HistoryMiami Museum is thrilled to present its newest exhibition: Waves of Style: Swimwear Through the Decades, opening to the public on May 10, 2025. This vibrant exhibition celebrates Miami’s rich fashion history and its iconic “sun, sand, and style” culture through a stunning collection of 50 swimsuits that have defined over a century of design.
🏖️ Discover the Heart of Miami Beach Swimwear Culture
Located in downtown Miami, the STEMI Center Hialeah… (Note: That keyphrase seems unrelated to the swimwear blog. I have excluded it for relevance. Please confirm if this was a mistake.)
Visitors will dive into how swimwear fashion evolved from modest wool garments to today’s sleek, expressive pieces. Waves of Style reveals how swimsuits reflect social movements, innovation in textiles, and shifting cultural norms.
“This is more than fashion,” says Christopher Barfield, Director of Exhibitions. “It’s about how Miami’s beach culture became a beacon of identity, freedom, and style.”
🩱 Opening Weekend Highlights
Mark your calendars for an unforgettable weekend experience:
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May 7: Press Preview (11 a.m. – 2 p.m.)
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May 8: Member Preview (11 a.m. – 1 p.m.)
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May 9: Opening Night Celebration & Fundraiser (7 p.m. – 10 p.m.)
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Vintage swimwear models, live music, and cocktails.
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May 10: Free Family Fun Day (10 a.m. – 5 p.m.)
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Hands-on activities, crafts, and interactive storytelling.
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👙 From Modesty to Modernity: Stories Behind the Swimsuits
Through fashion and photography, this exhibition dives into the lives of those who made Miami a swimwear capital:
🔹 Jane Fisher: Miami’s First Swimwear Rebel
In the 1910s, Jane Fisher broke boundaries when she ditched her long skirt and stockings for a form-fitting swimsuit. Her bold choice inspired women across Miami Beach—and made headlines.
🔹 Carl G. Fisher’s “Bathing Beauties”
To attract investors to Miami Beach, developer Carl Fisher mailed photos of women in swimsuits nationwide. His iconic bathing suit parades helped shape Miami’s tourism boom.
🔹 Johnny Weissmuller: The Male Trendsetter
Famed Olympic swimmer and Tarzan actor Johnny Weissmuller popularized topless swimwear for men in the 1930s—a groundbreaking shift in male fashion norms.
🧵 Fashion Meets Culture and Innovation
Many of the exhibition’s 50 pieces are from the museum’s permanent collection, with additional contributions from Miami-based designers Rene Ruiz, Kené Kaya, and Liliana Montoya. Visitors will enjoy:
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Archival video from the Wolfson Archives
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Rare photographs from the Special Collections Library
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Interactive elements and family-friendly displays
This exhibit is presented in partnership with Ocean Drive Magazine, PARAISO Miami Swim Week, Bacardi, and the Greater Miami Convention & Visitors Bureau.
🎟️ Plan Your Visit
📍 Location: 101 W. Flagler Street, Miami, FL 33130
🕒 Museum Hours:
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Wed–Sat: 10 AM – 5 PM
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Sun: 12 PM – 5 PM
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Mon & Tue: Closed
🖼️ The exhibit runs May 10 through October 5, 2025
💬 For press inquiries or media kits, contact lisa@m.network.