Swim Week
They brought the heat.
When the models feel confident in the clothing they debut, that energy is infectious.
Its empowering to everyone in the room particularly when the clothing in question is swimwear.
these days, plus-size modelElla Halikaswas a mainstay, appearing in nearly every show I attended.
Unfortunately, though, she was often the only one.
I feel like I was the token curve, she told Bustle over Zoom.
I just feel like we’re going backwards.
A majordeparture from swim weeks past, these days was noticeably short of plus-size models.
Like New York Fashion Week before it, the shift away from inclusivity was palpable.
They’re not even includingmid-size, which could be anywhere between a six to a 12.
The eights and 10s aren’t getting covered.
It was honestly disheartening, for sure.
They flauntedcrochet bikinis,high-rise sets, monokinis, dramatic one-pieces, and more with vivacious charm.
For that, they deserve to be celebrated.
Ahead, the most gorgeous plus-size looks to walk the runways of swim week 2023.
Though she was walking inKittenishs Miami fashion show, Nicole Rizzuto looked straight out ofThe White Lotus.
Eurocore-inspired patchwork made this high-waist style the perfect pick for an Italian getaway.
Halikas donned multiple 80s-era swimsuits forONEONE, including this playful two-piece fit for a roller rink.
Black-owned fashion brandCulture Treesdressed their models in colorful West African prints.
Ciara Shontel Smiths onesie featured vibrant, primary colors and multiple cut-outs.
Freya Lingerietreated attendees to undergarments and swimwear styles including this tropical two-piece.
Sinesia Karoldipped into the color block trend, dressing Halikas in a monokini equipped with sultry cut-outs.
Culture Trees dressed up a simple eggplant bikini with a woven cape of sorts.
Chin Loy debuted a fiery red string bikini for biodegradable swim brand Natasha Tonic.
Another style by ONEONE, this spicy suit looks even hotter on Halikas, thanks to her signature sass.
Another major swim trend was evident at Culture Trees:crochet bikinis.
This design featured a strappy detail for extra skin exposure.
Maximalists will fangirl over this watercolor Freya suit that boasts a virtual rainbow of bright summery hues.
Halikas and this lipstick-red Kittenish set are truly a match made in heaven.
