Fashionistas tell us what to expect from Miami Swim Week
The thought of shimmying into a bathing suit after one too many croquetas might alarm some folks, but, hey, it’s Swim Week through Tuesday, so you better start embracing all things skimpy.
Two of the many fashionistas jetting into town to check out the 2016 Resort collections are Katie Warner Johnson and Caroline Gogolak, founders of L.A.-based Carbon 38.
The two business partners have ties to the area. In 2001, they met as teens during a summer program with Miami City Ballet and then reconnected as Harvard University students. Warner Johnson went on to become a personal trainer to the stars, helping shape the bodies of Emmy Rossum and Demi Moore. Gogolak worked in the fashion industry and wealth management.
The pretty duo now run Carbon 38, made up of so-called athleisure apparel — mix-and-match items that can take you from the beach to the gym to the office and back again.
As for trends, if you want to look in, get sporty.
“We are seeing a crossover between activewear and swimwear,” says Gogolak. “We are definitely seeing styles that can be worn at the gym and at the pool or beach. This crossover is certainly apparent with the pickup in rashguards as well as bikinis that capture the active aesthetic.”
And if you haven’t inherited genes from an Olympic athlete and do enjoy your carbs, not all hope is lost.
“We would suggest wearing a one piece,” says Warner Johnson. “They’ve definitely gotten the spotlight this season. They are figure flattering and show off feminine curves.”
RETAIL THERAPY
Start your Thursday off with some stylish advice and a solid meal at Fashion for Breakfast from 9:30 to 11 a.m. Yes, an undoubtedly skinny crowd will be in attendance, but there will be actual food such as omelettes, applewood bacon and an assortment of berries. You can also learn a few tricks from Megan Reynolds, senior shopping editor of Harper’s BAZAAR at Cecconi’s at the Soho Beach House. RSVP: http://fashionforbreakfastmia@gmail.com
YOUNG BLOOD
Meet the youngest designer showing at Swim Week: Francesca Aiello, at all of 19, is the force behind Frankies Bikinis, a line run out of Malibu. She is holding her show at W South Beach’s WET Deck on Saturday night, and staying on property throughout the week, taking over her popular social media channels, particularly Instagram, which has “blown up” since she started the company with the help of her mom two years ago.
Frankies has a substantial following among young Hollywooders like Kylie Jenner, Gigi Hadid, Ireland Baldwin and Francesca Eastwood. Actually, Aiello gets a lot of her design inspiration from famous people, such as actress Vanessa Hudgens and model Candice Swanepoel who have “conquered the boho beach babe look.”
She’s looking forward to soaking up a different sort of energy on her trip: “It’s definitely a different kind of beach style there; Malibu is very laid back whereas Miami has a little more spice to it.”
STARRY NIGHT
Louis Aguirre’s coming home! The Insider personality, formerly of Deco Drive, is set to take on hosting duties at the fifth annual Style Saves Swim fundraiser helping underprivileged students at 9 p.m. Friday at Miami Beach EDITION. Tickets: www.stylesaves.org; $175 in advance, $200 at the door.
MADELEINE MARR
This story was originally published July 16, 2015 at 11:54 AM with the headline "Fashionistas tell us what to expect from Miami Swim Week."