Miami Fashion Week 2017: What to Expect and New Trends

Miami Fashion Week 2017: What to Expect and New Trends

Every year, Miami Fashion Week is a true spectacle of Florida culture, beach life and today’s fashion stage. Florida is the swim fashion capital of the world, packing panoramic views, midday art walks and beachside displays. Soho Studios is proud to be in the mix, and we’re dishing out this year’s biggest arrivals. Miami Fashion Week hits on May 31, so get ready, gear up and get wild with these new trends, designers and events.

Art Basal

While Art Basal isn’t a fashion event, it still holds a heavy influence over fashion. Expect to see Dior, Chanel and Valentino. They roll into Miami each December, and they’re back to pack Art Basal with loads of fun. Bruce Weber and Terry Richardson will be there, too, photographing the event while signing books. Art Basal is expected to headline Miami Fashion Week, garnering attention up and down the street.

Funkshion Fashion Week

For your edgy pattern fix, we suggest Funkshion Fashion Week Miami Beach. It lasts four days, wrapping up Miami Fashion Week in the allure of music, a sizzling sartorial showcase, emerging designers and rad presentations. It’s established by providers like Chloé, but it’s contingent upon purchasing power. Show entires are free, and display items are available in nearby stores.

The First Faces Competition

On the event side of things, the First Faces Competition will highlight 2017’s hottest runway models, fashion statements and emergent styles. If you don’t see First Faces, you’re missing out. It pulls some of Fashion Week’s highlights to the forefront, giving you a dose of culture. Really, it summarizes this year’s greatest, most creative fashion choices. Don’t miss out.

The SwimShow & LingerieShow

Hosted in the Miami Beach Convention Center, the SwimShow & LingerieShow is a 400,000 square-foot exhibition. Stop by, and check out over 2,500 swim, resort, lifestyle and intimate apparel retailers. You’re bound to find interesting yearly additions here, and you can expect to see a variety of accessory designers tossed in, too. If you favor the beach-goer look, sandals and summery shades, you’ll be in the right place. Check out this year’s leading selections by Oscar de la Renta and Nanette Lepore, or get sporty with Oakley and Body Glove.

1,200 Jewelry Booths

Jewelry will be at this year’s forefront, too. The Jewelers International Showcase is one of the largest jewelry-based trade shows in America. Across its three trade shows, about 4,000 jewelry buyers will hit the Miami Beach Convention Center. Every year, the world’s largest venders—and some new ones—populate over 1,200 booths. They present new goods, introduce industry newcomers and offer low, mid and high-range purchasing options.

Miami Fashion Week, in many ways, promotes the area’s surrounding culture by giving consumers what they want: new, legendary collections. Even styles not native to Miami have a place. Because the event puts the purchasing power into the public’s hands, a slew of new fashion designers, businesses and creators have a place for expression. Check out this year’s alluring options, and navigate the high-end selections reserved for today’s hottest brands.

How Nike Likes to Celebrate Anniversaries

Are anniversaries promotional? We’d like to think so. Nike’s shoe-inspired pop-ups have come a long way. Now, they’re extending into dynamic promotional territory with the brand’s “Sneakeasy” in promotion of its Nike Air Max. Air Max Day is a thing, and it’s been celebrated every year for the past four years. Highlighting the company’s past and present designs, Air Max Day is a much-celebrated event guaranteed to turn heads.

From East Coast to West Coast

In promotion of the Air Max’s 30 years of success, Nike’s Sneakeasy pop-up stand took an always-accessible approach. It traveled from New York City to Chicago, stopping in Toronto and Los Angeles on the way. Select locations featured the VaporMax model—which is one of the company’s newest, coveted, model.

Yeah, the event was based on R.S.V.P. interactions. That said, Nike’s interactive experiences don’t come cheap. Marketing real estate in New York, Los Angeles, Toronto and Chicago is top-tier, and the brand excelled in highlighting its strategy while throwing a rad party.

