This year I was able to assist to Miami Fashion Week a press for Univision Radio. It wasn’t my first time, but it felt like it. Let me explain, my first Miami Fashion Week was on 2014. I was able to cover the fourth day as press, and I have to say that I enjoyed it, I did a few interviews and saw some of the shows. Back then, it all took place at Miami Beach Convention Center. However, this year was extremely great, under the new administration, there is a before-and-after very noticeable in the event.
I was in the press conference the day of the kick of, Wednesday May 30th, people from their board were present, the majors of Miami-Dade County and the City of Miami, a member from The Design Institute and of course, the honorary director: Antonio Banderas.
I was surprised to hear about Bandera’s interest in fashion and design, he actually went to school for that at Central Saint Martins in London. But, he is also interested in making the industry more eco-friendly. He mentioned the damage that is made in the production of jeans, and the risks to the workers’ health in that environment. I am not sure what measures he is taking for that, but at least it is a conversation topic.
Major Carlos Gimenez expressed his gratitude and his excitement for the event taking place in Miami; he emphasized the growing nature of the city, the constants expansion that is part of Miami, making reference to the view in Downtown and all the constructions cranes.
The idea is for Miami to become a fashion capital, like New York City, Paris or Milan. I understand that it will give the city a better status, but it is going to take a lot of work and time, not to mention that those cranes and the construction in Downtown, Miami that the major mentioned, have been always there.
This year’s edition of MIAFW featured Colombia as a guest country, Juliana Villegas from ProColombia was part of the press conference; she was delighted about Colombia being a guest and having five Colombian designers presenting their collections. I had the chance to see the show of three of them: Daniella Batlle, Carolina Estefan, Lina Cantillo (men’s wear).
I have to say that I loved Daniella’s and Carolina’s collections, they were so feminine, modern and effortless. It was refreshing to the eyes to see each piece moving on the runway. The colors that prevailed were pastels and white. The fabrics showed a lot of patterns mix with solids. Lina Cantillo’s collection offered the male audience something to look forward on that night. I was not a big fan of the collection, and I couldn’t understand the hair pieces that the models had on their heads, it was like a nest in construction, and I say this with due respect to the designer, models and everyone involved in this collection.
The final show of the night belonged to Custo Barcelona. A Spanish architect and designer. I loved the vibe, the music and the visual part of the show. But I had a hard time identifying myself with his creations. In my opinion, I am not the target of the collection, it is for a very strong, intimidating, rebel and independent woman. It was a more obscure collection, a lot of black, shiny fabrics, transparency, cut-outs and a lot of skin. I describe it as if the designer took a trip of acid and started sketching and sowing producing psychedelic and unique pieces, interesting and fashionista nonetheless.
Those were the only shows I was able to see, but it showed an up scaled and improved Miami Fashion Week than the one I attended on 2014. I look forward observing and attending the following Miami Fashion Weeks, let’s see how this event can change the status of Miami as a fashion referent.
Hello, I am Vanessa Brito 
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