Miami Swim Week 2021: Catwalk highlights Inclusivity & Diversity

After missing out on Miami Swim Week last year, the annual swimwear showcase is back and it’s truly a reason to rejoice.

Miami Swim Week saw its most inclusive and diverse casting yet with a host of shows that put women of all sizes, shapes and ethnicity on the runway. Now, in the aftermath of the shows, people are praising the brands that made strides in redefining what beauty can look like and are reflecting on what that might mean for younger people watching the shows today.

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In previous years the catwalk has been criticized for having a lack of diversity – but this year’s event has been praised for being “inclusive”, with runway shows featuring women of diverse body types, ages and races.

The Sport Illustrated show, held at the luxury Mondrian Hotel over the weekend included plus-sized models, mums and the “oldest/shortest Sports Illustrated rookie ever” – 57-year-old model Kathy Jacobs.

“Women of different shapes and sizes, not just one type of beauty that was highly unattainable for most women.

“I hazard a guess that body image would not be as bad as it is right now. Don’t you?”

She stated that although the show wasn’t “perfect” it was a sign the fashion industry was “getting there – slowly but surely”.

Comments on her post lit up, with many sharing the joy at seeing “curves” at the event.

“It would have changed the GAME for body image,” one agreed.

“I love this,” another wrote.

“Makes me sad that this isn’t the ‘norm’ and it bloody well should be, they look flippin’ awesome,” someone else added.

Similar messages were shared on the Sports Illustrated Swim Instagram account, with many thanking the long-running magazine brand for “young women everywhere”.

Black women in bathing suits practically broke the internet during Miami Swim Week 2021, and of course, we are completely here for it! Below, see our recap of the best celebrity moments spotted on the catwalk.

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First, Angela Simmons truly understood the assignment as she strutted down the runway in a barely-there royal blue bikini, paired with a multi-blue colored floor-length duster from the Matte Collection.

Other brands have followed suit, with global e-tailer PrettyLittleThing featuring 28 models “of all shapes, sizes and walks of life” as part of the brand’s commitment to be “truly committed to inclusivity”.

While being serenaded by “Whole Lot of Money” rapper Bia, the mother-of-one showcased her “built not bought body” and sent the internet wild as she posted the unfiltered video on her Instagram. Even her little cousin, Ming Lee Simmons dropped hearts in her comment section.

Next, Love & Hip Hop: Hollywood star, Princess Love showed us bawdy when she graced the runway wearing a black one-piece by designer Adam Saaks in collaboration with Religion Clothing. “Princess Love holds the crown as the Top Model in the world, prove me wrong,” the scissor-happy designer shared on his Instagram stories.

The show included transgender stars, pregnant models, disability activists, plus-size models as well as influencers and socialites wearing swimwear designs available in sizes 4-30.

Australian model Gabby Epstein walked in the show wearing an orange bikini with matching strappy heels.

Fitness influencer Bruna Lima – who is eight months pregnant – walked in the budget brand’s runway show minus her shoes alongside 19-year-old Anna Sarol, who went down the runway in her wheelchair.

In 2015, the former gymnast fell on the uneven bars, which left her paralysed from the waist down.

Transgender star Tokyo Stylez, known for styling Cardi B’s hair, and RuPaul’s Drag Race star Gia Gunn also walked for the show.

Aussie label Honey Birdette also had two queens from the iconic TV show on its runway, with Violet Chachki and Aquaria wearing the label’s provocative designs.

“I always get asked, ‘Who’s your demographic?’ but I don’t believe in demographics anymore,” brand founder Eloise Monaghan said.

Honey Birdette’s 2021 swim collection features styles in red, black, leopard and neon, with gold medallions and contoured cut-outs.

The designs have also been constructed using Italian eco fabric made from recycled materials and plastics recovered from the Mediterranean Sea.

Kylie Jenner, Cardi B and Paris Hilton are all fans of Honey Birdette, which was this month bought by Playboy’s parent company PLBY Group for $445 million.

All images courtesy / credit – Getty / Sun sentinel