Fringe is in!

Part two of my weekend exploring Swim Week 2016 was a pool party and swim wear fashion show at the recently renovated and fabulous Shelborne Hotel.

A 1940 Art Deco hotel, the Shelborne hotel underwent a $90 million renovation and highlighted the classic car theme, a telling sign of the auto design that was to come in the 1950's. The hotel reopened in September 2014.

The pool deck was the perfect setting for a dual pool soiree, vendors exhibit, and fashion show.

Photo credit: Vannia Enriquez

First piece of business is the traditional Step-n-Repeat photo opp. But instead of red carpet, it's a blue carpet to represent the blue ocean or pool water to wear and showcase your new bathing suit.

Christine Michaels on the blue carpet

The cabanas were brimming with exhibitors showcasing swim and fashion accessories. From jewelry-inspired temporary tattoos, to sunglasses, shoes, and of course swimwear.  I ambled down the poolside and visited a few "cabanas".  A great way to pass the time in between pool dips--networking and shopping!  Immediately, I was drawn to the out-of-ordinary presentation of a man wearing a hat sitting at an old typewriter with its own signage "The Biscayne Poet".  Intriguing...

Christine Michaels sits down with Biscayne Poet, Oscar Fuentes

Impromptu writing! I love it. So my poem reads:

Yes I am a mermaid!

To learn more, visit www.thebiscaynepoet.com and follow on Twitter/Instagram @thebiscaynepoet.


In the same cabana was Peroni and their high fashion sunglasses. The rep asked me to model a pair of my choice for the photo opp. Sure!  And the poet asked if he could be in the photo--the more the merrier!  So I chose a leopard print frame to complement my Wildfox swimwear coverup shirt.  Love the glasses (Only $187).

The Biscayne Poet, Oscar Fuentes and Christine Michaels

Next I run into another Miami lifestyle blogger, Vannia Enriquez of FlairMiami, selling tank tops to "Blog Your Heart Away".  Yes we are passionate about blogging.


 After getting my gold and black foil (temporary) tattoo on my arm (to match my bathing suit) it was time to relax at my lounge chair before the fashion show. In watching people walk by,  the person next to me pointed to this attractive, striking woman with a presence.  It was Marysol Patton, of Miami's Desperate Housewives reality show. Candidly I have never seen the show but I knew the name more for her reputable PR firm, The Patton Group,  a leading full-service public relations, special events, and marketing firm, catering to the high-end luxury goods, spirits, hospitality, and restaurants.

Miami Desperate Housewives' Marysol Patton and Christine Michaels

Clearly Marysol was in charge of the PR for the day's event.  Actually I kept bumping into her photographer during the runway show.  Speaking of which, the featured swimwear and apparel was by Bianca Coletti.

My favorite model was this little girl. Her face was exquisite and she had it all. The walk, the look, the attitude. But still sweet.



To view more swimsuits, click on this highlights video.




 Admiring the outdoor architecture of the Shelborne, I'm reminded how trends affected design not just for buildings but fashion as well. The Shelborne staircase is Art Deco with emergence of MiMo architecture, the next architectural boom following Art Decoratif.





 

The younger models

Time to take a dip in the pool

This was a fun and perfect day in every sense.  This is my Christmas--in July. Taking time off, relaxing, and doing my favorite things--sunbathing, socializing and shopping all in one.

 Well as much as I would have enjoyed lounging by the pool with endless champagne and cocktails, alas I had to get ready for the next event in the evening--a swimwear show at the exclusive Versace Mansion! Stay tuned.