Miami Swim Week kicked off with a splash — and we’re still drying off from the fabulousness.
The very first Swimwear Icons Hall of Fame Honors Night lit up the Bass Museum on Wednesday (May 28), delivering a glamorous, star-studded celebration of the biggest game-changers in swimwear. And if there’s one queen who owned the night? It’s none other than Megan Thee Stallion.
Fresh off her Hot Girl Swimwear runway debut, Megan was honored as the Cultural Icon of the year, and we can confirm: the moment was pure fire. Dressed in a jaw-dropping, body-hugging gown that screamed “Hot Girl Summer glam,” she served confidence, curves, and cultural impact on a silver platter. Megan wasn’t just receiving flowers — she was the bouquet.
The event brought together a power-packed guest list full of Sports Illustrated Swimsuit stunners and fashion’s fiercest tastemakers. We spotted Lauren Chan, Nicole Williams English, Ellie Thumann, Katie Austin and Kiki Barth all looking like bronzed goddesses, draped in silky cut-outs and shimmering mesh that turned the red carpet into a runway of its own.
Inside, Camille Kostek hosted the evening alongside Ocean Drive EIC Paige Mastrandrea and Vogue Mexico & Latin America’s Karla Martinez de Salas, ushering in a new era for swimwear culture — with style, soul, and a splash of tequila (courtesy of event partner LALO, of course).
For our fashion high notes, Karolina Kurkova showed us how to do timeless glam in a structured all-white ensemble, while Isabela Grutman slayed in a stunning blush number and Claire Holt gave effortless elegance with her sleek, minimalist moment.
And let’s talk performances: Caroline Vreeland set the vibes with a sultry live set, while DJ Selena Sofia turned the cocktail hour into a chic rooftop party in spirit. Add in curated bites from José Andrés Group and glowing glam moments courtesy of Kevin Murphy + Toty skincare, and this wasn’t just a fashion night—it was a lifestyle.
Honorees included industry icons across media, sustainability, and digital influence. MJ Day, Editor-in-Chief of SI Swimsuit, was crowned Media Icon for her championing of body positivity (hello, real representation!); OG content queens Natasha Oakley & Devin Brugman were dubbed New Media Icons for their impact on the digital swimwear space; photographer Jamie Nelson earned the Photographer Icon title for making every beach shoot look editorial AF; and sustainability-forward brand Vitamin A took home the Sustainability Icon award—reminding us all that sexy and sustainable can coexist.
Oh, and did we mention this wasn’t just about glam? The event also launched the “Sun Safe and Confident” initiative with Sofia Vergara’s brand Toty — because healthy skin is always in.
Between the celeb sightings, fashion eye candy, and major girlboss energy, the Swimwear Hall of Fame Honors Night proved one thing: Miami isn’t just where swimwear lives — it’s where it reigns supreme. And with plans for a permanent Swimwear Icons Museum on Ocean Drive, the movement is only just beginning. Until then, we’ll be channeling our inner Meg, layering on the SPF, and manifesting our next museum-worthy bikini moment.
Click through the gallery to see some of the best snaps of the night and don’t forget to keep it locked to our IG at @celebsecrets for up-to-date moments from MSW.
For more coverage from Miami Swim Week 2025, click here.
