A La Moda: Fashion Takes a Trip Down South

A La Moda: Fashion Takes a Trip Down South

by Linda Ripoll
03.09.2009



With NY Fashion Week being a thing of the past, it’s time for some of the other capitals to show off their take on couture. Los Angeles Fashion Week, Milan Fashion Week, and Paris Fashion Week are all notable events that bring out the glitterati for some of the most exciting functions of the year. One of my favorite cities and a place I called home for four amazing years has one of the steamiest fashion weeks of them all. Miami Fashion Week is the sexy little sister to New York’s iconic runway shows.
From March 19- 22 in Miami’s Wynwood Art District, stages will be brimming with Latin and European models that ooze the sensuality so many of the New York girls have left behind. From barely there bikinis to gauzy sundresses, Miami Fashion Week takes style and injects it with a healthy dose of passion, sex, and sun. At this year’s show, one can expect innovative new designs from burgeoning designers that reflect the rich cultural diaspora that only exists in South Florida. From the special showcase put on by the Dominican Republic Tourism Board to the Caribbean Designer Showcase hosted by the National Investment Promotions, Inc., the new creations debuting at Miami Fashion Week are set to take the international market by storm, seeing that Miami is the gateway to Latin America and beyond.
One of the most exciting aspects of Miami Fashion Week are the swimwear collections. Miami strolls to the tune of its own drum by representing fashion that speaks to its year round humid, tropical climate and overabundance of exquisitely beautiful models and dancers that call Miami home. A crowd favorite and a definite designer to watch is Lila Nikole Rivera, designer of Lila Nikole Collection formerly A Swimwear. Lila’s designs are a bold combination of sexy and sophisticated, which is why her suits have graced some of the most beautiful bodies in the world, including Kim Kardashian, Cristina Millian, and Vida Guerra to name a few.
I had the fabulous opportunity to interview Lila Nikole Rivera about her gorgeous new collection that’s ready for spring. After you see her sexy swimsuits, you might end up booking that trip South Beach for some fun in the sun before the end of the week!
What is the theme behind your new ‘09 collection? Lila Nikole Rivera: The collection is called Golden Rage.
What inspires your designs? LNR: My mood always inspires my designs. The way I feel is expressed in my designs.
Who is the quintessential LNC woman? LNR: Me! She is fearless and comfortable in her own skin. She is divine and she is not afraid of being a trendsetter.
Where will you be showing your new collection? LNR: My next showcase will be on March 27th during the Winter Music Conference with Will.iam and Fergie of the Black Eyed Peas.
What are some of the fabrics and textures we can expect to see in this new collection? LNR: This collection is full of karats. All of the fabrics are gold, bronze, and copper tones. The suits are accented with rhinestones, gold chains, and golden grommets.
What are some of the trends in swimwear for this year? LNR: I have noticed that the mono-kini has become very popular.
What is the best way for a chica to shop for a swimsuit? LNR: A chica needs to find suits that flatter her amazing curves and attributes. She needs to find the right silhouettes that will enhance her shape.
How do you determine if you’re bikini ready?
LNR: If you are comfortable in your own skin and feel you are ready to rock a bikini… then wear it!
As a Latina, how does your culture influence your designs? LNR: My Puerto Rican culture is full of life and color, spicy and bold. That’s the perfect description of LNC: spicy, sassy, bright, and alive.
What are some of the biggest mistakes women make when picking the right swimsuit? LNR: They pick a swimsuit that is way too small and grabs at all the wrong places.
Where can we buy your swimsuits? LNR: You can purchase some of my beautiful creations athttp://LILANIKOLE.com/.
Use the code “summer” and receive $20.00 off your next order.
For more information regarding Miami Fashion Week, please visithttp://www.miamifashionweek.com/.