Miami Swim Week – 10 Insider Tips
My obsession with swim week started 4 years ago when Michelle and I attended for the first time. This was also the first REAL fashion show that we had ever attended, so it was a huge deal for us. Since that first Miami Swim Week, we have made it back 3 times (2 together and 1 on my own) because we love it that much. I mean what’s not to love about swimwear, beach parties and mingling with the industry’s finest all while drinking mojitos.
This year I headed to swim week on my own (since Michelle isn’t quite ready to travel with the little one yet) but our friend and nutrition coach, Leah had just moved to Miami with her little Pom pup Peanut, so I was in good company. We attended a bunch of shows, caught up on the latest swim trends (coming to the blog soon), met with brands at Hammock and Cabana, attended pop up shops and a few press brunches. It was an action packed weekend, to say the least!
So with a few Miami Swim Show’s under my belt, I thought I would share a few of my insider tips if you were curious or if you plan to attend Swim Week in years to come.
- Register ahead of time for Miami Swim Week by going to these two sites: Funkshion and Swim Show. This way you will be on the PR company’s lists when they go to send out invites. You will also have access to the PR company’s information, so you can email and request a show invite as well. Swim Week happens in mid- late July and registration opens a month or so beforehand, so mark your calendars and be on the look out.
- Email the local PR companies in Miami to let them know you are coming and that you would like to attend and cover their events. This will also help you get invites to industry activities. I recommend touching base with Bollare, The Riviere Agency, TAA PR, Purple PR, and more.
- Plan a photoshoot with a local photographer to get some amazing beach content. Gabe Media was recommended to me by local Miami Blogger, Kelly Saks, and I couldn’t be happier with the photos that we created. He was easy, fun to work with and made me feel super comfortable in front of the camera. His work is absolutely gorgeous and I can’t wait to go back to Miami to shoot with him! His photos are featured in this post.
- If this is your first Swim Week and you are attending alone, I recommend to connect with local bloggers ahead of time for recommendations on things to do, parties to go to and where to stay. Also, plan to meet up for drinks or for a show so that you can network as well!
- Register at Cabana, Swim Show and Hammock as press so that you can view all of the collections to come for the next year. This is also a great way to meet with brands, designers and to talk about future collaborations.
- Hit the pop-up shops! You never know who you might run into or what kind of amazing deal you might find. I attended Monday Swimwear’s Pop-Up and was able to meet and mingle with the designers, Tasha Oakley and Devin Brugman! I had a major fan girl moment!
- Take time to actually go to the beach. Swim Week can be hectic and action packed, so I always try to take some time to either relax by the pool or hit the beach for a few hours during my time in Miami. It can’t be all work and no play, especially when you are at the beach!
- Just a warning, it gets SUPER hot in South Beach, so I recommend wearing light and airy clothing that won’t show sweat. Believe me, you will sweat! This year I wore my one piece suits as tops and threw on my shorts over top. Always pool party ready! The humidity is also very high, so remember that when you are applying your makeup and doing your hair. I recommend braids, ponytails or anything that will keep the hair off your neck. Also, stay away from stiletto heels. You will be on your feet for hours at a time and walking to and from shows so I recommend wedges, block heels and always pack a pair of flats in your purse.
- Almost everything happens within a few blocks radius, so I recommend that you stay close to the action if possible. It’s much easier to walk to the shows than having to Uber everywhere. Most of the shows take place at The W Hotel, Setai, One Hotel, and in the tents which are located in between.
- If you are planning on having your hotel covered as a “press stay”, be sure to start contacting them far enough in advance because the competition is pretty tough during Swim Week. Traveling with another blogger can be helpful because the hotel will receive twice the press, so your chances are much better if you want your stay comped!
Shop my Swim Week looks here:
If you have any questions about attending Swim Week for the first time, please comment below. I’m happy to help in any way I can and hope to see you all next year at the shows!
Photos By Gabe Media
xo
Sarah
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