Miami may be hot and humid  in July, but thanks to fashion editors, swimsuit designers, and models in town for Mercedes Benz Fashion Week Swim, the weather during the bikini extravaganza always seems extra sultry. As a kick off to the weekend of swim shows, festivities began with a trio of opening events: an intimate editor dinner with American Express, the official kick off party by Mercedes Benz, and a celebration of Jessica Gomes‘ new cover of Ocean Drive magazine.

Over dinner at The Bazaar by José Andrés at the brand new SLS Hotel, editors from Lucky magazine, FabSugar, Harper’s Bazaar, StyleBistro, and Glam dined on innovative delights including liquid mozzarella in caprese, croquetas de pollo served in a “sneaker,” Brussels sprouts accented with lemon air, and an anything but expected Cubano sandwich. Once satiated with a mix of cuisines from Spain, Singapore, and Italy, it was time to toast to the beginning of the swim season, with an opening party at the Raleigh Hotel. Guests mingled around the iconic pool, while runway highlights played above the diving board.

Before calling it a night, one last stop was in order. By the pool of the Delano Hotel, model Jessica Gomes held court to celebrate her newest role as the July/August cover girl of Ocean Drive magazine. A Nanette Lepore fashion show took place in the shallow end of the pool, proving that even when the sun sets in Miami, the swim fashions continue!