Destination: Miami by COTERIE is an annual contemporary fashion and accessories tradeshow that features an array of resort wear, swimwear, and accessories. From July 10th – 12th destination: Miami by COTERIE is where buyers from fashion retailers, both established stores and small specialty boutiques, gather to purchase clothes and accessories for the upcoming season.
Other industry professionals such as bloggers, and various members of the press are able to attend to view the latest trends and collections that will soon hit the racks.
I was able to meet many sustainable clothing and accessory brands face-to-face. In the era of Covid, I’ve had my fair share of attending virtual events, conferences, and meetings. It was a refreshing experience to have the opportunity to discover and meet so many sustainable, community-focused, and eco-friendly contemporary and luxury brands.
Many of the brands that I discovered such as House of Zalo, Sunlight Muse, and Catherine Gee, were brands that I had never heard of.
After meeting with over a few dozen brands, either with the brand representative or with the actual designer, I was able to learn the inspiration behind their collections, their commitment to sustainability, and their passion for giving back to the community.
Below are 8 brands discovered at destination: Miami by COTERIE
- Sunlight Muse
The vast assortment of bright colors and vintage cuts caught my eye while exploring the different brands at destination: Miami by COTERIE. Sunlight Muse’s designer, Raika Jiha, was born and raised in Haiti but left her home country in 2016 to Miami in order to avoid political unrest.
She launched her brand two months before the pandemic, and although it was difficult, she and her swimwear brand persevered. Sunlight Muse is more than a swimwear brand; It’s a lifestyle movement. The brand motivates women to love themselves unapologetically by disregarding society’s standards and pursuing their dreams without limitations.
Sunlight Muse is manufactured in the United States and operates out of Miami. All of the brand’s swimwear is fully lined while using seamless stitching and eco-friendly plastic is used on their 1970’s inspired pieces.
2. Catherine Gee
If you’ve been following me on Instagram then you know that I have an affinity for silk, satin, and slinky-like fabric dresses. Just recently, a few of my followers donned me with the title of “Slip Dress Queen“.
So, it comes as no surprise that I instantly fell in love with the clothing selection from Catherine Gee. Feminine, flirty, and sultry are a few of the words that came to mind when I discovered her booth. Catherine Gee provided a collection of various pieces all ranging in whimsical colors like periwinkle blue and rose pink in silhouettes that are sure to compliment the female figure.
Via their Instagram, Catherine Gee describes their brand as, “Elegant ready-to-wear for modern women to feel cool, confident, and sexy in their everyday lives.” When coming across their booth at destination: Miami by COTERIE Catherine Gee delivered nothing short of what was stated.
3. Michelle Daccarett
Michelle Daccarett is a handmade accessories brand specializing in handbags. They are based in Colombia and is a sustainable brand that I came to fall in love with while visiting the over 80+ brands showcasing at destination: Miami by COTERIE.
All of their bags are made out of oak and are carved and handpainted in their Colombian workshop. The bags are then handwoven by skilled artisan women, which allows them to be able to provide for their families.
Michelle Daccarett’s bags are a rainbow assortment of bright eye-catching colors with geometric designs woven into them. 1 bag purchased equals 1 tree planted.
4. Electric Picks
Gold jewelry is something that I will always love. On days when I don’t feel like wearing bold statement pieces, I opt for styles that are simple and dainty.
When I came across Electric Picks they offered just that. A wide selection of gold jewelry from bracelets, anklets, earrings, and necklaces that can be stacked and or layered. Electric Picks’ jewelry is easily customizable to reflect the unique individuality of each person wearing it.
In addition to the modern jewelry styles that you would expect to find, the brand has a selection of vintage options. Casts are made from vintage coins, charms, and tokens in order to make beautiful and one-of-a-kind body adornments.
5. Castellano Ethnic Origins
An eclectic mix of bright colors paired together with a medley of various tribal patterns is what beckoned me to learn more about what Castellano had to offer at destination: Miami by COTERIE.
I was able to meet the designer of the brand, Daniela Castellano, who shared with me her passion for creating her unique bags and the importance of uplifting the women in her community.
Castellano’s mission is to assist in improving the living conditions for the traditional artisans of Colombia and to help keep their somewhat decreasing ancient tradition alive. All of their products are handmade with 100% organic threads.
You’ll expect to shop from a variety of Wayuu bracelets, jewelry, and an assortment of handmade bags.
6. House of Zalo
There’s something exciting about supporting a family-owned brand with strong creative roots. House of Zalo was born at a family dinner party when members of the family decided to re-launch their Cuban-born father’s footwear line.
At House of Zalo, you won’t find products that are mass-produced. To ensure quality, to limit wastefulness, and to provide exclusivity each style and size range is produced in small quantities.
House of Zalo’s mules and slippers are handcrafted by artisans in Brazil and are customized with Italian velvets and all leather lining and soles.
7. Emm Kuo
I’ll be the first to admit that I’ve never really been a huge fan of shopping for bags as I am with shoes, clothing, and jewelry.
However, statement bags that reflect exquisite craftsmanship are things that I will never pass up! Emm Kuo’s gold seashell purses and crystal bags are just a few of the accessories that caught my eye at destination: Miami by COTERIE.
The brand creates elegant luxury evening bags that are designed with architectural influences. Emm Kuo makes use of incorporating semi-precious materials, Swarovski crystals, a variety of leathers, and gold leaf detailing into its designs.
8. DefineMe
DefineMe is a sustainably produced fragrance brand that’s committed to using natural, organic, and clean ingredients. All of their products are vegan, cruelty-free, and gluten-free.
While at destination: Miami by COTERIE, I was able to meet the founder of DefineMe, Jennifer McKay. She explained that it was important for her to create scents that evoke positive emotions in order for the person wearing the scents to feel worthy and at their best.
In addition to formulating tantalizing fragrances, DefineMe is committed to empowering young women from across the globe. The brand partners with She’s First, a non-profit organization that provides scholarships to young women. For every product that is purchased, $1.00 is donated to She’s First.
