TARA INK closes ‘Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim 2014’ with high energy group show

TARA INK. closes ‘MBFWS 2014’ with high energy group show. Image: Courtesy of Tara INK.

On July 22, 2013, Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week came to an upbeat and exciting close as swimwear brands Anna Kosturova, Beach Riot, Indah, Lolli Swim and Manglar debuted their 2014 collections at 10 p.m. at The Raleigh’s Cabaña Grande tent. Sean Donaldson Hair of Miami Beach provided sultry beach hair and makeup. More than 500 guests, including basketball star Dennis Rodman, model Hailey Baldwin along with mom Kennya Baldwin, designers Lisa Pliner and Shay Todd, and actor Damien Dante Wayans, attended the show. The stand-out crowd was joined by singer Princess Pia Mia who sauntered down the runway in a pair of Lucite-heeled booties filled with doll heads. The show was produced for the third consecutive year by public relations and events agency, TARA, Ink.

“Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim is the can’t-miss summer event in Miami Beach, and we are honored to have continued our partnership with IMG for the third year,” says Tara Solomon, co-principal of TARA, Ink. “All five designers showed brilliant collections; personally I can’t wait to slither into one of Anna Kosturova’s hand-crocheted, tassel-embellished maillots.”

Anna Kosturova, the Vancouver-based brand known for its hand-crocheting, was inspired by a bohemian- rocker aesthetic and a Saint Tropez romance, for the 2014 collection. The brand is the antitheses of hurried, disposable fashion; each piece becomes a modern heirloom, collected and treasured as trends come and go. 2014 collection highlights include the “Friligee” monokini in white eyelet lace, and the closing “Seashore Angel” monokini in Aztec.

California-based brand Beach Riot, led by designer Nicole Hanriot, embraced the Miami spirit and showed a collection featuring bold animal prints, color blocking and ‘80s flair. Styles in the show bore names of iconic Miami institutions such as “The Gianni,” “The SoBe,” and “The Vice.” Beach Riot’s show was enhanced by a line of mirror-lensed sunglasses, marking the brand’s first foray into accessories. 2014 collection highlights include “The Delano,” a black one-piece with a hand-beaded cross inspired by Anna Wintour’s first Vogue cover, and “The Mirage,” a black plunging one-piece adorned with intricate silver hand- beading.

Dana Shear. Image: Courtesy of Tara, Ink.

Nicole Hanriot, Vy Nguyen, Irene Sultan, Tara Salomon, Libby de Santis and Anna Kosturova. Image: Courtesy of: Tara, Ink.

Indah and designer Libby DeSantis offered sleek and sophisticated swimwear inspired by the adventurous spirit of dive culture. The 2014 collection included a variety of bikinis, dresses, cover-up tops and pants that incorporated form-fitting neoprene and bold neons associated with a daring day at sea. 2014 collection highlights include the “Fizz” sequined tap short paired with the “Decker” tissue vest, and the “Curaco” black sharkskin one-piece.

In the Manglar 2014 collection, designer and Venezuela native Irene Sultan fused elegance and comfort to create designs that enhance the wearer’s natural beauty. Each piece combined exclusive designs and details, with unique manufacturing processes such as laser cuts, ruffles, curly fabrics, colored threads and industrial crochet. 2014 collection highlights include the “Mayla” leopard tie-dye bikini paired with a long, open-front cover up, and the “Micah” laser-cut bikini in diamond print. Additional information is available online at the Manglar website.

Lolli Swim was packed full of flirty details expressed through vivid colors and sweet imagery. Designer Vy Nguyen incorporated sunny shades of citron yellow and Barbie pink in this year’s collection of bikinis and one-pieces, while playful details like bows, ruffles and a cupcake motif reminded audience members of life’s simple pleasures. The Lolli models struck playful poses with oversized candy bars, ring pops and plush accessories, and singer Princess Pia Mia, a friend of the designer, closed the show in the “Cake Walk” one-piece in Citron.

Image: Courtesy of Tara, Ink.

Designer, Anna Kosturova closing her show. Image: Courtesy of Tara, Ink.

Image: Courtesy of Tara, Ink.

Nicole Hanriot of Beach Riot at the Raleigh Hotel at MBFWS 2014. Image: Courtesy of Tara, Ink.

Image: Courtesy of Tara, Ink.

Irene Sultan of Manglar at MBFWS 2014. Image: Courtesy of Tara, Ink.

Keratin Komplex by Sam Donaldson at MBFWS 2014. Image: Courtesy of Tara, Ink.

Libby De Santis of Indah at MBFWS 2014. Image: Courtesy of Tara, Ink.

Image: Courtesy of Tara, Ink.

Lolly Swim Opening Look at MBFWS 2014. Image: Courtesy of Tara, Ink.

Courtesy of Tara Ink.

Princess Pia Mia at the Raleigh Hotel at MBFWS 2014. Image: Courtesy of: Tara, Ink.

Princess Pia Mia and Vy Ngyuen at the Raleigh Hotel at MBFWS 2014. Image: Courtesy of Tara, Ink.

Courtesy of Tara Ink.