Bikini Clad Models To Heat Up SoBe Runways

MIAMI BEACH (CBS4) - Miami Beach is a fashion lover's paradise this week as Mercedez-Benz Fashion Week: Swim heats up the runways on South Beach.

This year's show kicks off Thursday night with the Quicksilver/Roxy show at the Raleigh Hotel. The Raleigh's pool deck will transform into a surf oasis, as the iconic brand celebrates 25 years as an industry leader.

"We have 30 shows here at The Raleigh every night beginning at 6 p.m. and the surrounding areas, as well as the trade show going on over at The Miami Bach Convention Center. " said Christina Neault, Executive Producer of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week.

Only select designers' lines are seen on the catwalk, but many are in town from around the world just to get a glimpse of what's hot for next season.

"Over the last 9 years, Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim has attracted thousands of designers, media, buyers and swimwear lovers," said Christina Neault, Executive Producer at IMG Fashion Events and Properties. "The Raleigh truly becomes the center of action for the week with guests converging to see the hottest trends. This season we expect an even larger turn out with the impressive group of designers on the schedule, a Kick-Off party hosted by Roxy and a few other surprise additions that will be announced very soon."

Sexy, bikini-clad models will show the latest looks from designers around the world. This week is to swimwear designers what the Paris fashion shows are to haute couture.

Angela Chittenden, the designer of Beach Bunny, is back again showing her line of retro looks for 2014.

"Swim week is it for us. It's so exciting. Everyone is here,"  said Chittenden.

Designer Priscilla B From Milan is making her debut here at Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Swim.

"I'm so excited to be here I've worked so hard to get here," she told CBS4's Lisa Petrillo.

The five-day event boasts a variety of fashion and trade shows, parties and satellite events which fill hotel rooms and restaurants.

Designers said these four days will set the trends for what you will see on the beaches in the very near future.

Mercedez-Benz Fashion Week: Swim ends Monday, July 22nd.