SI Swim Models Strut Miami Swim Week Runway in Custom Statement-Making Pieces
Miami Swim Week may be over, but we’re still obsessing over the incredible looks SI Swimsuit talent wore on the runway at the W South Beach this weekend. From 2023 cover girl Brooks Nader opening the show with her three sisters at her side to brand legends Samantha Hoopes, Carol Alt, Roshumba Williams, Vendela Kirsebom and Elsa Benitez closing the event, it was an event to remember.
While veterans and rookies alike rocked some incredible one-pieces and bikinis on the catwalk, several models wore custom looks designed with verbiage and phrases that they chose to print on T-shirts, swimsuits and even bags and hats.
“We have such a strong, outspoken and empowered group of women walking in the show, and we wanted to communicate that through what they wore on the runway, so we did that literally,” SI Swimsuit fashion editor Margot Zamet said. “We prompted our models to give us quotes or words that are meaningful to them, and we had them printed on crop tops, swimsuits and accessories.”
The SI Swimsuit team worked with Gabriela Pires Beachwear to create custom graphic T-shirts with bold statements: 2023 rookie Sixtine walked the runway in a cropped top that read, “My Body Is Not a Trend” in bold letters across her chest, while Swim Search finalist and mom-to-be Jena Sims donned a white baby tee with “Currently Growing a Pair” written across the front.
Mary Holland Nader declared “Boundaries Are Hot” in a one-piece swimsuit by ARK, and Swim Search finalist Sharina Gutierrez noted that “Love Always Wins” in the same fashion. And since no swimwear look would be complete without the right accessories, models incorporated custom pieces into their beach bags and headwear.
Lauren Chan, a rookie in the 2023 SI Swimsuit Issue, made a political statement with a black fringe bag by Island to East Side with “Say Gay” in white lettering, while Sarah Jane Nader donned a trendy bucket hat with “Break the Rules” embroidered across the front.