Red Carter with models
Red Carter with models

NEW YORK, Jun 18, 2008 / FW/ — Swimwear is no longer just for babe watch as the tiny bikinis enter high fashion with the upcoming Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim. Slated from July 18 – 22, 2008 at The Raleigh Hotel in Miami, Florida, the event has become the vehicle for several international designers to launch their swim line.

With Mercedes-Benz as the main sponsor, one designer had been chosen as the “Mercedes-Benz Presents” talent, like all the other fashion weeks that the car manufacturer cover. For Miami, Red Carter, known for his sophisticated, sexy swimwear, has been selected. He will debut his Spring 2009 collection on July 19th at 10pm, at Cabana Grande at The Raleigh Hotel.

“We are thrilled to partner with Red Carter for his Spring 2009 runway show,” said Lisa Holladay, Manager, Brand Experience Marketing for Mercedes-Benz USA.  “Red embodies the true spirit of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim.  By uniting the many facets of both Mercedes-Benz and the City of Miami, he seamlessly blends modern inspiration with traditional design elements to create his own bold, yet timeless style.”

The Red Carter line launched in 2004, soon after the designer moved Miami and became inspired by the ever-present energy and bold, Art Deco style.  Noting that buildings rose and fell as frequently as the tides, and local artists were as transient as tourists, Red established his brand in Miami to reflect and enhance the city’s burgeoning creative spirit.

The Red Carter collection incorporates fit, form and function, combining subtle details, bold prints, and advanced technical constructions often neglected by swimwear designers. The brand has grown substantially in its short lifetime, with 2008 its biggest year to date. In February, Red was bestowed the ultimate honor for a swimsuit designer, having three styles selected to be featured in the Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue where Supermodel Heidi Klum can be seen in a Red Carter suit across a two page spread in the issue.

The excitement continues with being selected as the “Mercedes-Benz Presents” designer.   “The honor of being the Mercedes-Benz featured designer is a true testament to how I have grown as a designer and a reflection of an amazing team of people who have all believed in one vision: that we could bring high-end fashion to Miami Beach,” says Carter.  “It is without question a milestone for me.”

Each Fashion Week, Mercedes-Benz sponsors a designer who reflects unparalleled talent to be on display during the five-day runway event.  Recent former “Mercedes-Benz Presents” designers include Monique Lhulier, Badgley Mischka, Alice Temperley, Kevan Hall, and Veronika Jeanvie.