Miami Melts The Runway: Ditch Winter And Head To Fashion Week!

January is the perfect time to escape the cold weather and head to Miami for some fun. From January 24 to 28, there’s an added bonus to enjoying a Miami getaway - Miami Fashion Week!

For 26 years, Miami Fashion Week has taken place in the heart of the city known for its diverse influences and has served as a vibrant platform to celebrate fashion as art, culture and lifestyle. This year’s event includes runway shows, various activations, a VIP dinner and more. 

It's almost time for models to walk the runway in new fashions during the much-anticipated annual Miami Fashion Week. 

This year’s event offers something completely different than in past years by featuring the streetwear space with the legendary “Godfather of Urbanwear” Karl Kani as the official featured designer. There will be a dedicated runway show to highlight Kani’s much-loved signature designs.

“For the first time we’re doing a streetwear show and we have no other than the guy that originated it all, Karl Kani. He’s a legend. Back in the day, he worked with Tupac, Biggie, all these very big names. He dressed Michael Jackson as well,” said Lourdes Fernandez-Velasco,Executive Director of Miami Fashion Week.

“He’s an icon himself and the fact that we’re starting to showcase streetwear at Miami Fashion Week and we’re doing it with him, I feel like it’s super exciting. It’s his first time in Miami too. So a lot of firsts. He’s definitely our highlight. He’s a walking legend really.”

Other designers participating in this year’s event include Agatha Ruiz de la Prada, Yas Gonzalez, Ángel Sánchez, Giannina Azar, Rene by RR, and Lisu Vega. This eclectic lineup promises an unforgettable experience that will not only inspire, but also redefine the boundaries of fashion.

“We have a lot of new stuff going on. We have a lot of activations going on and we’re returning to Gary Nadar Art Museum, which is an iconic museum here in Miami,” Fernandez-Velasco said. 

“Miami Fashion Week has been going on for a while. The last few years we have been making more noise because we have been working with very big fashion houses and evolving celebrities. We’re also bracing the quality of the brand that take place. It’s happening all at the same time as Miami as a city is thriving. We went through a very good couple of years. It’s a good event for the industry but it’s also a good event for enthusiasts.”

To kick off the event, there will be a VIP dinner with key people from the community and industry the night before the festivities begin. There will also be a signature opening luncheon with influencers and socialites, as well as a moderated panel to discuss style and culture in honor of the 50th anniversary of Hip Hop, with Kani speaking.

Continuing the ongoing mission of sustainability, Miami Fashion Week will also host a Summit led by leaders paving the way for sustainable style.

“It’s a great vibe overall. You’re surrounded by artists, you’re surrounded by people that share this common passion for fashion. Miami’s crowd is interesting because even though they’re not professionally involved in the fashion industry, everybody has a special weakness for the industry," said Fernandez-Velasco.

"It’s a great experience to be a part of it. Until you come and experience it, it’s really unique. It’s very diverse culturally. When you’re there, all these different groups come together. What brings them together is a passion for fashion which is art.”

And what a perfect time to visit Miami, when the weather is in the 70s while many other areas of the country have a few inches to feet of snow and below freezing temperatures.

"January is usually super nice, super sunny, perfect weather. Temperature wise we cannot complain. We’re in our 70s but it has been a little cloudy, I will say," Fernandez-Velasco said. "I’m not seeing the sun much, but I cannot complain. I know it’s snowing and very cold everywhere else. We’re in the 70s, we’re okay.”

Limited tickets are available for the events but must be pre-purchased online. There will not be tickets for sale the day of the events.