Backstage at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Miami 2008

On Friday, July 18, 2008, South Beach witnessed one of the first star-studded events during the annual Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim - the Shay Todd 2009 Swim Collection Fashion Show, held at the luxurious Setai Hotel.

It was one of the most humid and steamy nights I have ever experienced in my 21 years in Miami. If I was wearing my glasses, they would have fogged up! However, the Miami heat was extremely appropriate for the blazing hot swimwear that was strutted down the pool-turned-runway.

This event was my first time backstage or anywhere near a real fashion show (I'm not counting college fashion shows). There was that little board that celebs take pics in front of and everything (check out my pic below)!

I was sooo excited, but had to tone it down to keep up appearances and try to blend in as a fashionista who was accustomed to such glamorous events. This was an extremely hard task because it seemed like the glamourous life, which I previously only lived vicariously through The Fabulous Life and America's Next Top Model, was unveiled before my very eyes. I was on a keen alert for things to report back to you!

Shay Todd is an up-and-coming swimwear designer who has shown her work on several runway shows, the Sports Illustrated Swimwear Issue and several other publications. Celebrities such as Paris Hilton, Eva Longoria, Lindsay Lohan and more are fans of her sexy, modern designs.

I got to work with Shay and see her amazing designs up close. Her swimwear and cover-ups are not for the shy and probably not meant for swimming! They are perfect for lounging and looking fab by the pool. It screams Miami. Everything I saw was perfect for the glamourous side of SOBE.

Backstage at the show was a crowded and hectic scene! I stood there like a sponge, taking in everything that was going on, trying to pick up some exclusive backstage info.

Ridiculously tall models, publicists, event staff, hairstylists, Smashbox makeup artists and dressers milled around making final preparations for the event. Cameras from Entertainment show, Extra, were there interviewing the designer herself.

As the fashion show was about to begin, it was very hectic. Final touches were done to hair and makeup and we all helped the models get into their first looks. They rocked long ponytail extensions and glamorous bronze makeup, courtesy of Smashbox Cosmetics. As the music began to pulse, the show began. It went by very quickly. It was probably only 20-30 minutes long, but it was worth the wait. I'm sure the audience was wowed by the utter fabulousness of the clothing.

After the show, all kinds of people ran backstage to congratulate Shay. I spotted several celebs, including Richie Rich (of design duo Heatherette), Kristin Cavallari (from Laguna Beach) and Meagan Goode.

Overall, it was a great time! I hope I can go to some more events! Fashion shows are amazing and I can see why they are frequented by celebs! Even the gift bags are awesome. I got one filled with Nivea and Smashbox products! 

Since this is the collection for next Resort & Cruise season, I got the heads up on swimwear trends for 2009!

• Cut-outs still rule for one-pieces
• Swimwear with grown-up ruffles are in
• Bikinis with lots of hardware are also in
• Get away from plain beach bags, and look for one that is embellished and glamorous
• Look for cover-ups in sheer, gauzy cotton material with cute details
• Simple rules! - Plain colors such as green, lavender, white and black are classics that are coming back
• Go for big, gold accessories!