This year’s Swim Week in Miami Beach wasn’t just another runway — it was a splash. On Sunday, June 1st, Colombian swimwear label Maaji transported us to a whimsical waterside realm with the debut of its Resort 2026 collection, hosted inside the kaleidoscopic glow of The Temple House. Known for its all-white minimalist walls and immersive projection capabilities, the space was transformed into Mermaidland — a fully realized digital beach fantasy where color, texture, and movement rippled across every surface.
Imagine an abstract coastline painted with motion: waves of pastel corals, bursts of digital sunlight, tropical flora in bloom — all projected in 360° across the room. The Temple House became more than a venue; it became a visual portal. The crowd was submerged in an ocean of light, with a runway that felt more like a tide pool of imagination.
Matching that immersive energy, Maaji’s latest collection was a feast of texture and color. Models emerged like modern-day merfolk: shimmering, sporty, and unbothered by gravity. There were reversible swimsuits, vibrant knits, and flirty cutouts in shades like flame coral, cobalt blue, lilac blush, and sunburst yellow. Fabrics floated. Details like lacing, twisted bandeaus, and asymmetrical hems made each look feel kinetic — like they were in motion, even standing still.
A standout moment? The return of the brand’s beloved Real Mermaids — Maaji’s empowering motif that celebrates body positivity, playfulness, and the fluidity of fashion. From androgynous silhouettes to swimwear that doubled as streetwear, the pieces reflected a Gen-Z sensibility that prioritizes freedom over formality.
Black models walked the runway with undeniable presence — skin gleaming under the pastel glow, their confidence enhanced by designs that embraced both softness and strength. There was something beautifully subversive in seeing Black men and women adorned in these oceanic hues — claiming space in a narrative that’s often too narrow.
Just when it seemed the night couldn’t get any sweeter, Maaji dropped a fizzy surprise: the debut of their new collaboration with Cherry Coke. The collab fused iconic cola branding with resort wear, featuring playful prints and accessories that reimagined Cherry Coke’s crimson palette with a nostalgic-but-modern twist. A perfect pairing — like your favorite summer drink meeting your favorite vacation outfit.
What made this show unforgettable wasn’t just the clothes — it was the feeling. Mermaidland wasn’t a destination, it was an energy. One that made space for joy, wonder, and self-expression. In a time where fashion can feel overly cynical or algorithmic, Maaji reminded us that beauty — especially Black beauty — can be fun, fabulous, and free.
Real mermaids don’t ask for permission — they just show up and sparkle. And in Miami Beach, Maaji made sure we all left dripping in that energy.