All About the Art

The Sneakeasy, while inherently a promotional stand, offered interactive art experiences. Hosting live music performances, curated exhibits and local influencers, the Sneakeasy was a one-stop culture shop for locals and travelers alike. The interactive Air Max display was, of course, the centerpiece. Alongside the Nike Air Max 1 Flyknit, the Nike Air VaporMax made quite an impact.

Nike pulled it off by showcasing its many innovations, remixes and re-releases. According to Matthew Kneller, Nike North America’s communications director, it was the brand’s first-ever stab at a speakeasy-inspired pop-up. Understandably, speakeasies and sports don’t always mix. By commodifying quality products, however, Nike succeeded in giving consumers full product access while retaining the classiness and intimacy of a true-blue speakeasy display.

An Unorthodox Event Space

The Sneakeasy’s event spaces are worth mentioning. At every destination, Nike planted its feet in urban locations to engage consumers. The Toronto Sneakeasy, for example, was established in an unoccupied Chinatown warehouse. While unorthodox, the location still garnered attention. Guests who procured golden tickets from Nike’s much-advertised Air Max Bus were given VIP access. At every location, interiors were inspired by the much-loved Air Mx 90 style. There were upside-down shoe portraits. There were benches. Yes, there were Nike-themed history displays. Nike relied on intelligent modern artists to pull off the look—and it worked.

The first Air Max shoe rolled out in 1987. This brand cornerstone was highlighted by Bryan Espiritu—an artist who created a “Tear down this wall” display in homage to President Ronald Reagan’s Berlin Wall speech. Nike is a brand of culture. Like all cultural displays, its anniversary paired class with a modern edge. It was memorable, serving as modern proof that anniversaries still have great marketing potential. 

Miami Swim Week 2016

There are always new and trendy events taking place in Miami and during the week of July 18, there was Miami Swim Week. This event has been running annually for a few years now, and is set amongst the trade show for swimwear. After all, where better to showcase all of the latest bikinis, tankinis, and one-pieces than near the beaches of Miami? Press and buyers alike flocked to Miami and the event took place for six fun-filled days of runways, dinners, and parties.

It was all about the parties at Miami Swim Week. There were a variety of organizations that brought a lineup of events to the schedule, such as Funkshion and Dive. There were other brands that also hosted some independent events, such as Monica Hansen and Camilla. There were even some larger companies that hosted lounges and poolside bungalows.

Runway shows typically ran for about an hour and a half, which allowed various designers to showcase what they had coming up in the world of swimwear. Some of the hosted dinners overshadowed the designs, simply because of the level of glamour and glitz given to them.

There’s one thing that was obvious throughout Swim Week: one pieces are always going to be a respectable option. So many people think that there is a trend moving away from the one piece. However, it was the one piece that was the big winner. They give off a “Baywatch vibe” according to Katharine Newman, who is one of the leaders behind Bikini.com.

Elle fashion magazine was present at Miami Swim Week 2016 and showed some of the latest styles that were presented. They also helped to define what a front was, something that has been released for a few years, though has not entirely caught on. A front is what looks like a leotard bottom and is a very high cut bikini. Some definite it as a thong for the front in terms of just how high cut it really is.

The swim industry plans to return to Miami once again in 2017. The city has a significant amount of relevance, particularly within luxury fashion. There will be many more runway shows appearing throughout the city and whether it is swimwear, cocktail dresses, or something else, the city will be happy to act as the host.

There are some amazing hotels and event spaces that are available throughout the Miami scene. This is what makes it all so exciting when there are events that come into the metropolitan city. Each one is capable of helping the event become a success, especially when organizers can come together to provide a phenomenal schedule that will keep everyone engaged throughout the time that they are there.

What is experiential marketing?

If you are into event planning you most likely have some event planning tools you are comfortable with. There’s software, social marketing, even multiple event planning apps. There is one event planning tool that more marketers and event planners are utilizing. It is experiential marketing.

Experiential marketing uses one basic psychological fact…we learn from our experiences. It ties this fact in with a product or brand to help people feel a certain way about that brand. One such experiential marketing event took place recently at an event space in Miami called Soho Studios.

