Whether you are going to Miami for fun or for an event here was my experience and a couple of cool spots to check out.
This was my second year attending Miami Swim Week and it was an absolute blast. I attended five swim wear events including the top selling brand: Beach Bunny Runway show. This blog will go day by day of the seven days I spent in Miami for swim week. First tip! Get some braids. Miami heat and humidity is through the roof. It was very nice having my hair done everyday. Shout-out to @twistedbytee for the dope hairstyle whom is located in the bay area.
Day 1- Thursday
Nothing special, but I highly suggest taking a non-layover route. I flew from San Francisco on a six hour flight to Miami with American Airlines. I arrived that night in Downtown Brickell at Novotel Miami. The hotel was amazing with a roof top pool and bar. After I dropped my luggage off in my room I went to the lobby bar. I met two amazing people and we went out for a little bit that evening.
Day 2- Friday
During the day, I went to the first event. The event was held at a hotel in South Beach. The event was very small and only took about 15 minutes to walk around the room to see the bikinis and resort wear for sale. This event was open to the public and the swimwear was full price. However, some vendors did wholesale and would sell to a buyer. I met an aspiring fashion designer from New York and we talked over a cocktail and decided to go to The 1 to get some sushi at the rooftop bar. The views were gorgeous! However, you will need a wristband to go to the pool.
After I exchanged some great conversations, I decided to ask a stranger for a recommendation for a great place to get food. I typically travel alone especially for events such as MAGIC Tradeshow or Miami Swimweek. She told me to eat at a local spot called Sweet Liberty. The food was delicious. I met a girl who was in a helicopter crash the month before and her friend whom was a photographer.
Beach Bunny Runway show was AMAZING! I got to the event around 7:30 at Paraiso. Paraiso is a tent in South beach where they hold a lot of the runway shows and events. I met some influencers in line (that is a whole other world). As I walked into the event there was a room with a DJ and a bar giving out free drinks. There was a booth where free items from Beach Bunny were up for grabs. I grabbed a light blue bucket hat and some other items. I mingled until it was ready to find my seat. I walked in and sat towards the back (row 3). There were only 3 rows. I paid about $100 for my ticket. The girl next to me was also by herself and we decided to take some pictures. As we were taking pictures a random guy asked if I wanted to sit in his seat and gave me his bag. I said sure. He had the best seat in the house. Instagram Reel
After the show I went to Socialista Miami in Brickell. I thought the club was a really cool concept; however, the online reviews are terrible. Either way I really enjoyed the art and "house" concept of this place.
I met a model from LA and we hung out the rest of the night.
Day 3 - Saturday
I was invited on a yacht with the two people I met the first night. The group was chill and lots of fun. We went out from 11 am until about 4 pm. Afterwards I went back to my hotel as my two girlfriends came in from San Francisco to stay for a couple of days. That night we went out to Liv at Fontainebleau: DeadMau5 was playing.
Day 4 - Sunday
In the late morning we met up with a friend from the Bay that now lives in Miami Beach. We went to brunch at the Surf Club Restaurant at the Four Seasons Hotel. The Brunch was phenomenal and there was live music.
That evening I booked reservations to one of my favorite spots, Kiki on the River. The food is pretty good; however the vibe is the hype. Dinner ends around 9:30 and then part of the Restaurant turns into a night club with a DJ and bottle service. This is a place where you can rent a yacht if you wish.
After Kiki on the River, we went to visit my lovely friends from my home town Minot, ND. We went to the new rooftop bar called Rosa Sky in Brickel.. 10/10 recommend for the view. The downfall to this place is seating. You will need to reserve seating before hand or luck out at a seat at the bar or by the city lookout. Great place all in all.
Day 5 - Monday
I was up at 7 and went to three events that day. The first event I went to was at the convention center. This was called Swim Show. Basically, there are multiple booths which showcase swim and resort wear. Buyers, like myself, go and pick out pieces for next year's swim collection. My honest review on this event was a 5 out of 10. Many of the pieces were cheap and only single layered bikinis. There were some unique and well made bikinis, but this event had much of the lower priced swimwear.
The second event I went to is the Couture trade show at Fontainebleau Miami beach. The event is a 3 day event; however you can view the event in one day. I took about two hours to walk around and view the booths. The bikinis are higher end bikinis and many of the designers were there. Much of the swimwear is hand dyed, recyclable material, and made in Brazil, Columbia and, but not limited to, LA. After I walked around I ate lunch at one of my favorite spots Mediterranean Oceanside Bistro (La Cote). This is a gorgeous ocean view spot with a great chill vibe. Located at the same hotel, next to the pool.
After I looked at all my handouts and information from the Swim Show and Couture at lunch, I went back to my booths and put in an order. You can also ask them to send you a lined sheet and look book. However, be prepared for many e-mails.
The third event I went to was Hammock. I absolutely loved this event. I walked in and received a free water and a celery green fresh pressed juice. They had a small room of all the swimwear and resort wear worn at the runway shows. The other room had multiple booths of unique and high end swim wear. This was very similar to Couture, except it was decorated more beautifully.
Afterwards, I met up with my friends at Nikki Beach Miami. This place was really cool. Highly recommend. Dinner plans was in Brickell at Moxie's steakhouse.
Later that night we went to SWAN. Swan is located in the Miami Design District, and the two: David Grutman and singer/producer Pharrell Williams partnered together to create this place. This is also a great brunch spot. The restaurant has a night club upstairs at 11 pm when the restaurant closes.
Day 6 - Tuesday
I chilled at the Novotel pool. Beautiful pool with a bar and food available. Pool is open until midnight. They have events such as movie night or yoga. A beautiful view of the city of Brickell.
That evening I had dinner with my friend at North Italia Restaurant in Brickell. Great food; large servings.
Day 7 - Wednesday
I went to dinner at the cutest restaurant in Brickell: Crazy About You Miami. The restaurant had some unique art pieces and an outside seating area with a beautiful water view. After, I went to Mr. Jones which is a popular nightclub.