The White Sands Australia Swim and Resort 2011 Collection at Mercedes-Benz Miami Swim Week

TEXT, VIVIAN KELLY

It was strangely quiet pre-show up at the Raleigh Penthouse. Australian designer, Leah Madden, wanted it this way. By showing in the Penthouse, she hoped to achieve a more intimate feeling, as opposed to last season when she did a runway show in the Cabana Grande. Leah led us backstage pre show where she cheerfully resolved last minute fitting conflicts. A conflict in this world, is a model complaining that even with her “chicken cutlets” Ie: rubber breast enhancers, she didn’t’ fill-out the suit she was supposed to wear. Even beautiful 5’11” size zero Russian models have body issues.
Turning away from the models for a moment, Leah said, “I'm doing so much resort that it has it has to be practical and wearable to and from the pool but also glamorous. It's all lightweight 100% silk. For a dress I try to keep it under $300,and swimsuits under $200.”

The first grouping was a bit somber for beach - a black + rose print but she hit her stride with a well-constructed black strapless suit and a peacock print on a butter yellow background. Heather Taylor, the owner of A TROPICAL AFFAIR, a Santa Barbara boutique, pronounced the black high -waisted 2-piece suit "smoking hot" -for the right customer. One thing was for sure; the New York photographers were having fun at this show calling out directions, getting in fine form for the Beach Bunny – Kardashian media circus slated to take place just after White Sands.

The White Sands collection is available in LA Boutiques and on line at www.whitesandsaustralia.com

High-end Lingerie and Bikinis available at www.atropicalaffair.com

And a Toast – To “the Family”!

TEXT, VIVIAN KELLY
I’m a veteran of the fashion industry, and proud of it. It really struck me just HOW LONG I’ve been in this business while hanging out with “the Family” [no, not the Cosa Nostra/Soprano one]. The family I’m referring to is the loosely linked group of mostly New York-based editors and photographers who cover fashion in New York and cities such as Miami, LA, Toronto, and Europe.
Here’s the thing, it’s not easy to break into the family, and some never do. Once you’re in though, you know you’ll be taken care of. Over the years, thanks to them, I’ve been able to gain access to shows and backstage I was confirmed for and yet denied access once I arrived. As chaos at the door is a given, there’s nothing that beats the feeling when a friend steps up for you and says to the overwhelmed PR’s “ She’s with me”. Runway photo King and Queen, Dan and Cory Lecca, have done their stuff for me more times than I can count on two hands over the years. We met while I was PR at Michael Kors, back in the days of “Minimalism”, and we’ve followed one another’s family milestones, the births of children, and grandchildren, ie: the really big stuff.
EDWARD JAMES of FASHION WATCH-TV and my long-time collaborator, Richard Spiegel, [now the Editor of THE FASHION TRIBUNE.com], have both many times used their bulk to propel me forward ahead of rude editors and TV crews trying to cut in front of me for my long-scheduled designer interview– most recently at CUSTO BARCELONA. Ed Kavische, of FASHION WIRE PRESS, and I bonded in the press lounge of a long ago Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week, when he offered to help me, a total stranger, figure out a tech problem with my laptop.
Last night, while packing and eating a midnight dinner of Cuban takeout in the room at the Shelborne, with Richard and Edward, Ed remarked, “Vivian, whether you like it or not, we’re family.”
I don’t mind it at all; in fact, I like it – a lot. Thanks guys, and the rest of you, you know who you are. See you in September.

The Trina Turk swim and resort 2011 Collection Show at the Raleigh

TEXT, VIVIAN KELLY

Prior to the show we chatted w/ Ocean Drive's Publisher, Courtland Lantaff, re the state of the magazine biz. It’s not often I have the opportunity to sit next to one of “the suits” at a show, as in New York, there’s a “Business” section vs. the “Editorial” section I’m seated in.
Said Courtland, "We're not changing the world but our book gives people pleasure and this situation is not unlike that we experienced with radio year ago, the strong will survive".
Rapper Bow wow sat directly across us, with Kimora Lee Simmons' daughter, and the photographers snapped happily away, as BW was one of the few celebrities in attendance at these shows.
The vibe was good mood retro music, which worked perfectly with the expected bright retro graphic print bikinis for the girls and teeny Euro style bikinis for the guys.
Best in show goes to the oversize leather drawstring floral print duffle and the matching floral halter dress which would have made for a strong finishing look. I wasn't on board w/ the numerous lame pieces, but kudos to Trina for piling on her accessories w/ each + every look: go girl w/ that merchandising! Don't need a suit? So what? You may want a pair of cork wedges, a big hat, enamel stack bracelets, a bag or a head scarf.