Soho Studios is no stranger to events in Miami. They have been a venue used by art shows, concerts, fashion shows, meetings, and parties. It has been used as a commercial shoot location, photography studio, and a film studio. It has been utilized by such companies as Ford Motor, Evian, Telemundo, and Puma.

This experiential event featured Absolut Vodka X and 2,500 excited Miamians. It was the Absolut X Bloc Party, and when the doors opened guests were asked to wear a mask or have their faces painted for a masquerade party.

As guests entered they were greeted by a giant archway with a DJ atop, and a bar on each side of the archway. Drinks at the bars included Absolut Greyhounds (Absolut & Grapefruit Juice), Absolut Caipiroskas (Absolut, lime and sugar), and Absolut punch. Absolut also commissioned Miami artist Agustina Woodgate to create artworks that would later be auctioned for charity.

No doubt the highlight was the show put on by British indie-rock band Bloc Party, playing for the very first time in Miami. It was an Absolut blast and you know the crowd left with a great feeling about the premium vodka brand.

Do you have a brand that could benefit from experiential marketing? Consider a venue in Miami that South Florida is turning to more and more for the hottest events, Soho Studios. With 65,000 square feet of multipurpose space, the venue is perfect for a variety of experiential events. Contact the experienced staff at Soho Studios who will assist you in creating your incredible event.

Google Glass and the future of event planning

People love attending great events but often, once they are there, think little about all the hard work that has gone into preparing the site and elements for the big night. However, planning your event requires a wealth of organization skills to promote a successful date. On the competitive scene of South Florida, just acquiring a venue in Miami that meets all your needs takes a true commitment to parsing the value of each one that is available. Having a good team around you will only go so far if you do not have things in order for yourself.

Using event planning tools is vital in today’s connected world of social media and mobile technology. People look to their smart phone for updates regarding the topics that interest them and these numbers are only going to rise. As time goes by more technology is becoming integrated to this "internet of things" such as our cars, watches and TV. Soon many of us will be walking around with a collection of tools that enable us to perform tasks that otherwise would have taken a desktop computer. In some cases there is no prior equivalent product on the market.

Google Glass is a new offering from the tech giant that has been getting a mountain of press over the last 6 months. The question is, how can it help manage your date at an event space in Miami? Well, first this is a wearable technology too! They are essentially Internet capable glasses. So, as opposed to hawking your cell phone all the time, interrupting conversations or becoming totally distracted by a new email message, we can have a constant flow of data that is directly in view at all times. While some people might imagine this to be the next step towards Borg singularity it just might be the tool you have always wanted as an event planner or event promoter.

Commercial Photography in Miami

Miami, Florida has become a Mecca for photographers and agencies looking for just the right backdrops for their work. It offers the intensity of a diverse metropolitan area, yet is just minutes away from sand, palm trees, and crystal clear blue waters. Miami photo shoot locations offer photographers in Miami the ability to create using everything from multi-million dollar mansions to the faces of hard working street vendors.

More and more commercial photographers are discovering Soho Studios as one of the best Miami venues for professional film and photography. Soho Studios offer over 65,000 square feet of versatile space. It is large enough to shoot a fleet of cars, yet it can be intimate enough for a lingerie campaign.

Located in Miami’s trendy Wynwood District, Soho Studios provides the exclusivity and privacy needed for photo and video sessions involving even the biggest names in the entertainment business. In circumstances where confidentiality, security, and privacy are critical, the team at Soho Studios can deliver.

If you are considering a commercial photography location, need space with the capability to provide remarkably diverse backdrops, or are even producing a music video, consider Miami, Florida and Soho Studios. We are South Florida’s premier photography studio, music venue, and convention space facility. We offer event space Miami and South Florida utilizes for a variety of projects, meetings, and shows. We have been transformed into party venues Miami is building its reputation on. Our world-class clientele includes names like Absolut, Puma, Ford Motor, Evian and American Apparel and many more.

