Traci Young-Byron of Lifetime's 'Step It Up' and Young Contemporary Dance Theater in 3 Elements Fashion & head wrap by Ankara Delights by Evelyn O

MIAMI, FL – Ankara Miami, Inc. made history by launching Ankara Swim – Swim Week’s first series of African swimwear productions.

The runway show and pop-up shop welcomed emerging and established swimwear, resort wear, and accessory brands from all over the world to showcase never before seen African print and African-inspired designs to an audience of fashion and cultural enthusiasts, media, and consumers.

“We are extremely proud to have provided a platform for such beautiful designs, models, and textured hair styles by Natural Trendsetters Salon and media sponsors, TXTURE Magazine,” said Evelyn Onyejuruwa, Founder/CEO of Ankara Miami, Inc and Executive Producer of Ankara Swim. “We look forward to continuing to raise the bar for authentic and progressive African events in South Florida. This is just a sneak peek of what’s to come next February during Ankara Miami 2017 – Florida’s Premier African Fashion Week!”

Ankara Swim was hosted by BET’s ComicView alum, Marcellus “Chello” Davis and included comedy by Caribbean radio personality, Rayzor. Feature guest Traci Young-Byron, Founder/Artistic Director of Young Contemporary Dance Theatre and star of Lifetime’s docu-series, “Step It Up”, opened the runway show and introduced the latest collection of head wraps and fabric by Ankara Delights by Evelyn O. Sponsors included Arik Air, CURLS, Miss Jessie’s, MD Simmons Productions and our returning style teams, Natural Trendsetters Salon and The Fashionistis, LLC.

Feature runway designers represented Nigeria, Kenya, Haiti, and other nations of the African Diaspora. Apparel (in order of appearance): Dahil Republic of Couture, A Beautiful Piece by Harmony, Wamuiru Couture, Fabian and Mom, ÖFUURË by Tehilah, and 3 Elements Fashion featuring Ankara Delights by Evelyn O head wraps. Accessories: Pink Empress, Sankofa’s Child, and Utamaduni Wear.

Taasha Renee in 3 Elements Fashion (USA). Head wrap by Ankara Delights by Evelyn O (Nigeria)

Shalandra in A Beautiful Piece by Harmony (USA). Hair by Natural Trendsetters Salon

Shania in Fabian And Mom (Nigeria)

Claire in Wamuiru Couture (USA). Hair by Natural Trendsetters Salon

Host Chello Davis in JZO (Nigeria)

Ankara Swim Exec Producer, Evelyn Onyejuruwa with production team and models