Miami has established itself as a center of convergence between the north and south of the continent. It is here that the culture, art and fashion of Anglo-Saxons and Latinos come together, offering the best of both worlds. A great example of this is Miami Fashion Week (MIAFW), a unique multicultural expression venue.
Today it is recognized by the Council of Fashion Designers of America as the second largest fashion week in the United States. It was held every year during the last week of May and the first week of June, but since 2024 it takes place in mid-January.
In addition to the lineup of designers, runway shows, and events, it also has a philanthropic and educational component. Since 2016, a charity gala and a series of training workshops have been held as part of its agenda. But how did Miami Fashion Week come to be?
This is how Miami Fashion Week was born
The credit goes to none other than one of the most influential legends of international fashion: Karl Lagerfeld. This German designer made the Chanel Resort Show in South Beach in 2008. And from that moment on, it opened the door for other luxury brands to exhibit their collections in Miami.
At that time, it became one of the parties in Miami that celebrated emerging designers from Latin America. But eight years later, a new organization decided to expand its reach to immerse itself in the international scene. In 2016, Miami Fashion Week debuted as the first resort fashion show.
This is a style that was born to satisfy clients who were looking to wear haute couture during their tropical vacations. To be sure, it was an underexplored segment of the market that now puts Miami at the forefront of a global business, on a par with other major movements such as Art Basel Miami and the Miami Boat Show.
This city has always been an exclusive tourist destination and a meeting point for the best cruise companies. So naturally it became the only international platform focused on this clothing line.
It is not surprising that hundreds of designers, buyers, influencers, media and celebrities are part of the different events that take place during the four days of Miami Fashion Week.
Miami Fashion Week Main Events
Kick Off Party
Organizers invite designers, influencers, and socialites to kick off this celebration. This traditional party takes place at the Saks Fifth Avenue store in Brickell City Center. Although it is free, it can only be attended by invitation, so it is not a space open to the public.
The parades
The party moves to the Ice Palace Studios, where the fashion shows of the collections take place. This is a great opportunity for designers from all over the Americas to showcase original pieces. Usually, every year there is a guest country that highlights the talent of its artists. The exhibits are a perfect complement to the urban flair that is on display on the streets of Miami year-round. In particular, the Latin style that has established a voice of its own within Miami Fashion Week.
Although creators from other latitudes also participate, most of the designers come from Central and South America. Among the names that have passed through these catwalks are Andrés Sarda, René Ruiz, Ángel Sánchez, Ana María Guiulfo, Carolina Estefan, Agatha Ruiz de la Prada, Lina Cantillo, Custo Barcelona, among others.
Tickets can be purchased through the event’s official website. To get good locations, you need to keep an eye on the sale dates, as they sell out quickly.
MIAFW Fashion Summit
This is a space for those looking for a career in fashion. The talk series connects students, customers, and industry professionals around conversations about legal issues, sustainable fashion, innovation, and production.
General admission tickets cost on average $45. There is a student discount and it is free for students at Miami Dade College, home of the
Miami Fashion Institute
.
MIAFW Benefit Gala
The four days conclude with an exclusive charity gala hosted by Antonio Banderas, honorary president of Miami Fashion Week. It’s the most glamorous night of fashion week, where a silent auction is held with donated pieces. The money raised goes to the
Nicklaus Children’s Hospital Foundation
and Lágrimas y Favores, the latter created by Banderas. Admission is by invitation only.
In the words of Lourdes Fernandez-Velasco, Creative Director of MIAFW, this artistic gathering is international, philanthropic, sustainable, conscious, vibrant and innovative (Forbes, 2018). So if you’re wondering what to do in Miami besides visiting its beaches, shopping malls and the Everglades National Park, here’s one more excuse to visit this Caribbean paradise.
References
DeAcetis, J. (2018, June 10). What Makes Miami Fashion Week Different From All The Other Fashion Weeks Around The World? Forbes. Retrieved from https://www.forbes.com/sites/josephdeacetis/2018/07/10/what-makes-miami-fashion-week-different-from-all-the-other-fashion-weeks-around-the-world/?sh=90cfc847e067
Greater Miami Convention and Visitors Bureau. (n.d.) Miami Fashion Week. Retrieved from https://www.miamiandbeaches.com/event/miami-fashion-week/53
Martinez, N. (May 29, 2018) Five Miami Fashion Week Events You Won’t Want to Miss. Miami New Times. Retrieved from https://www.miaminewtimes.com/arts/miami-fashion-week-2018-best-events-and-runway-shows-10380293
Miami Fashion Week Summit. (n.d.) About us. Retrieved from https://miamifashionweeksummit.com/about