwear, Nic Del Mar, N&K
Designs, Samsara Imports
and Sergio Rossi Bal Harbour. The next four days were jam packed with over 25 designer collections.

Brazil’s favorite beachwear brand,
Cia.Maritima drew its inspiration from the French Rivera and its timeless elegance and sensuality. Reminiscent of the 1970’s, the collection embodied
the decade’s most fashionable free spirits –
Jane Birkin, Francoise Hardy and Anita Pallenberg, who summered in Capri and Saint Tropez.

The rain did not stop
Lisa Blue from putting on one of the best shows during MBFW. With a fully packed house, Australian swimwear designer Lisa Blue showcased 35 looks from the 2012
collection. Looks from the collection were inspired by themes of a galactic warrior princess, galactic ET angel, cherry blossoms, and sunrises.
Luli Fama’s runway show was the ultimate
summer fiesta and featured a trio of
flamenco dancers to set the mood: a
Havana-inspired, fun-filled street carnival
with traditional attractions and models
strutting about in a bold mix of swim and
beach-ready looks. The 2012 collection
was a celebration of sexy, sultry summer
nights, combining intense colors with the
rhythm and feel of Cuban dances and
traditions. Showing a total of 78 looks, the
show consisted of ‘scenes’ grouping
together the different sub collections.
Starting off the show was “Paseo del
Malecon” taking the audience for a journey
along the coastline.

TRESemmé and MAKE UP FOR EVER
teamed up with New York-based designer
Mara Hoffman and created a beauty look
that will sure make a splash for the next
summer season. Mara's gorgeous prints
and designs evoked a very spiritual, ethnic
feel so TRESemmé Stylist and show lead
Elsa Canedo created two earthy fishtail
braids to complement the collections tribal
theme. The skin looked effortless and
dewy thanks to MAKE UP FOR EVER
ALLIANCE artist,
Lottie, who gave the
models a glowing complexion using MAKE
UP FOR EVER Mat Bronze, a beach bag
touch-up must-have!
Poko Pano’s Spring/Summer 2012 collection didn't disappoint! For the coming season designer Paola Robba was inspired by Brazil and its traditional colors, symbols, plant and wildlife.
The 40-piece collection donned a timeless theme of the Amazon’s natural surroundings and included bikinis, kaftans, mini dresses, shirts, skirts and pantaloon pants. The color palette
introduced yellow, brown, red, and green, turquoise, black and white. Reminiscent of the postcard of global tourism, the collection features exotic prints influenced by the Amazonian flora
and fauna including bromeliad and giant water lily and tropical delicacies such as guarana, buriti, and pineapple.

Sports Illustrated Swimsuit cover girl and Esquire Woman of the Year
Kate Upton opened and closed the Beach Bunny Swimwear’s runway show. Since its launch in 2004, Beach Bunny
has become an international sensation that captures the California lifestyle. The Bunny's donned pieces from the Cruise 2012 collection in addition to the Beach Bunny Bride line - the first
ever bridal swimwear collection, which we absolutely loved.

This season,
LUXE by Lisa Vogel received the distinguished title of “Mercedes-Benz Presents” Designer and showcased the brand for the first time at MBFW. The “Mercedes-Benz
Presents” recognizes designers that demonstrate dedication to the use of quality materials, unique style and innovative design. LUXE by Lisa Vogel joins a prestigious list of “Mercedes-
Benz Presents” designers that have been given this mark of distinction. Past Presents Designers include
Hervé Léger by Max Azria, Monique Lhuillier, Badgley Mischka, Trina Turk,
Narciso Rodriguez, Red Carter and CHADO Ralph Rucc
i. "The 2012 LUXE by Lisa Vogel collection was influenced by my love for interior design and the chic decadent 70's era, showcasing
free flowing shapes, hand braided detail, multi-colored prints and feather accents - creating the perfect juxtaposition of nature and modern luxury," says creative director
Lisa Vogel the
quintessential Southern California beach girl.

The
TARA, Ink. Capsule Collection Show closed MBFW and featured beachwear designs by Zingara, Jogo Beach, Tavik Swimwear and Perfect Tan Bikini. Q+A was captivated by the
Perfect Tan Bikini collection, which is designed to be worn without straps. This tan line free concept was the most innovative design feature of the week!