By: Kara Franker
Miami’s hottest annual fashion events.
Known as the swimwear capital of the world, Miami serves as an international gateway to some of the hottest fashions and trends. The two biggest fashion events of the year are Miami Fashion Week in May and June and Miami Swim Week in July. While Art Basel and Miami Art Week in December aren’t fashion events per se, they do attract the best dressed from across the globe for a swanky week of parties and events. More haute events keep popping up year-round, so here’s a few of the top ones that you won’t want to miss.
Jewelers International Showcase (January, April, October)
The Jewelers International Showcase happens three times a year and is a trade-only buying and selling event catering to retailers in the United States, Latin America, Caribbean and beyond. It’s the perfect opportunity for boutiques and shops to stock up on the trendiest accessories for the beach and beyond.
Model Beach Volleyball Tournament (February)
It might not be a runway, but the sand volleyball courts on Miami Beach make for a hot fashion statement every year during the annual Model Beach Volleyball Tournament. Some of the biggest modeling agencies send their top talent to South Beach for a friendly, bracket-style beach volleyball competition. Teams made up of models from Ford, Next, CGM, Elite, MC2, Mega, Front, Green, Wilhelmina and more compete against each other in a round-robin format, single elimination tournament.
Boutique Fashion Weekend (March)
An exclusive fashion showcase for e-commerce, pop-up and brick-and-mortar boutiques, Boutique Fashion Weekend is hosted by Descalzo Shows and includes three nights of networking, cocktails and shopping. It’s a great opportunity to support local boutiques and shops in Miami.
Talent Night hosted by Miami Fashion Institute at Miami Dade College (March)
Aspiring fashion designers flock to Talent Night at the Miami Fashion Institute to get an introductory taste of the industry including an interactive lecture series covering the various careers available and a basic tutorial on different aspects of fashion design. The event is geared toward high school students and others interested in attending the Miami Fashion Institute at Miami Dade College.
Swank Deco Fashion Show Miami (April)
Fashion designers descend to Miami for runway shows, live performances and vendor spotlights. The multi-city Swank Deco Fashion Show makes a stop in Miami in April.
Great Bridal Expo (April)
Head to James L. Knight International Center to find your ideal wedding details at the Great Bridal Expo. Local and national vendors showcase their brands, allowing brides and their bridal parties to piece together the perfect looks for the big day.
The Retreat (May)
A health and wellness fashion festival dedicated to athleisure wear, The Retreat was created by Funkshion to showcase trend-setting fitness brands. The four-day event includes runway presentations, exclusive fitness experiences, glam beauty treatments, pop-up shops and more.
Miami Fashion Week (May/June)
Kicking off summer, Miami Fashion Week is always attended by fashion royalty and includes a variety of runway shows and parties. The event has become one of the largest fashion events showcasing Latin American and international designers.
Miami Swim Week (July)
Miami Swim Week happens every summer and features a collection of independently run shows by Funkshion, Art Hearts Fashion, SWIMMIAMI, Dive Swim Week, Swim Show by the Swimwear Association of Florida, Hammock Show, Cabana Show and Descalzo Shows, among others. Funkshion is one of the most established swimwear show producers and their events include pop-up shops, lounges and multiple runway areas.
Style Saves Swim (July)
The fashionable team behind non-profit Style Saves hosts an annual fashion show fundraiser to raise funds for underprivileged students. Style Saves works with retailers, designers, hospitality professionals and more to provide students with necessary materials for school. The mission is to give students the self-confidence and assurance they need to succeed.
Dress for Success Events (Year-Round)
Dress for Success Miami is a non-profit organization that provides professional attire as well as development tools to women who are re-entering the workforce. The organization hosts fashion events throughout the year like shopping parties at Talbots, Caudalíe Paris, Kendra Scott and more. They also host donation drives to collect new or nearly-new suits and other business-appropriate apparel, shoes and accessories.
Fashion Industry Networking Mixers (Year-Round)
The Fashion Design Guild hosts networking events throughout the year for Miami executives and professionals in the fashion industry at their Fashion Industry Networking Mixers.
Check out more great events in Miami.