All Images of runway show, Richard Spiegel
Image of Bow Wow, VK

Fun & Sun in Oleg Skirda’s OC Swimwear

TEXT, VIVIAN KELLY & SOFIA SHERSHUNOVICH


Sometimes a swimwear line is more than just another swimwear line. One example is Rosa Cha by the super talented AMIR SLAMA, who’s pictured here with model Ana Beatriz Barros at his after-party at the Maritime Hotel. To read more about the party, visit www.nymag.com. Four years ago, Amir showed me the workmanship in a bikini top he’d created, a few minutes before his Miami Swim show went off. I was stunned by the level of workmanship and detail that went into a mere bikini top.
While I’ll always love Amir, I’m always on the hunt for new blood-new talent. I sat up straight when blogger gal pal, SOFIA SHERSHUNOVICH sent me a post about a hot new swim talent who’s just gotten on her radar screen. After reading her post [I’ve posted excerpts here for you to enjoy] I’m wishing THIS designer would show at Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Swim. Maybe next year.

Writes Sofia: Kiev native Oleg Skirda is a purist in his own right. His craftsmanship is impeccable. Every stitch is measured by the millimeter and sewn by hand. His self-taught skills in rare French techniques are not only perfected but also improvised. Oleg has also taken it upon himself to defy gravity and give us a breast lift using only his own developed push-up cups, which he has perfected to a science. OC has two swimwear lines - swimwear and haute couture swimwear as well as beach cover-ups, jewelry, and accessories to complete the look.
Haute couture is hand-sewn with Swarovski crystals and pearls, Japanese beads, and vintage Italian beads and sequins. The design can't be duplicated, as there’s no initial drawing. The garment is sewn directly on the model. OC suits are made for fun in the sun - you can swim and even wash them without worrying about damaging precious details. "The real bikini is what Mother Nature gave a woman - her body, I'm simply accentuating her work".

To read Sofia’s entire article and other fun pieces from her fashion travels, visit www.frolic72.blogspot.com

To see more of OLEG SKIRDA’S work, visit www.olegskirda.com
*Don’t panic – there’s a “translate to English” button, if you don’t happen to read Russian.

The Mara Hoffman Resort and Swim 2011 Collections – THE PREVIEW

TEXT, VIVIAN KELLY
Images of the Mara Hoffman collection, courtesy of People’s Revolution


As I was starting to get myself together for Miami Swim, People’s Revolution PR sent-over some images of Mara Hoffman’s adorable Resort collection. I love resort because it’s a capsule collection [in most cases] and the designer is less likely to lose their focus and go off on silly tangents. What you get are collections that are sweet and easy to wear to picnics and at the beach – like Cynthia Rowley’s resort collection and this collection by Mara Hoffman.
Money’s tight these days and Mara made a wise decision to show both resort and Swim at Mercedes Benz Miami Swim. This is a step that would make a lot of sense for more designers to take. If they did, I’m quite sure that more editors and buyers would attend the Miami Shows. While it’s good to bring in the local socials who buy the suits, it would drive business to get more press and buyers in the seats. To take it one step further, if the shows were relocated to Palm Beach, it’s likely that the New York socialites who own a home there would make a special trip to attend. Were that to happen, sales would very likely increase.
Maybe that will never happen, but in the meantime, I’m looking forward to viewing Mara’s hand-dyed silhouettes and gorgeous original silk prints, inspired by her travels around the world.

Welcome To Miami – Kicking Things Off With TRINA TURK’s Swimwear Line

TEXT, VIVIAN KELLY

It’s here, my favorite time of the year, sweet, sweet summertime! My absolute part of the summer is the month of July. Firstly, it’s my Birthday month [Yes, I continue to celebrate, age, my damned]. Secondly, it’s Mercedes Benz Miami Swim Wear at the Raleigh. Even on years that the shows aren’t so great, the Raleigh is a joy to behold and to hang out at.
This year, things are looking decidedly up. One of my favorite designers, TRINA TURK, will be kicking things when she debuts her Spring 2011 swimwear collection on Thursday, July 15, 2010 – the day we fly in, and my birthday. Seeing a great collection is one birthday gift I’m ALWAYS happy to receive.
According to her PR’s press release, we can look forward to lots of yummy gold hardware on the suits. Face it, swimsuits are kind of boring without some quality hardware to add a touch of glam. There will be black and white, which is always chic, as well as some vintage inspired prints. Trina was inspired by the city of Acapulco in the 1960’s & 1970’s. It’s hard to get more glamorous than that. Back the, Acapulco was one of the international jetset’s go-to getaways. Makes me think of The Taylor-Burton VILLA SCALA - I couldn't resist putting up an image of their famous lovenest.
Trina Turk is one of those designers you should know about, so here’s a thumbnail sketch. She started designing in 1995, when she introduced a collection of contemporary clothing for women which she’s carefully grown into a successful lifestyle brand which includes: women’s apparel, swimwear, accessories and home furnishings.
We were toying with the idea of making a trip over to the Bal Harbor Shops to check out the retail scene. Now that we’ve found out that Trina will make a personal appearance in her store there, on Saturday July 17th, 2010 from 4-6p.m., we’re there, no ifs ands or buts. There’s also an extra reason to attend – spend $300, and you’ll go home with a raffia clutch purse as your special gift. See you there!
To view Trina Turk’s brand, visit www.trinaturk.com