South Florida just got a new fashion week to watch.
On May 29, 2026, Sunny Isles Beach Fashion Week held its inaugural edition at the Ballroom of MIA Oceanfront — and from the very first look, it was clear this wasn’t just another regional event. With the Atlantic Ocean as a backdrop and over 200 guests in attendance, the evening set a tone that felt both intimate and genuinely international.
What makes Sunny Isles Beach Fashion Week different from the start is its intention. Rather than positioning itself as a commercial showcase, the event was built as a social-impact platform — a space where emerging designers get real runway time, real media coverage, and a real shot at being discovered. With more than 100 applications received following an open call, the selection process was competitive. An independent panel reviewed submissions and handpicked the strongest brands for the debut edition. Over 60 models walked the runway that evening, with approximately 20 media outlets covering the show.
The event was presented with the support of VUGA Foundation, a nonprofit focused on empowering emerging artists and filmmakers through residencies, exhibitions, studios, and art programs that go beyond the conventional.
On the Runway
The evening opened with AKIMOTA, whose architectural silhouettes and sharp sense of modern femininity set a strong opening note. SKIBINA KNIT followed with richly textured knitwear that felt both luxurious and wearable — a difficult balance to strike, and they pulled it off.
Representing Kazakhstan on the international stage, AYDANA OMAROVA COUTURE delivered an haute couture collection rooted in feminine beauty and cultural heritage. The construction was immaculate, the detail work extraordinary.
Lev.i.Rosa, founded by Yuliia Volosovych, brought something genuinely unexpected: a collection where geometry meets romance, with signature prints derived from original drawings by two children, Lev and Rosa. The concept translated beautifully into bold tailoring and striking silhouettes.
Miami’s own NIKOZA, founded by Olga Nikoza, brought resort energy to the runway with vibrant swimwear and resortwear that felt distinctly South Floridian — tropical, elevated, and full of personality.
CHANCELL ALLAIYA BY ALLAIYA RICH leaned into individuality and personal expression, while VEIL offered a quieter counterpoint — fluid, lightweight, and deeply feminine. PASHUK BRAND by Mariia Pashuk commanded attention with strong silhouettes and a bold creative vision that read clearly from the first look to the last.
LA MAGNETIQUE, founded by Kateryna Frumina, presented a collection built around confidence and personal magnetism — luxurious silk pieces elevated further by Hinkelman leather basques. Baccio Couture delivered impeccably crafted eveningwear that felt timeless without feeling dated. And Bernard Holley closed the main lineup with a collection that balanced modern creativity with classic elegance.
Headliner: DrevelmaN Couture
The evening’s final word belonged to DrevelmaN Couture — and it landed. Founded by Miami-based designer Artem Drevelman, the house has been building a reputation for couture-level craftsmanship and artistic ambition, and this collection delivered on both counts. Exquisite eveningwear, intricate corsetry, Swarovski crystal embellishments, and handcrafted details throughout — the kind of collection that reminds you why couture exists in the first place. Jewelry by Majorica and Livingforce Jewelry completed the looks: Majorica pearls brought softness to the Victorian-inspired silhouettes, while Livingforce created a custom metal DrevelmaN logo and designed pieces around it specifically for this collection. It was a finale that felt genuinely grand.
Beauty
Behind the scenes, Dana Lekus and the DL Beauty Team were responsible for the runway beauty looks — and the standard was high. Lekus is one of South Florida’s most respected beauty professionals, and her team brought international fashion week-level execution to every look. Contributing alongside her were hairstylist Olena Sydorova, hair and makeup designer Yevhen Yevtushenko, and hairstylist Elena Grishina, with additional support from Elena Zaborskaia, Elizaveta Zhuravleva, Filip Kostov, Evgeniia Korovkina, Kristina Moroz, Nadezhda Borges (Kirillova), Rusana Dudina, Lilia Gelashvili, and Yulia Konstantinova.
Production and Photography
Video coverage was handled by Fashion.Events.Productions, directed by Alex.InstaDives. Official photography was by Stanislav Kozub, whose editorial eye has made him a fixture in fashion and lifestyle media.
Art and Culture
Interdisciplinary artist Kateryna Mariien brought the art world into the conversation, reinforcing what the organizers have made clear from the outset: this is a platform where fashion and contemporary culture meet.
The event was supported by a wide network of community partners including Dr. Jose J. Alvarez & Associates, New Image Works Miami, Pearl Wellness Center, Liberty Charters, MIA Oceanfront, Tsar Varvatsi Caviar, Miami Chocolate Fountain, DOM Film Production, VUGA TV, VUGA Foundation, Gossip Stone TV, Miami Sun Stage, Fama Living Miami, and many others.
For a debut edition, Sunny Isles Beach Fashion Week arrived fully formed. Organizers have confirmed plans to make it an annual event — and if this first season is any indication, South Florida’s fashion calendar just got a lot more interesting.
