known as the "Swim Show", founded by Judy Stein in 1982. Although Mercedes-Benz and IMG briefly existed as a financial sponsor and support umbrella for the shows, today the shows are independently produced by a number of different production companies, with Paraiso Miami Beach and Art Hearts Fashion being the two dominant players. Some of the biggest swimwear designers and companies in the world from places as far away as Australia, South and Central America, and the Asian Pacific Rim, bring their designs to the catwalks of South Beach Miami... each hoping their designs will steal the show and capture the attention of the global fashion press, independent bloggers, social media influencers... and the dollars of the industry retailers. A good runway show with a lot of energy and buzz can make or break a swimwear company as you only get one chance a year to put your best foot forward in the short and very competitive selling season, which begins in mid to late February and only runs until about the first part of July. Retailers have to be very frugal and selective with their swimwear orders as they can't risk buying too much inventory or getting stuck with styles that won't sell by the time the season ends.
The Art Hearts Fashion runway inside Miami's Faena Forum. @artheartsfashion