PARAISO Miami Swim Week Debuts Inaugural Event Honoring Industry Icons
Miami Swim Week
Courtesy of PARAISO Miami Swim Week
For its 21st edition happening later this week from May 29th through June 1st, PARAISO Miami Swim Week is launching its first-ever, inaugural Swimwear Icons Hall of Fame (SIHOF) to celebrate designers, trailblazers, and tastemakers who have helped shape the industry as we know it. As the official opener for the week, this red-carpet event will take place on May 28th at The Bass Museum and hosted by Sports Illustrated Swimsuit star, Camille Kostek.
Special honors will be awarded to the formidable female forces in swimwear including MJ Day, who will receive the Media Icon award, Natasha and Devin from Monday Swim will receive the New Media Icon Honor, Jamie Nelson, who will receive Photographer Icon Honor for her work, and Amahlia Steven from Vitamin A, who will receive Design + Sustainability Icon Honor.
'As someone who has spent over a decade immersed in this space, I felt there was a lack of recognition for the people whose creativity, innovation, and influence helped turn swim into a global cultural force. SIHOF is here to change that by celebrating the legacy-makers, spotlighting today's trailblazers, and preserving swimwear history in a meaningful, modern way,' Natalija Dedic Stojanovic, Founder of Paraiso Miami Swim Week tells me over email.
Brand Azulu's 2024 Runway Show
Courtesy of PARAISO Miami Swim Week
2024 Azulu Runway Show at PARAISO Miami Swim Week
Courtesy of PARAISO Miami Swim Week
When you think about how many people and industries are involved in creating any product by the time the customer sees the final result—it's an expansive list, and swimwear is no different. 'Swimwear touches so many industries such as fashion, beauty, media, photography, digital innovation, and we wanted the inaugural class to reflect that intersectionality. We selected honorees who are true icons in their field, people whose work hasn't just impacted swimwear but helped move the entire culture forward,' continues Dedic Stojanovic.
Dedic Stojanovic explains to me that this inaugural evening is just the beginning. 'Our vision is to build SIHOF into a lasting platform - an annual honors night, a permanent museum space, and an ongoing cultural archive that documents and celebrates swimwear's evolution and a destination for both industry insiders and fans to connect with the stories, moments, and people that define swim culture.'
'It's incredibly humbling to be recognized with this award. It's so much bigger than me. There are so many women, designers, editors, buyers and brands who have come together over the years to work to make tangible change,' Sports Illustrated Deputy Editor, MJ Day tells me over email about her thoughts on being honored. 'I acted on what I believed to be my responsibility as the leader of this brand to do something about the dangerous and narrowly focused beauty ideals that were being perpetuated. It turns out there are many who feel the same way I do and took a step forward to prove that progress was possible and necessary. I'm sure there are plenty of people who think what we do is inconsequential. Being on the receiving end of this recognition proves very much otherwise.'
Day firmly believes that swimwear should be a source of power rather than vulnerability. 'The industry is evolving into being not just about what you wear—but how you feel in what you are wearing. Whether it's a bikini or a burka, the freedom to show up as yourself is everything,' she continues. 'I'm proud the industry is embracing inclusivity, but we need to keep pushing—more sizes, better fits, smarter fabrics. Give women reasons to feel incredible. I have seen such innovation in our industry. I would love to see more.'
When I ask Day what the future of swimwear is she assures me that Sport Illustrated will be on the frontlines playing a pivotal role in expanding the definition of beauty. 'Now more than ever, it's essential to liberate the way the world sees women—not just how we look, but who we are and what we stand for.' She goes on to explain that at this moment the real issue is complacency. 'Brands must resist the urge to treat inclusivity as a box to check. Impact comes from intentionality—partnering with women who have a voice and the courage to use it. When we platform those voices, we don't just give purpose to the brand—we give purpose to people. And that ripple effect has the power to change culture.'
Storytelling wouldn't be possible without imagery. Jamie Nelson, who will receive Photographer Icon Honor for her work that showcases swimwear as art tells me. 'I am truly honored to be included in the very first SIHOF among such powerhouses in the swimwear industry such as MJ Day of Sports Illustrated. I am passionate about making my people feel beautiful in their own skin. Swimwear and photography are the perfect mediums to bring my vision to life.'
Shot by Nelson for Vogue Portugal
Jamie Nelson
Shot by Nelson for Vogue Portugal
Jamie Nelson
Now, with two decades under its belt, PARAISO has not been a catalyst for swim and resortwear platform for brands, but it has also brought economic benefit to the region. Business Journals estimated that last years event had an economic impact of between $50-$70 million through attendees patronizing local hotels, restaurants, and clubs.
'The positive activation that Miami Beach garners from SwimWeek brings our residents and businesses world class programming in our own backyard, while the growing partnership with PARAISO helps to support our economic development, which we all enjoy. Miami Beach has been the epicenter of some of the best events in the world, including the World Cup, Art Basel and F1. SwimWeek is at the top of the list for events that residents and visitors most enjoy,' City of Miami Beach Commissioner, Joe Magazine tells me in an email.
'For over 25 years, Luli Fama has not only participated in the trade shows held on Miami Beach for what has become widely known as Miami Swim Week, but we have also held our annual fashion show together with PARAISO Miami Swim Week, on the Saturday night of the week for nearly two decades,' Gregorio Hanimian, CEO of Luli Fama shares with me over email. 'As a Miami-an, I can tell you that the energy at a Luli Fama show is palpable and is always one of my favorites to watch. Hanimian continues, 'Our show has become synonymous with our brand; from the entertainment, the collection, the models—all are factors in bringing the show to life.'
2024 Luli Fama Runway Show at PARAISO Miami Swim Week
RSC Media Grouq
2024 SIGAL Runway Show at PARAISO Miami Swim Week
Courtesy of SIGAL
2024 Shan Runway Show at PARAISO Miami Swim Week
Courtesy of Shan
Sigal Cohen, founder of SIGAL, another locally based brand who will be showing for the third time this year shares that PARAISO has been a launchpad for her brand. 'As a proud Miami-based brand, being part of PARAISO not only gave us access to a global audience but also deepened our roots within the Miami fashion community. It legitimized our brand, amplified our storytelling, and directly connected us to key wholesale buyers, many of whom have remained loyal stockists ever since.'
Both the tradeshow, SwimShow and PARAISO have been instrumental for Canadian-based men's and women's resort and swimwear brand, SHAN, which is celebrating its 40th anniversary. 'Being part of Swim Week has been a game changer,' the brand's Creative Director, Nathan Gilbert tells me in an email. 'The tradeshow allowed us to expand our network in the U.S. but also, in North America in general. With PARAISO, Swim Week became much more influential as more and more buyers from across the globe started to attend. It's definitely helped our brand grow its sales but also helped with brand recognition. This year will mark Shan's 3rd year of producing their own runway show with PARAISO.
As both a Miami-an and a lover of swim and resortwear, it is amazing to see what PARAISO has accomplished through the years. This new event honoring those blazing trails in the industry adds another exciting element to the event.
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