Miami Swim Week Cruise 2011: Poko Pano at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim

Paola Robba, founder and creator of Poko Pano, created a Cruise 2011 collection inspired by Brazil’s beautifully diverse landscape, intense aromas and vibrant scenery.

Simply titled “I Love Brazil” the collection playfully captured the essence of the country during its July 17 presentation at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week Swim.

A colorful palette of green, fuchsia, red, turquoise, black and white represented the festive nature of the country. Recognized for her playful designs, Robba combines high-end fabrics and Brazilian handicraft techniques such as embroidery, macrameacute; and needlepoint to create her collection. The show included a mix of swim and beachwear in a variety of colorful prints. Flower and watermelon prints were juxtaposed with graphic plaids and stripes. Banana leaves were transformed into graphic prints and toucan birds decorated bikinis and sequin tops. Robba incorporated her signature playful heart-shaped patterns to signify her love for Brazil.—N. Jayne Seward