by MIKE CHAIKEN
CTFashionMag.com
When you think swimsuits for 2021, swimwear brand Maaji says women should think small.
Maaji, a Colombian-based swimsuit and lifestyle brand, participated in Paraiso Miami Beach from Aug. 20-23.
The August Paraiso shows were rescheduled dates from July when the shows were delayed because of COVID-19. This season’s event is both virtual and in-person.
When it comes to trends in 2021, Laura Martinez, the swimwear designer for Maaji, said, “Everything sexy is coming in trend.”
“The smaller the better,” said Martinez.
“The most fashionable silhouettes are all those sexy little triangles and little thongs,” said Martinez.”
For one-pieces, said Martinez, “They will all be very sexy and with… prints that give a touch of novelty and sophistication.”
If Martinez compiled a mood board for Maaji’s 2021 collection, she said it would have “an eclectic mix of textures, flowers, and no doubt animal skins.
“This collection is an ode to the sacred fauna,” said Martinez.
For 2021, Martinez said, neon and bright colors will be hot.
At Maaji, Martinez said the trending colors are coral red, lavender purple, vintage grape, fuchsia and candy pink.
“We believe that these bright colors bring up a nostalgic trend of the ’90s,” said Martinez. “These colors have… energy and vibration.”
For those women looking for colors that are a bit more subdued, Martinez said Maaji also offers classic and conservative colors for 2021.
The running theme of Maaji’s new collection is celebration.
“People are eager to live again, to enjoy the summer and to be with their friends and family,” said Martinez. “People want to sunbathe, feel the sea water — live.”
The world has changed since last year when the current collections were presented. COVID-19 has changed the way brands are doing business. For instance, this year’s shows at Paraiso have restrictions put in place to keep guests safe. Members of the press in attendance has been scaled. Many of the shows will be streaming live as the fashion world veers further and further into the virtual world as everyone keeps socially distant during the pandemic.
“We have prepared and worked hard to be a brand ready for today because the future has arrived,” said Martinez. “We have built virtual platforms and plan to reach our customers in the most real way possible but virtually.”
“Our sales meetings are virtual; the catalogs are virtual; we have 360 degree videos of all products,” said Martinez.
Additionally, said Martinez, Maaji has been diversifying its brand to meet the challenges of a post COVID-19 world.
“Maaji is not just a swimwear brand; it is a lifestyle. We have swim, beachwear, apparel, accessories, activewear and protective wear,” said Martinez.
Maaji’s website has masks for sale right next to its swimwear. “Our protective wear line has been growing since the day we launched it,” said Martinez.
In addition, she said Maaji is expanding its brand into loungewear.
“We are willing to cover and satisfy all the needs of our consumer,” said Martinez.
For more about Maaji, go to Maaji.co.
PHOTOS COURTESY OF MAAJI