Nicole Williams, Ellie Thumann, MJ Day, and Katie Austin
Nicole Williams, Ellie Thumann, MJ Day, and Katie AustinPhoto Credit: Matt Borkowski/BFA.com

Swimwear Icons Hall of Fame Launches in Miami with Celebrity Appearances and Industry Awards

The Exclusive Evening at The Bass Museum Spotlighted Legends Like Megan Thee Stallion, MJ Day, Natasha Oakley, and More—Ushering in a Bold New Chapter for Swimwear Culture, Sun Safety, and Industry Recognition

Miami Beach welcomed a stylish new tradition on May 28th, 2025, as Paraiso Miami Beach debuted the Swimwear Icons Hall of Fame (SIHOF) with a glamorous inaugural Honors Night at The Bass Museum. Designed to recognize the industry’s most influential figures—from trailblazing designers and photographers to game-changing media leaders and cultural icons—the event cemented Miami’s role as the global epicenter of swimwear innovation and expression.

Isabela Grutman, Karen Lima, and Thais Martins
Isabela Grutman, Karen Lima, and Thais MartinsPhoto Credit: Matt Borkowski/BFA.com

Honoring Legends Who’ve Shaped Swimwear Culture

Hosted by Camille Kostek, alongside Paige Mastrandrea of Ocean Drive Magazine and Karla Martinez de Salas of Vogue Mexico & Latin America, the ceremony brought together a dynamic mix of celebrity, fashion, and purpose. Among the honorees were powerhouse names whose work has reshaped perceptions of beauty, identity, and confidence in swimwear:

  • Cultural Icon: Megan Thee Stallion, for her seismic impact across music and fashion, encouraging a new generation to own their self-expression.

  • Media Icon: MJ Day, Editor-in-Chief of Sports Illustrated Swimsuit, honored for championing inclusion and redefining body representation in mainstream media.

  • New Media Icons: Natasha Oakley and Devin Brugman, recognized for their digital empire that turned aspirational beachwear into a community-driven movement.

  • Photographer Icon: Jamie Nelson, whose signature, high-gloss visuals have reimagined what modern swimwear photography can be.

  • Sustainability Icon: Amahlia Stevens, as the Founder, Designer and Chief Creative Officer of Vitamin A, she pioneered the sustainable swimwear movement

A Celebration Fueled by Performance, Style, and Storytelling

DJ Selena Sofia
DJ Selena SofiaPhoto Credit: Matt Borkowski/BFA.com

The evening was more than just an awards ceremony—it was a full-sensory experience. Attendees were treated to a live performance by Caroline Vreeland, whose vocals brought an intimate energy to the elegant museum setting. As guests arrived, a DJ set by Selena Sofia created an upbeat, celebratory tone for the cocktail hour, setting the stage for a night steeped in fashion, conversation, and forward-thinking purpose.

Introducing the “Sun Safe and Confident” Initiative

SIHOF also marked the official launch of the Sun Safe and Confident initiative, created in partnership with Toty, the skincare brand founded by Sofía Vergara. The initiative blends advocacy with style, aiming to educate the public on the importance of sun protection while promoting confidence at every body size—a theme echoed throughout the evening’s narratives and recognitions.

Nicole Williams, Ellie Thumann, MJ Day, and Katie Austin
Inside Cupshe’s 10th Anniversary Runway at Miami Swim Week 2025

Miami Beach’s Commitment to Swimwear Legacy

Liz Wenberg, MJ Day, Margot Zamet, and Kate Hyland
Liz Wenberg, MJ Day, Margot Zamet, and Kate HylandPhoto Credit: Matt Borkowski/BFA.com

Support for the initiative and the Honors Night extended beyond the fashion community. The City of Miami Beach, along with the Miami Beach Visitor and Convention Authority, backed the event as part of a wider cultural commitment. Plans are already underway for a permanent SIHOF landmark on Ocean Drive, a fitting tribute to the city’s longstanding influence in shaping swimwear trends and surfside glamour.

Event Partners That Elevated the Experience

LALO Tequila
LALO TequilaPhoto Credit: Matt Borkowski/BFA.com

Every detail of the night was crafted with intention, thanks to curated contributions from luxury and lifestyle partners:

  • Kevin Murphy – Official Haircare Partner

  • Toty – Skincare Partner and initiative collaborator

  • José Andrés Group – Culinary Partner, offering world-class bites

  • LALO Tequila – Spirits Partner, infusing the night with signature cocktails

  • Blacklane – Luxury Transportation Partner

  • H&C Collective – Experiential Production Partner

The Future of Swimwear Starts Here

Paige Mastrandrea and Nicole Williams
Paige Mastrandrea and Nicole WilliamsPhoto Credit: Matt Borkowski/BFA.com

With appearances by fashion luminaries such as Karolina Kurkova, Isabela Grutman, Claire Holt, Nicole Williams English, Lauren Chan, Ellie Thumann, Katie Austin, and Vita Sidorkina, the evening offered a visual feast of style and industry reverence—celebrating not only where swimwear has been, but where it’s heading.

As the swimwear world evolves in step with conversations around sustainability, inclusivity, and personal confidence, the Swimwear Icons Hall of Fame stands poised to become a lasting institution. It’s a call to continue shaping an industry that embraces all bodies, honors artistry, and leads with purpose.

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