Miami Swim Week Recap 2021

Last week I had the pleasure of attending my first Miami Swim Week. Swim Week is a fashion week centered solely around swimsuits and resort wear. Tens of designers gather to share their designs on the runway with hundreds of models casting for a chance to walk, and thousands of industry professionals to watch. These people come from all walks—some being content creators, buyers, reporters, and CEOs. In the world of fashion, it’s one of the most anticipated weeks of the year and I’m so lucky to have been a part of it. My two internet friends Sam Souder and Jules Pomphrett met me for this trip and although we didn’t know each other prior, we left feeling like old friends.

I’ve already shared the outfits from my Miami trip + a Weekly Wrap Up but I figured it was time to give you the full scoop on the shows, events, and food! Make sure to check out Instagram for even more updates from the week. In the meantime… let’s dig in!

Wednesday, July 7

On Wednesday morning Sam and I flew from Baltimore to Miami, landing at 11:30 am. We waited for Jules and Ubered to our hotel for the week. Although I’ve done a few comped stays, partnering with various hotels this summer, our Miami trip was not—therefore, we scoured the internet for the cheapest hotel we could find with a reasonable rating. We stumbled upon The Redbury located off Collins Ave and it was perfect for our four nights.

They have complimentary luggage storage, a large rooftop pool, and the cutest entryway. I didn’t snag too many photos of the room itself, so you’ll have to check out the vlog to see our space! Compared to other waterfront hotels along this same strip, The Redbury was nowhere near as luxurious, however, compared to what I’m used to staying in, this was no different!

The service was great and we were provided with everything we needed for the week. Plus, we were less than a half-mile from the main venue which saved us so much money in Ubers. Around this area are several other hotels and a handful of restaurants—you’re one block from the beach and three from any shopping.

The events + shows did not begin until Thursday so we spent the afternoon getting adjusted + planning our itinerary for the week.

Today’s Eats

Many hotels in this area have their own restaurant, and we stopped into Fi’lia for a fancy first-night dinner. I’m not usually one to choose Italian but the pasta and chicken parm were yummy. We learned right off the bat that dining in Miami is expensive—come prepared to spend some serious money here, lol!

Thursday, July 8

Our first full day in Miami called for lots of photos, some eating, and our first shows!

Brunch Time

We stopped into the most adorable restaurant for brunch. Maxine’s had a huge menu with seafood, Cuban, and breakfast options. I snagged their breakfast tacos and they were quite yummy. Definitely ask for a side of guac if you choose to order them. The atmosphere here is adorable—beachy attire is permitted!

Mid Day Treat 

I had the best acai bowl I’ve ever had from Koa Poke Bowl. Filled with goji berries, strawberries, raspberries, chocolate chips, peanut butter, and coconut this was such a sweet mid-day treat. They are $15 but fill you up big time! If you’re looking for sushi too, we were told this is the place to go.

SheIn Pop Up

Our first event was at the SheIn pop-up store downtown. SheIn has created a few different pop-up locations—attendance is ticketed or per invite. We were lucky enough to meet so many other content creators here which was super cool. We were given a $150 budget to shop so we snagged some adorable pieces in addition to eating some finger food, taking photos, and dancing around. The vibes here were fantastic and I hope to be back at their New York City location in September!

Columbia Swimwear Show 

Our first runway event was a series of Columbian designers. Each had between 5-15 designs in their collection and they were all so different. It’s so hard to grab photos of the models throughout the shows but if you want to see more runway action (video style) you can check out the Miami highlight on my Instagram or my Miami vlog on YouTube.

There were tons of animal print, crochet, and cheeky bottoms on this runway! It looks like many 2021 trends will work their way into 2022 as well.

Lilyana Show

We outfit changed and headed back to the Paraiso tent, where most events were held for the Lilyana swim show. Just one designer was featured here but her stuff was incredible. Tons of animal print on this runway

Friday, July 9

Well-rested at The Redbury and ready to tackle our busiest day of the week!

SLS Poolside Lounge Event 

Started the morning off at the SLS hotel. They had a poolside lounge event that although looked adorable and was very well thought out, nobody was at! Perhaps it was because it lasted all day but there wasn’t much action going on over here. They did have special wine set out that the girls loved! I highly recommend resort wear for this type of event—a bikini top and shorts are what most people will be wearing when the word “poolside” is included in the invitation!

Columbia Swimwear Bruncheon 

The Ritz Carlton hosted a fantastic bruncheon. The food here was delicious and such a treat after going to bed on an empty stomach. The options were endless! In another room were all of the designers from last night’s Columbia Swimwear shows. Each designer was there personally with the pieces worn on the runway out on display. It was so cool getting to network with these designers and hear their inspirations behind each design.

B Fyne Show 

Lots of photos were shot in the midst of our afternoon before heading to the B Fyne fashion show. This was one of the most diverse runways we saw throughout the week and it was incredible. The color palettes here were electric and the resort wear designs were just beautiful. More animal print and lots of flared sleeves this season!

Sustainable Swimwear Rooftop Cockatiels

There were a ton of sustainable swimwear events throughout the week. Unfortunately, we didn’t make it to the show, as it overlapped with Oh Polly but we did stop in for the rooftop cocktail hour. Different liquor brands sponsor an open bar at almost all of these events aka Jules and Sam were in heaven. The views from this poolside area were incredible! Again, this was another event that didn’t do as much promoting as it could have—there were few content creators here but still some networking opportunities for youngsters like me.

