Crazy outfits and diverse runway shows at Miami Swim Week

An extreme new take on the “underboob” bikini trend has taken Miami Swim Week by storm — but would you be brave enough to wear it?

Miami Swim Week brings out the creative in everyone — from designers to models and guests, each one eager to show off their bods in incredible fashion.

This year’s event kicked off last Thursday land will run until Tuesday, featuring runway shows and pop-up events from the biggest designers to emerging artists.

Now in its 37th year, the annual trade show gives prominent and emerging designers the chance to showcase their collections of beachwear, swimwear and resort wear in the most bikini-friendly city in the US.

And there’s one take on the underboob bikini trend by Aussie swimwear brand Vincija that’s really causing a stir, thanks to its daring strap that’s being likened to a “measuring tape”.

Australian brand Vincija Swim turned heads with this skimpy take on the ‘underboob’ bikini trend. Would you be brave enough to rock it at the beach? Picture: Supplied/Vincija

Shown at the The Fashion Palette Runway Show in Miami, the barely-there bikini turned heads thanks to its bold new take on the already popular swimwear trend.

But it’s not all cheeks and underboob. Several labels, including Australian label Aqua Blu and Sports Illustrated Swimsuit, made a concerted effort to feature a diverse range of models on their runways — a move that hasn’t gone unnoticed.

But first, let’s take a look at some of the most bizarre bikini choices that graced the runway at this year’s Miami Swim Week:

THE LOIN CLOTH SURPRISE

This string bikini, by label Oh Polly, literally took our breath away … and not in a good way.

The top half — featuring a misplaced nipple — looks as though an errant toddler took a pair of scissor to each triangle backstage, and there was simply no time to fix it.

As for the bottom half of the swimsuit, the highly stretched silver material reminds us of a puppet show curtain that, in our opinion, should remain closed for business.

Oh Polly, what have you done?

The loin cloth vibes were strong in this year’s Miami Swim Week spread, with models donning bejewelled loin cloths and golden loin clothes with matching golden heels snaking up their bare legs.

Well, ahem … This is certainly a statement.

Nothing says ‘Dive in, the water’s fine!’ like a bejewelled landing strip.

THE UNDERBOOB

While we can appreciate the merits of a sexy underboob, especially when rocked by the stunning Em Rata, when featured in a swimsuit, logic would dictate this underboob would morph into a full moon situation rather rapidly.

Which is never good, for anyone.

As for the complicated, apron-style tie-up at the bottom, honestly, who even has the energy?

The ultimate underboob, by Oh Polly … again.

Take one more step without those things flopping out … I dare you.

THE MEDIEVAL MISTRESS

This brass creation smacks of a pretty gnarly chastity belt from the Middle Ages, crushed around this poor model’s curves.

Except, this girl’s father was so determined to keep her from temptations of the flesh, he welded her an entire chastity suit.

I hope someone’s got the key, mate.

This medieval, brass gold one-piece swimsuit has way too much going on IMHO.

She’s outta here, but how she’s going to get out of that swimsuit is anyone’s guess.

‘ICE’ QUEEN

If you grew up in the naughties, you’d remember this swimsuit hanging off a mannequin at your local “Ice” or “Supre” store.

You know the ones, massive chunks cut out of the sides, absolutely no support for your boobs, and a trendy little belly chain for some bling.

Bit late, guys. Unfortunately, we’ve been there and done aaalll of that.

Aah yes, this old number. We meet again, ill-fitting friend.

THE PLASTIC FANTASTIC

Isn’t it so fun when terrified strangers see you on the beach and think you’re totally naked?

Haha, I know, me too!

That’s why these bikinis are best for those days when you really want to get noticed … or arrested for public nudity.

Those tricky plastic straps, causing mayhem wherever they go!

Just a couple of cups and a triangle over here, nothing to see.

Oh this? I just found some flowers and a glue gun lying around at home, you like?

Now, that concludes the ridiculous section of Miami Swim Week, so let’s get into some of the more empowering stories from the runway.

A special open casting call for the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit show drew hundreds of models and novices to Miami’s South Beach, each vying for the chance to walk the runway.

Only 17 women were chosen to walk in the final show, which feature beautiful women from all walks of life.

AQUA BLU

The Australian swimwear label, Aqua Blu, made diversity a major feature of their runway show during Miami Swim Week 2019.

Strong colours and statement prints featured throughout the collection, but the incredibly diverse selection of models turned most heads.

Models of all sizes and ethnicities proudly strutted down the runway in custom swimsuits, including body-positive advocate Latecia Thomas, who finished the show in a stunning navy blue bodysuit and a tulle skirt.

She thanked the label on Instagram for “putting together a beautifully diverse and all-inclusive show”.

SPORTS ILLUSTRATED SWIMSUIT

Sports Illustrated took a refreshingly diverse approach to its showcase this year as well, featuring an inclusive group of models, selected during an open casting call last week.

From plus-size models to older models, women from different religious and ethnic backgrounds and women with medical conditions, the runway was jam-packed with diversity, and the crowd absolutely loved it.

HALIMA ADEN

Proving she’s right where she belongs, 21-year-old Halima Aden opened the Sports Illustrated show in a silver burkini, featuring a message emblazoned down her sleeve: “Change the Game”.

The Somalian refugee made history this year as the first model to grace the pages of the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit edition wearing a hijab and burkini.

Sports Illustrated model, Halima Aden, showcased a stunning silver burkini.

KATHY JACOBS

The 55-year-old actor and model graced the runway in a stunning grey, animal-print two-piece.

Kathy Jacobs walks the runway in a grey animal-print two-piece.

CHRISTIE VALDISERRI

The model, who lives with alopecia, strutted her stuff down the runway in a watermelon-themed, high-waisted bikini.

In an incredible moment, the dance teacher and hair loss advocate suddenly whipped off her blonde wig, showing off a cleanly shaved head and grinning before an ecstatic crowd.

Christie Valdiserri walked the runway at South Beach.

Before ripping off her blonde wig.

DJANIEL CARTER

The former professional dancer turned model sustained “traumatic injuries to both of her legs”, Sports Illustrated explained on their Instagram account.

Carter has also battled an underlying medical condition doctors are yet to diagnose that leaves her in constant pain, extremely fatigued and often unable to walk.

“Despite the fact that she has a weakened ability to walk and stand, she has not let that stop her from pursing her dreams,” the post read.

MJ Day and Djaniel Carter walk the runway together.

Wheeled onto the runway by Sports Illustrated Swimsuit editor MJ Day, Carter looked stunning in a red and white tie-dyed bikini.

She even managed to stand up briefly and strike several poses.

Despite her pain, Carter managed to stand up and pose for the cameras.

BRIELLE ANYEA

This stunning plus-size model brought fierce energy to the runway, rocking an earthy-toned two-piece swimsuit featuring gold, auburn, rust and peach hues.

Brielle Anyea says ‘everybody is a beach body’.

Brielle explained on her Instagram she came to the open casting call, to represent “my fellow chubby chocolate sisters”.

“So when they told me yes, I knew it was a yes for us all,” she wrote.

“I cannot wait to strut my stuff on tomorrow’s runway and show everyone what we’re made of.”

And did she ever.

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