It’s our turn, Miami. Time to feature the au currant fashion must-haves. Miami International Fashion weeks is a launch pad for emerging, fashionable and talented designers to showcase their work on the runway. The multi-day event featuring an international roster of distinguished participants is sure to sate everyone’s fashion appetite.
Kristin Frazer
Born and raised on the beautiful island of Tortola, British Virgin Islands, Kristin Frazer has gained years of experience in the use of fabrics and textures through her studies at the International Academy of Design & Technology where she received her Bachelor’s degree of Arts in Fashion Design & Marketing and interning at Carolina Herrera and BCBG Max Azria in New York City.
Through her love of travel and exploring new places she has discovered the exciting, entertaining and inspiring beauty of other cultures. The assimilation of those sights and sounds prompted her to develop Trèfle, a timeless and elegant line of women’s swimwear with a futuristic vision. With the sultry sunsets as her backdrop and her Caribbean lifestyle as her inspiration, Kristin creates each piece by combining eclecticism, romance, luxury and practicality. Trèfle will showcase on the runway on Thursday, March 18 at 7:30 p.m.
Mikieda Franklin
Showcasing on the runway March 18 at 7:30 p.m., ITSYBITSY SWIMWEAR is a swim collection that features innovative designs highlighted with stimulating prints and specialty trims. ITSYBITSY SWIMWEAR’s styles are bold and distinctive with an undeniably alluring edge. The combination of colors, silhouettes, fabrics, vibrant colors and rich textures is reminiscent of a Caribbean lifestyle.
ITSYBITSY SWIMWEAR’s creative direction is headed by Mikieda Franklin, a young and talented 23-year-old designer and fashion model with an innate sense of style and an affinity for the finer things. Her string of international accolades such as Miss Caribbean International Bikini Competition in Barbados 2005 best swimsuit and evening gown, Best Swimwear and First-Runner-Up C&C Couture Top Model Competition in B.V.I Tortola in 2004, Outstanding Caribbeanpreneur in Arts in the Fashion, Film and Finance Category at the Caribbean Young Entrepreneur Symposium 2007 and presentations in the Florida Fashion Focus Premiere Ladies Apparel and Accessories Show in Miami Florida March 2007, makes Mikieda Franklin is the one to watch.
Erin Healy
Florida-based, self-taught designer, Erin Healy is quickly taking the fashion world by storm with her hip designs and creative wares. Winner of the “Best International Emerging Designer of the Year” award, she will showcase her designs on the runway on Thursday, March 18 at 9 p.m. Erin Healy Designs, much like the artist herself are equal parts classy and edgy endeavors. Her creations are clean, classic and easily wearable which probably explains why they are coveted by a clientele of high-profile celebrities, including America’s Next Top Model winner, Whitney Thompson and Evanescence’s lead singer Amy Lee. Mother of three and realtor by day, Erin exhibits an astonishing talent and a truly unique style. Erin Healy’s talent is too big to downplay and her sleek and chic covetable pieces are a must-wear.
Wafa Saifi
Wafa Saifi’s fashion career began at the age of 18 after graduating from high school in Dubai when she continued her studies in Parson’s School of Design in New York City. She gained an invaluable first look into the fashion industry working under designers who supplied clothes to well-known retail chains such as Victoria’s Secret, Banana Republic and Express. After graduating from Parson’s she worked for local New York designer Jill Stuart and enhanced her understanding of the various facets of the fashion industry.
Wafa recently presented her collection to a great response at Dubai Fashion Week S/S 09. Her eponymous fashion label now retails at several designer boutiques in India and the Middle East. Wafa Saifi has been featured in various newspapers, magazines and fashion websites across India and the U.A.E. Wafa will present her designs on the runway on Saturday, March 20 at 8 p.m.