Palm Beach Swim Week shows off new swim collections

Jessica & Anna Hess of Le Parasol

By Rachel Galvin

On Aug. 10, the media had a sneak peek at some of the fashions that will be on display on the runway during Palm Beach Swim Week, Aug. 25-27. Alex Kowtun, one of the owners of sponsor Monkey in Paradise Vodka, was among those in attendance, along with plenty of photographers and TV hosts there to capture the models and designers in action. Of course, founder Lilyana LoVela was there in a beautiful gown to host the show.

Upstairs, designers showed off their fashions on the rack and downstairs there was a fashion show later.

C.J. Golden with his Star Boy models

Four years ago, Polish-born Kasia Roginska began Karo Swimwear. She currently lives in Connecticut, but came out to West Palm Beach to show off her collection with painted on designs by Artist Matthew Jean, who has worked with celebs like Johnny Depp and Guns & Roses.

Nearby, Jessica Hess and her mom Anna showed off their colorful handmade parasols from their Le Parasol company. They have been working on creating them for a year now, purchasing their products from Italy and New York City. Ths Delray Beach-based duo have created a sense of fun with every piece. Each one is handcrafted and unique.

Munir Ingram of Miami Mun Rays & Kenny Ruiz of MagChop

“It takes a long time to make each, but it is so worth it,” said Anna.

They sell their umbrellas exclusively online right now, but are open to being in boutiques.

Kenny Ruiz, known for his MagChop colorful urban-spirited collages, now puts his prints on swimwear, in addition to his hats and mugs.

Sharon Tatem & model.

He began creating swimwear in January. He has 36 pieces in total, including bikinis, monokinis, one-piece and tankinis. (More on Kenny in previous blog)

He has partnered with Munir Ingram, who has a handpainted sunglasses line. His company is called Miami Mun Rays. Ingram has been creating his one-of-a-kind glasses for four years and has been selling them in Miami at Wynwood, in South Beach and North Miami, creating smiles wherever he roams.

“Kenny and I met at the Dade County Youth Fair,” said Munir. “His designs called to me. The opportunity presented itself for Miami Mun Rays, Inc.”

CJ Golden's male models certainly got attention on the runway with their stylish and sexy Star Boy swimwear – the “Break Free” collection. Made

Karen Nottage Williams (on right) & model

Kasia Roginska of Karo Swimwear

for the bold, this collection is inspired by the edgy, futuristic science fiction elements that are known to be in his repertoire.

The stunning Lilyana LoVela

Karen Williams Nottage of Legacy K, Inc. knows that the average woman is not a size 4. Marilyn Monroe and so many lusciously curvy women were average

Alex Kowtun of Monkey in Paradise Vodka

at size 12 and above. Nottage fits in that category and she wanted to find fashion that accommodated her voluptuousness and looked stylish at the same time. Boy, did she accomplish that feat with her amazing collection. Her looks are often copied, so much so she does not put her look book up on her website; you have to request it via email. In fact, one of her pieces that was worn by someone going to an inaugural ball was duplicated almost exactly recently.

Sharon Tatem translated her works of art into swimwear with a new collection with jeweled bikinis, wearable art dresses, matching art printed hoodies, leggings and tops. Known as an artist, who has showcased her work in over 50 galleries and numerous charity events over the last 35 years, she brought her 45 designs comprising of six collections to the show, each made with silky lycra. Her passion for fashion began with a silk scarf collection in 2014.

MagChop on the runway with Miami Mun Rays glasses tucked into trunks

These were only a few of the designers who were at the media event. To see all the designers showing their fashions on the runway, check out the Palm Beach Swim Week fashion shows this weekend. For more information, visit https://www.fusionfashionandart.com/palm-beach-swim-week.