The much-anticipated debut of Swell Suits Miami 2011 — the first all-male swimwear group show to hit the runway — wowed the crowd as designers Naila, Olasul and parke & ronen revealed their 2011 collections.
The leading trends of the men’s swimwear scene were showcased under The Oasis clear tent at Miami Beach’s historic Raleigh Hotel during the 2010 Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week SWIM, held July 15-19, 2010.
Swimsuit-clad models showcased styles in which any man would feel confident and sexy — everything from u?ber-hip briefs to playful boy shorts to casual yet stylish board shorts in a vibrant color palette ranging from conservative solids like black and red to vivacious neon pink and lime green. Sponsor Randolph Engineering’s sleek, handcrafted premium sunglasses and eyewear used to accessorize some of the models were also a hit on the runway.
The show marked the runway debut for New York-based designer Naila Chbib and her eco-conscious lifestyle brand, Naila Collection. “We are very excited to be part of this show and are confident that Swell Suits Miami will only further align the men’s category,” said Chbib.
The Olasul collection celebrated the Peruvian surf culture and united the bond between man and the ocean with its chicly understated swimwear and washed-look T-shirts. “Men want to be accessorized. I believe the three of us [designers] do that,” said Olasul designer Lorenz Korder.
Parke & Ronen made a splash with its collection of sexy, edgy-styled trunks, including its signature Snap Short, a throwback to the 1960-style suit. “We are excited to be part of the first all-male group show. The men’s swimwear industry is a huge category, and working with these designers helps us make much more of a statement…,” said Parke Lutter and Ronen Jehezkel, founders of parke & ronen.
Behind the scenes, hair and makeup was provided by Dee & Co. Hair Studio, under the direction of celebrity stylist [and Miami native] Dee Adames, winner of Bravo TV’s “Shear Genius” season 2.
A veritable “who’s who” of celebrities, press and buyers celebrated the collections, including NBC news correspondent Michelle Kosinski; Ariel Stein of Bravo TV’s “Miami Social”; Ana Cristina, Miss South Florida 2011 and Brenda Laham of Women’s Wear Daily.
About Naila
Launched in New York City in 2010, Naila is a lifestyle luxury brand for men and women with a focus on environmentally responsible methods of production. Inspired by nature, there is strong attention to detail with European cuts, vibrant color palettes and customized prints.
About Olasul
Launched in 2010, New York-based Olasul’s contemporary men’s swimwear is made from the highest quality, quick-drying materials and engineered to develop the perfect, updated, modern fit with funky color combinations.
About Parke & Ronen
New York-based Parke & Ronen is the product of designers Parke Lutter and Ronen Jehezkel. The extremely popular swimwear collection is included in the company’s White Label men’s contemporary collection which is sold in top stores across the country and internationally.
About Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week SWIM:
Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week SWIM is presented annually at the historic Raleigh Hotel in Miami Beach. The invitation-only show is the leading global platform for designers and swimwear brands to showcase their collections.
Swell Suits Miami is the first collaboration of New York production company Ainsley Connell Production and Miami events and public relations firm Star Services.
Mercedes Benz Fashion Week SWIM – www.mbfashionweek.com/miami
Naila – www.naila-collection.com
Olasul – www.olasul.com
parke & ronen – www.parkeandronen.com
Randolph Engineering – www.randolphusa.com
Dee & Co. Hair Studio – www.deeandcohairstudio.com
Ainsley Connell Productions – www.ainsleyconnellmgmt.com
Star Services Events & Public Relations – www.starservicesrocks.com