Chromat, founded by designer Becca McCharen-Chan, continues to impress us each season with their ideation-provoking shows that provide us with an inclusive feel. This collection was no different. I arrived outside the venue on a windy Friday afternoon, cowboy hat nearly flying off my head, to mile-long lines of anticipation. I flashed my invite and was lead inside where Latin dance music blared while blue and green lights illuminated the space. A beautiful monologue, highlighting energy flow with soothing hand drums playing in the background, kicked off the show.

As we watched a diverse selection of models fly down the runway in bikinis complemented by plastic accessories and palm fronds, we were challenged to redefine what it means to be in the fashion industry present-day. Drawing inspiration from Miami’s lively beaches, Chromat paints us a picture of the city’s vibrant aesthetics with “Babe Guard” lifeguard sweaters, metallic mesh cover-ups, and swimsuits in neons of every color. Bright blues, pinks, greens, and oranges adorned the runway in the form of not-your-average string bikinis and sporty color-blocked ensembles.

Well-known for focusing on designing next-level swim and bodywear for a multiform of people, Chromat’s other focus is ensuring the least amount of impact on the planet. They use a regenerated nylon called Econyl, which is produced from fishing nets and plastic bottles recovered from our oceans. Chromat illustrated the impact we’ve been making on our planet by taking us on a journey. The models started the show garnished in lush plant life and closed it out in plastic hair adornments made from melted bottles and draped in fishing nets. Chromat guides us on how important it is to use sustainable practices and how applicable it is – not only in our daily lives, but also in this industry.

Review by Lee Velvet @velvetcloouds

Photography by Scott Hoffmann @scotthoffmann