Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week 2012 Swim Sizzled With Maui Jim® and Aqua Di Lara

PEORIA, Ill., July 18, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Maui Jim® Inc. and Aqua Di Lara™ heated up the runway in Miami on Saturday, July 16 with stylish sunglasses, signature swimwear and handcrafted jewelry to dazzle the eye.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110718/CL36893 )

Aqua Di Lara is the designer swimwear line by Creative Director, Reyhan Sofraci. Sofraci has a talent for creating daring styles that are masterfully sewn using high-quality European fabrics and production techniques that use a spectrum of vibrant and exotic materials on the body, like paint on a canvas.

This year's new collection of swimsuits offered exotic prints inspired by the '70s; seascapes matched with reflective solids; textured reptilian skins mixed with shiny weaves; and some dazzling structured suits sparkling with SWAROVSKI ELEMENTS crystals.

Sofraci paired her swimsuits with Maui Jim's most fashion-forward sunglasses for the coming season. Updated metal aviators and colorful nylon frames were in abundance. Models had a little fun walking down the runway in the new Aloha Friday, Lani, Pau Hana and Punchbowl, mixed with Maka, Honolulu, Mahina, Alana, Kihei and Rainbow Falls.

The pairing of Maui Jim with Aqua Di Lara was a natural choice. Maui Jim's reputation is based on the development of advanced technologies for double and single gradient lenses that offer the best polarized protection from the sun's damaging rays. The company is the fastest growing premium polarized sunglass maker in the world. "We use a lot of UV protecting fabrics in our swimwear; and we believe Maui Jim was a perfect match. We were excited to present Maui Jim's stunning sunglasses on the runway with our 2012 collection," said Sofraci.

"This was Maui Jim's debut at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week," said Linda Glassel, vice president of marketing at Maui Jim. "Partnering with Aqua Di Lara was a perfect way for beach-lovers to see our newest styles paired with some of the most beautiful swimsuits of the year."

About Maui Jim, Inc.®

Maui Jim, Inc.® is the fastest growing premium polarized sunglass maker in the world. The company's reputation is based on the development of advanced technologies for double and single gradient lenses that reduce 100 percent of harmful UVA and UVB rays and cut glare from above, below and behind each lens by 99.9 percent. Maui Jim uses up to 9 layers of protection built into each lens, including the company's proprietary polarized film, PolarizedPlus®2, that produces true, vivid colors. Visit MauiJim.com or find us on Facebook or Twitter at @OfficialMauiJim.

About Aqua Di Lara

AQUA DI LARA™ by award-winning designer, Reyhan Sofraci, is one of designer swimwear's most celebrated names. The Aqua Di Lara line was created to enhance the beauty of the feminine form with its original yet sophisticated styles made to be wearable both in and out of the water. For Aqua Di Lara, luxury means not only high-style but also high-quality and manufacturing excellence. Made from European fabrics in its atelier in Montreal, each and every swimsuit is cut and sewn with precision and care, creating pieces that fit comfortably on the body like a second skin. By combining aesthetic beauty and unique styles with comfort and quality that satisfy the demands of an astute and fashion conscious clientele, the Aqua Di Lara line has quickly achieved international status and is now available in high-end boutiques and luxury stores throughout North America, Europe and The Middle East.

SOURCE Maui Jim, Inc.