Curves and Consciousness at Miami Swim Week

Inclusivity, diversity and sustainability are no longer just fashion industry buzzwords. Now more than ever these VIPs -- very important perspectives are at the forefront and I daresay are here to stay,  At this year's Miami Swim Week, many shows represented this new norm, but here we spotlight some of the best and brightest who recognize the need to make swimwear for all body types, all gender identities, and from materials that lessen and minimize fashion's adverse impact on our environment.

Hunting Hue the LGBTQ + founded sustainable brand by Australian photographer Rebecca Collinson-Smith, made its debut at Paraiso Miami Swim Week by sending models down the runway in gorgeous swimsuits inspired by Sydney's vibrant culture and made from recycled plastic bottles! Plus, transgender. RuPaul Drag Race star Carmen Carrera (@carmen_carrera) opened the Hunting Hue show wearing one of their oceanic prints which were actually made from aerial photos Rebecca shot high above several Sydney landmarks.

Collinson-Smith also debuted Draw On Swimwear (DOS), a sustainable collection of swimwear and accessories for children that allows them to draw on their suits and create their own unique wearable art! Using design and color kids are empowered to release their inner artist and express themselves, which also helps to foster their self-esteem.

DOS fabric is also UPF 50+ protected and water repellent. These adorable and sustainable looks were drawn by the models who wore them:

Miami Native Lila Nikole Rivera is indeed multifaceted - the noted stylist for folks like Kim Kardashian and Chrissy Tiegen, and costume and wardrobe designer for Carnivals and massive worldwide shows, is also a swimwear designer who prides herself in designing swimsuits for 'every body'.  It was great to chat with Lila about her thoughts on the topic.

Inclusivity for the Lila Nikole brand means much more than body type as she regularly features transgender models on her runways - model/actress Carmen Carrera also walked her show during Miami Swim Week Powered by Art Hearts Fashion.

By isolating in a room and turning on music the designer goes into a zone and starts to see the colors, the vibe and gets inspiration, which this year she described as being "like a pop art vintage collage".  The designs were lively, colorful and included boldly printed jackets and menswear. You can view the 'Graphic Paradise' collection here: Lila Nikole

BFYNE is a black owned Miami based swim and resort wear brand that since its inception not only strived to itself be included and seen for creating high quality, hand-sewn garments that are beautiful, culturally conceptualized and fashion forward - but also strives to be an inclusive brand whose garments can be worn and enjoyed by all. Clearly, a fait accompli as the BFYNE Art Hearts Fashion show is a consistent crowd pleaser and always attracts a diverse crowd, whether it be in the audience or on the stage.  See the entire gorgeous and meticulously crafted collection here: www.bfyne.com

SIGAL, is a Miami-based resort wear brand committed to ethical fashion and sustainability. Founder & Creative Director Sigal Cohen Wolkowiez, a graphic textile artist by trade, hand paints the creations with watercolors and uses natural and sourced materials including lotus, linen, cotton, silk and recycled polyester.

SIGAL has also proven its commitment to being an inclusive brand as evidenced by the chic curvy-girl looks displayed during their Miami Swim Week show - a vibrantly hued, colorful collection called 'Alize' which was inspired by the city itself.