by MIKE CHAIKEN
CTFashionMag.com
MIAMI, Fla. — Sustainability and creativity walked hand-in-hand, bikini-in-bikini, down the runway at Paraiso’s Miami Swim Week on Friday, June 9 as fashion designs turned fabric destined for the dumpster into gorgeous swimwear.
Istituto Marangoni Miami presented the conclusion of its third edition of the Paraiso Swim-Upcycle Challenge at Collins Park under the huge Paraiso tent in South Beach.
The competition invited students to, according to press materials, “create two designs by upcycling dead stock fabrics donated from international swimwear and activewear brands. The selected students (were) paired with an established designer who (provided) mentorship throughout the process, culminating in a fashion show on the Paraiso runway.”
This year’s six finalists were Anabel Montiel who was mentored by Vitamin A, Barbara Khouri Miguel who was mentored by Tropic of C, Camila Balleste who was mentored by VDM the Label, Chenqui Jiang who was mentored by PQ Swim, Laure Sawaya who was mentored by Riot Swim and Fabiana Polito who was mentored by PEIXOTO.
PHOTOS by MIKE CHAIKEN