Oh Polly Show

Oh Polly is one of my favorite brands to shop from. I’ve worked with them a handful of times so it was such a treat to sit front row at their 2021 show. The models here were picture-perfect, tiny waists, plump butts, and big boobs. They hardly seemed real even though we all know they are! I learned so much about the modeling industry this trip.

Oh Polly made me realize that cheeky is the new full coverage and thong is the new cheeky. There’s no denying that the coverage on bikinis is getting smaller and smaller. It’s safe to say we’ll be wearing next to nothing if we continue on this track, lol. Although small, I loved their pastel color palette and terry cloth designs.

Saturday, July 10

Friday was such a long night that we took it easy for much of Saturday morning. Sam and I ventured out for a photo session, hence how I was able to give you 18 outfit ideas from my Miami trip. If you missed those posts you can check them out here (12 outfits to wear in Miami) and here (6 outfits I wore to Miami Swim Week shows).

Megan Mae Show

Our first show of the day was back at the Paraiso tent and was by Megan Mae. I loved that the models were barefoot for the show. It felt so natural and very appropriate for modeling swimwear. Her designs were very full coverage and a little older than my taste. However, the designer herself walked in the show which is something I hadn’t seen before and really loved. She killed it and received a standing ovation at the end.

Sports Illustrated Show + Poolside Event

Off to Sports Illustrated for the most anticipated event of Swim Week! We met so many cool (important) people at this event and by the grace of God scored a front-row seat. Sports Illustrated, known as one of the most well-respected publications in the game, did a fantastic job at showcasing bodies of all shapes, sizes, and ages. If every girl grew up idolizing these real people as models, the way our generation did Victoria’s Secret angels, the world would be a much better place.

To be honest, I didn’t pay all that much attention to the designs themselves. This show is more about the representation and the confidence these women portray in a suit of their choice. The energy here was electric and the crowd appeal was undeniable.

We snapped some photos along the “red carpet” and did a whole lot of networking here. To be honest, nights like this make me think maybe, just maybe I’m exactly where I always dreamed of being. Oh, and no we did not run into David Dobrik.

Honey Birdette Lingerie + Swim Show

Honey Birdette was the underdog of the week, and my gosh was this show was on fire! They started off with a lingerie reveal, showcasing the coolest designs and most elegant materials you’ve ever seen. Fun graphics and electric music gave way to the swimwear portion of the show.

There were lots of string bikinis, textured materials, and power ponies on this runway. The models were fierce yet having fun and a balloon release at the end had the crowd on their feet, cheering. I’ve never been to a fashion show with this kind of energy but it was contagious. Definitely one of the best of the week.

Somehow Jules, Sam, and I ended up in the rooftop pool of our hotel at one am, swimming laps and sharing stories about our lives. We ordered pizza and sat on the hotel floor eating it as if we’d known each other our whole lives.

Sunday, July 11

The beauty of staying at this hotel is that we were allowed pool access for the entire day, despite needing to checkout by 11 am. of course, we took this as our sign to take some sexy bikini photos in the rooftop bungalows.

Lunch at Malibu Farm 

We wanted a nicer lunch by the water so we ventured over to the Nobu hotel where the cutest restaurant you ever did see is located. Malibu Farm is quite literally right on the water and one of the most aesthetically pleasing places I’ve ever eaten. Sam and Jules got the mahi-mahi tacos and I ordered the shrimp. I felt as though they were missing just one flavor but they were delicious nonetheless. Definitely a pricier meal but one that is worth it for the atmosphere!

SLS Beach

There are obviously many different parts to Miami but truthfully, we didn’t stary more than a few blocks each way. Not only was our week so jam-packed as it is, most people come here for the nightlife and I’m not 21, therefore there wasn’t much reason to wander. We were, however, just a block from South Beach so we did get some beach time in before heading to the airport.

The Redbury is partnered with SLS, one of the nicest hotels in Miami Beach, meaning there is a complimentary place to sit with chairs, umbrellas, and fresh towels. This was my first time in Florida water and I couldn’t believe how calm and clear it was! Definitely a major change of pace from the Outer Banks.

We rinsed off, changed, and Ubered to the airport to catch our flight home. Unfortunately, not without three delays. I’ve been flying Southwest all summer long and as much as I love them, their flight crews are super understaffed right now due to Covid, leaving me with delays left and right. Oh well, just grateful to be home safe and sound, even if it wasn’t until 2:30 am… 😜.

We had an absolute blast on our trip but I have to say, Miami as a city wasn’t my favorite. I will definitely be back for Swim Week but can’t say I have any desire to move here. It was much dirtier than I expected with a vibe that just isn’t for me. Something about the true South just keeps calling my name!

Anywho, that’s a wrap for today’s post! Special shoutout to Jules and Sam for being the content-creating friends I never knew I needed. I can’t describe how much I loved these girls and am already counting down the days until our next trip together. Cheers to good fashion and even better mems!

With love, McKenz

Latest Post: Weekly Wrap Up #29 2021
Related Post: Six Outfits I Wore To Miami Swim Week
Instagram: styledbymckenz // YouTube: McKenzie Morgan // Pinterest: mckenzmorgan