Have an idea or concept? Contact the team at Soho Studios. Our network of South Florida vendors and suppliers can help you facilitate getting your commercial photography project done at the highest of levels. Our experienced staff can offer you the assistance to deliver your project to the most uncompromising of standards. There are photography studios in Miami…and then there is Soho Studios. Versatility, experience, and responsiveness. For commercial photography in Miami, choose Soho Studios.

Crowdfunding your event

If your event budget doesn't seem to quite be enough to pull off the type of event you visualize in your mind, there is a relatively new source of funds for event planning. Crowdfunding uses the internet to appeal to like-minded individuals who each provide small amounts of money to help get projects funded.

These individuals use websites like KickStarter.com to search for projects that interest them, and help them contribute to the bigger picture. For event planning, this can lead to some exciting options for funding, especially when dealing with events related to the arts or that benefit non-profit organizations. Crowdfunding in general and Kickstarter in particular are changing the way a lot of projects are getting funded.

Since their start just 4 years ago Kickstarter has had over 4 million people pledge over $618 million that has funded an amazing 41,000 creative projects. Anyone can get a project funded via Kickstarter as long as their guidelines are followed..

At the Wynwood District's Soho Studios, we have 65,000 square feet of space that can be used for concerts, an art gallery, and fundraisers. Our space can be used in variety of ways to showcase talent that may otherwise be missed by the mainstream media. If you are an event planner seeking a venue in Miami or Southern Florida, contact us as Soho Studios. We have a history of putting on events that range from the intimate to those that are global in nature. We can even help you in the development of your creative event, and help provide you with the information you may need to get Kickstarter funding.

Our team of experienced, creative people can be a tremendous asset when planning an event that involves the arts. Tap into that creativity. When searching for event space Miami, remember the importance the venue makes in the success of your event. Consider the versatile, creative atmosphere of Soho Studios.

COAST Show Miami

 

From humble beginnings in 2006, COAST Show debuted in Miami and has become one of the most know fashion shows in America. Karen Bennett, founder of COAST Show is a native from Chicago, Illinois and has been involved in couture fashion marketing as well as owning her own designer boutique store.

Now in 2013 Karen Bennett's COAST Show has increased so much that her show has become the epicenter of fashion trade shows in Miami. COAST Show now boasts over 250 collections and showrooms from across the country including Milly, Tibi, robbi & nikki, Citizen of Humanity, Twelfth Street by Cynthia Vincent, James Jeans, and Genetic Denim. For a full list of fashion labels click here.

COAST Show features different showrooms consisting of L'Atelier Group, Hotline Showroom, Simon Showroom, Joey Showroom, Lily Kate Showroom, Community Service, The Globe Showroom, Point A Showroom, and Blend Showroom.

What separates COAST Shows from every other fashion show? Well Karen Bennett made sure that her show was intimate allowing exhibitors to work closely with buyers. By making it intimate the whole experience becomes personalized. The goal is simple, create a space where the show is stress free allowing buyers to purchase high end luxury goods freely and with no pressure.

SHUTTLE SERVICE:

COAST will be hosting a daily shuttle on Show Days. The Shuttle Service will be available for pick up and drop off from The James Hotel and The Shore Club** to/from Soho Studios.

**Please note that you do not have to stay at The James Hotel or The Shore Club in order to use the shuttle. You can book at any local Hotel and catch the Shuttle at The James Hotel or The Shore Club.

COMPLIMENTARY SHUTTLE SCHEDULE: The Shuttle will pick up at The James Hotel and will then stop at The Shore Club, followed by Soho Studios. *Shuttle From the James Hotel to Soho Studios: 8:30am* | 9:00am* | 9:30am* | 10:00am* | 10:30am* 10:30am - Last scheduled am departure Shuttle pick up will be located on the street directly outside of The James Hotel/Shore Club on the Street.

Shuttle from Soho Studios (located outside front door) to James Hotel/Shore Club: 4:30pm* | 5:00pm* | 5:30pm* | 6:00pm* | 6:30pm* 6:30pm - Last scheduled pm departure Shuttle pick up will be located just outside of Soho Studios entrance *Schedules may vary slightly due to traffic. Shore Club pick up/drop off will directly follow The James Hotel pick up/drop off.

