Six South Florida designers want to dress you up.

Fashion Play

Six South Florida designers want to dress you up.

by Joanie Cox

photos: Josh Prezant



Important: This article was last updated on January 19, 2005. Please call ahead to confirm hours, prices, dates and other information.

With the Miami Design District growing faster than Paris Hilton's bank account, it's no wonder some of the hottest names in the fashion world are emerging right here in South Florida. We found six hot young designers whose work is causing whiplash in anyone who sees it. Lila Rivera is designing slinky, South Beach-ready swimsuits. Christian Alexander is creating meaningful T-shirts. Carrie Cochran's making fashionably funky clothing, while Joy Haizen and Jake Jacobson have started a clothing line to celebrate a movie they adore. And with a little turquoise and coral, Daniela Swaebe has given new meaning to the term arm candy. So in an area where all eyes are on labels, these designers' work is completely stare-worthy.

Lila Nikole Rivera


"I like fashion because you express who you are. My suits are for women who are strong and confident."

Lila Rivera has been a fashionista since the age of 6, when she began working as a runway, print and commercial model. After graduating magna cum laude from the Art Institute of Fort Lauderdale, she launched Lila Nikole Collection formerly A Swimwear a sexy line of women's swimsuits that has already gained global attention through her Web site, www.LILANIKOLE.com.

"I like fashion because you express who you are," Rivera says. "My suits are for women who are strong and confident."

Born in New York to Puerto Rican parents, she developed a love of fashion by watching her mother design garments and accessories. "I've always wanted to design, and I've always loved fashion," the 25-year-old explains.

"My No. 1 inspiration is Roberto Cavalli," she continues. "I love the colors and cuts he uses, and you don't have to see the label to know it's his. I also like Brazilian designer Ricky Sarkany's work and La Perla swimwear."

Ultimately, Rivera would like to design costumes for the movies. "I loved the costumes in The Lord of the Rings, The Last Samurai and The Matrix," she says.

The designer, who appeared as an extra in 2 Fast 2 Furious, hopes one day to have celebrities wearing her threads. "If I could pick any celebrity in the world to wear my suits, it would be Carmen Electra, Roselyn Sanchez or Jennifer Lopez."

Soon, Rivera may begin designing swimsuits for guys, too. "I've been getting a lot for orders to start a men's swimwear line," she says, "so I'm gonna have to jump on that."