Black And POC Designers Find A Platform At Miami Swim Week: The Shows

Black and POC designers are on full display at Miami Swim Week: The Shows , leaving an indelible mark on the Summer season with their extraordinary talent and fashion-forward sensibilities. These brands fearlessly pushed boundaries, revolutionizing swimwear with their cutting-edge designs. From vibrant prints that radiated energy to daring colors, these designs celebrated and embraced the beauty of all skin tones and body types.

Led by founder Moh Ducis, Miami Swim Week: The Shows has been a platform for a diverse group of designers worldwide, many hailing from the African diaspora and representing a cultural class of leisure wear creatives. “Creating opportunities for brands to succeed, doing all these different touchpoints, we can come and help [brands] because the industry is evolving,” Ducis mentioned in a previous interview.

“Generations are evolving, and buying patterns are changing. So, to be on top of this and help brands. As I’m a former designer, I always take the designer-first approach, and every year there are challenges in the market—[things] changed completely since Covid.”

Liberty & Justice is crafted in Africa and showcases a palette of pink pastel tones complemented by stunning floral head accessories. This brand’s unique vision is rooted in the beauty of African beach towns, particularly Robertsport, Liberia, which is a source of inspiration for the founder Georgie Badiel.

Liberty & Justice is a love letter to Africa and a commitment to social justice. Their designs celebrate the freedom and resilience, inspired by their ancestor George, who was granted his legal freedom in 1787 and later emigrated to Liberia in pursuit of liberty and justice. The Liberty Freedom Fund honors this legacy by supporting ten charities that create more freedom and justice in the world.

“When most people think of beach vacations, they think of the Mediterranean or Miami,” Badiel says. “Almost no one thinks of Africa even though we boast some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. From the Seychelles to Cape Town to Lamu to Robertsport, Liberia. I’m so honored to share my West African print and color tradition on amazing swimsuit silhouettes. But more importantly, I’m honored to have a platform with Target to take our community on a journey to our favorite African beach towns.”

Haitian Doll by Jo Bella combined its deep roots in Haitian culture with its vibrant presence in NYC and Miami. This brand showcased a collection of designs centered around lace and sheer beachwear, embodying the essence of beach culture with a touch of elegance.

Johanne Brazela, founder of Haitian Doll by Jo Bella, details the brand, “Creating swimwear as a person of color (POC) designer, especially coming from Haiti, carries its unique challenges and profound rewards.”

“For a Haitian designer, it has been quite a journey and an opportunity to break barriers in an industry that often lacks diversity. At the same time, it is amazing and quite rewarding to be able to share a successful story that would inspire others and motivate future generations to pursue their dreams despite obstacles.”

Lili Creation has roots in both the USA and Côte d’Ivoire and brings its unique vision to its collection of swimsuits showcasing bold and vibrant African-inspired prints. Utilizing stunning colors of pink, blue, and orange, Lili Creation’s designs are a testament to the beauty and diversity of African culture.

“Creating pieces with inspiration from my culture—Côte d’Ivoire is my passion,” says Sali Ouattara, founder of Lili Creation. “I get fulfillment from seeing my brand grow and my customers connecting with my designs around the world. Creating swimwear as a person of color (POC) designer is an empowering journey and resilience. It’s about bringing a unique perspective to the fashion industry, often underrepresented, and celebrating the rich cultures and traditions of Côte d’Ivoire.”

“As a POC designer, the process involves navigating and challenging industry norms and stereotypes while introducing innovative and culturally infused designs. It’s a chance to tell our stories through fashion, showcasing the vibrant colors, patterns, and fabrics that reflect our heritage. This not only creates a distinct brand identity but also resonates with a diverse audience seeking authenticity and representation.”

She continues, “Fostering a lifestyle beyond one’s dreams involves breaking barriers and inspiring others from similar backgrounds. It’s about showing that it’s possible to achieve success and make a global impact, despite the challenges.”

Normal Culture, founded in 2016 by model, actress, and entrepreneur Jelaminah, aims to create new norms through visual and artistic self-expression. The brand designs unique clothing to boost women’s confidence and sex appeal, specializing in pieces for tall women (5’9 and up) and those who love visual expression. Based in Los Angeles, Normal Culture sources all fabrics locally and handmakes all products by minorities, emphasizing love, thought, and integrity in their creations. In addition to swimwear, they also produce varsity jackets.

Founder of Normal Culture Jelaminah Lainer explains, “I take pride in being a POC and a designer. I’m able to reach a market of people that are often forgotten about when it comes to luxury clothing and swimwear that fits various curvy body types.”

“Designing swimwear allows me to tap into another level of creativity and to also pull inspiration from all of the places I’ve visited around the world. I am living my wildest dreams, while also creating beautiful swimwear that can fit just about every body type. I have become a role model and inspiration for other women that look like me and that is the most rewarding part of it all.”

11 Threads Roma infuses its swimwear with a lively Caribbean vibe, showcasing bold blues and metallic-colored materials. Founded by Shane Ramnarine and Luca Di Berardino, this brand marries Caribbean elegance with Italian style. Shane’s journey, rooted in the carnival aesthetics of Trinidad, seamlessly intertwines with Luca’s Italian sophistication. Their swimwear, resort wear, and glam wear collections redefine contemporary fashion, offering an unparalleled experience in elegance and forward-thinking style.

11 Threads Roma is committed to sustainable fashion, prioritizing eco-friendly materials and production practices. Their carefully selected luxury fabrics epitomize both quality and sustainability, echoing their commitment to a greener future for fashion.

Carukia Swim also presents unique swimwear styles, celebrating the Caribbean’s cultural diversity through the use of sequins and feathers. This brand’s designs are a vibrant homage to the region’s rich heritage.

Miami Swim Week: The Shows, led by founder Moh Ducis, has established itself as the fastest-growing luxury fashion show production ecosystem, specializing in innovative fashion concepts, technology production, and execution. With sponsors like Laifen, Island Tribe Wellness, Baia Beach Club, One30m, Kitty Kat Coin, Boxed Water, Seaspice, and Milan Laser, the event continues to elevate and celebrate diverse voices in the fashion industry.

The contributions of these Black-owned swimwear brands not only highlight their creativity and innovation but also their commitment to sustainability, cultural representation, and social justice. Their presence at Miami Swim Week: The Shows is a testament to their impact on the fashion world and their role in shaping the future of swimwear.