VALET PARKING is available for a $5 fee. The Valet will be located at the main entrance on NW 22nd Street.

If you are an exhibitor and want to know more please click here.

Dates from previous Coast Show in Miami

COAST Show is a fashion event that is not to be missed. The next COAST Show will take place on June 2nd between 10am to 5:30pm and June 3rd between 10am to 5pm. For directions please click here or view the map below.

View Larger Map

If you are a buyer, exhibitor or part of the press please click here for further information.

How to put on a fashion show

When you want to show off your clothing designs and get some excellent exposure one of the best ways to do it is to host a fashion show displaying your clothing line. This is the way all of the big designers started their careers.

One the most important elements of putting on as flawless fashion show is picking the perfect venue to have it at. You want to choose a company that is experienced in hosting events like yours, and that is well known in the community. Soho Studios in the Wynwood District is an excellent site to choose. It is well known in the community for its successful events. They host a variety of high profile events such as charity events, fashion photography, parties and formals, and many successful fashion shows, especially during Fashion Week. They have a superb rental space available and will provide you with professional accommodations.

There is a lot to do before Fashion Week, and exposure is the key to success for up and coming, and experienced designers as well. Miami is a great place to get started. Having a Miami fashion show could be the key to your success. This is not an easy task, you have to have a workable plan, and dedicated sponsors will help too.

Your entire plan and schedule of events should be in place long before the show. You will need plenty of time to put together your models, clothing, makeup artists, marketing and advertising, and your budget. Your budget may change as you plan your event, do not plan to stick strictly to your budget, leave room for flexibility.

You should then choose the theme of your venue, think of the type and design of your clothing line and try to draw inspiration from it. If your clothes are not in line with the atmosphere of your show it will be distracting to the guests. You want your show to flow smoothly from start to finish. This will include the décor of the event area as well as the music that you may have. It should all work together.

Of course you will need assistance with all of the preparation; you may be able to find people who are interested in fashion, art, makeup, etc. that would be willing to donate their time in return for the experience and knowledge they will get from assisting you. You do want to save money with volunteers, but do not forget the importance of having some paid professionals in place. They will be the ones that you will rely the most on to guide the volunteers, and this will relieve you of having to watch every second of the planning process as well as, and most importantly, the day of the show.

Fashion Bloggers

There used to be one fashion column in the local newspaper that women and men would refer to about the latest trends in clothing, apparel and accessories. But today, the entire world has gone online and fashion bloggers rule the Miami fashion scene. These bloggers take the web to chronicle the latest fashion trends for both men and women, and raise the awareness about the local fashion scene to a global audience.

As many Miami fashion magazines note, the fashion industry in the area is growing exponentially. The brands and style Miami has to offer are unique to the area, and fashion bloggers seek to raise awareness about the amazing fashion culture south Florida has.

One fashion blogger in particular, The Fashion Poet has helped to raise awareness and promote the Miami fashion scene. Soho Studios, which is located in the Wynwood District, is a unique venue that hosts many types of events, is often home to many types of fashion events. Recently The Fashion Poet wrote a great blog about her shopping adventure at the American Apparel warehouse sale at Soho Studios, complete with pictures of all her spectacular fashion finds.

In addition to the growth of the local fashion scene, global fashion icons are beginning to notice Miami as well. For instance, Cartier and Louis Vuitton are scheduled to open locations in the Miami Design District in 2012. This global attention only further validates the impact that fashion bloggers have on the industry. With hundreds of people blogging about the latest clothing design trends in Miami, the rest of the world is starting to take note.

Before you know it, Miami will be competing with New York and Los Angeles as one of the top fashion cities in not only the country, but across the globe. This rise in fashion power is due in no small part because of the fashion bloggers that chronicle the every move, trend and option in local fashion. Whether they are showcasing a great sale, or announcing a new store that is bringing more fashion options to the area, fashion bloggers are on top of the Miami fashion scene.

Soho Studios has hosted many Miami fashion shows and provides a perfect space for your next fashion event in Miami. Contact us today to reserve your spot.