Miami Beach Swim Week kicks off on July 19

Already established as a hub for hot fashion, Miami Beach Swim Week is bigger than ever this year with the city expecting thousands flocking here for a week of fashion and fun in the sun.

The Miami Beach Convention Center will house the 2013 SwimShow funded in part by the Miami Beach Visitor and Convention Authority (MBVCA). SwimShow is the largest swimwear tradeshow in the world featuring nearly 2,000 brands who will offer a sneak peak of the latest styles for the coming season. “It’s only natural that Miami Beach would serve as the swimwear industry’s fashion destination,” says Grisette Marcos, Executive Director of the MBVCA.

“Miami Beach’s year round warm weather and influx of international designers makes it the ideal place to catch a glimpse of the most current swimwear styles,” she added. The show runs from July 21-24 and is expected to draw around 9,500 attendees.

The five-day Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Swim event will see an all-time high number of designers showcasing their newest collections, the hottest parties happening each evening and a cooler-than-ever audience of top celebrities, fashion icons and industry executives in attendance.

If you want to shop, head over to Collins Park on 21st Street and Collins Avenue for the FUNKSHION Sample Sale, open to the public on Sunday 7/22 from 12-8pm. The event is hosted by Gilt City and features designs by Liza + Tara, Maya Swimwear, Showroom 305, and more. The tent will have events set up throughout the weekend and will also be offering a free yoga class by Green Monkey on Sunday at noon.

Miami Beach’s week of swimwear events kicks off on July 19 with several opening parties. Soho Beach House will kick off Miami Swim Week with a Trina Turk BBQ and Style Saves Runway show at 9:00 PM.

The Raleigh will host the opening night event for Fashion Week Swim from 8-12pm. Over the course of the week, more than 30 designers including Aqua Di Lara, Beach Bunny Swimwear, BCBGMAXAZRIA, Diesel, Kooey Australia, LUXEBy Lisa Vogel, Mara Hoffman Swim, Norma Kamali Swimwear, True Religion Swimwear and Zingara will send the hottest models in town down the runways.

Of course, as all fashionistas know, a great fashion week is about more than just the shows…. It’s also about the parties! For the best networking, the iconic Delano Hotel will be the place to see and be seen from 10-12pm on Thursday, July 19, as Ocean Drive magazine throws its July/August cover party hosted by Jessica Gomes.

On Friday night, fashionable fun can be found at the Salon Allure Opening Party at the W South Beach, where a mix of designers, celebrities and leading industry executives will get a first look at more than 50 designer swimwear and resort lines for 2012 over cocktails, live music and special performances. Fashion fans looking to strut their stuff and see cutting-edge swimwear designs can head to HIGHBAR on Sunday, July 22 for the Icon Pool Party.