ATL Swim Week May 2025: Tulum Dreams, Inclusive Runways, and One Unforgettable Night in Atlanta
- Jordyn Mayes
- May 21
- 4 min read
From fire dancers to fairy-like swimwear, ATL Swim Week 2025 turned up the heat—and the inclusivity—in a night that redefined what runway can be.
Under the beachy glow of the Westside Cultural Arts Center in Atlanta, a wave of paradise swept over the city on May 17th. With a crowd buzzing with fashion insiders, influencers, and dreamers, ATL Swim Week made its splashy return—and trust us, it served.
This show’s theme? Tulum. Think elevated vacation swimwear. A dreamy, sun-drenched vibe that transported guests from downtown ATL to the boho beaches of Mexico, all without the passport stamp. Founded by the visionary Maddie Gray, ATL Swim Week has quickly become a must-watch event in the fashion circuit—especially for rising designers, models of all kinds, and creators looking to make waves. But don’t get it twisted: this isn’t your average runway show. It’s a movement. A statement. A celebration of all things swim.
Tulum Vibes & Fire Dancers
Guests arrived in style to the Westside Cultural Arts Center, stepping into a pre-show happy hour that doubled as a mini marketplace. More than just cocktails, it was a networking hub—where guests browsed vendors offering healthy products, energy drinks, swimwear, desserts, and more. It was everything you’d need to ease into a stylish, summer-ready mindset. Cameras clicked, conversations buzzed, and attendees secured their seats for the main event.
Then came the fire dancers. Literal ones. Their flaming headpieces lit up the space, adding an electrifying jolt of energy that signaled exactly what was to come, capturing island essences and making this fashion show a true experience.
Runway, Part One: From Streetwear to Goddess Glam
As the music dropped and the lights dimmed, the runway came alive. First up was The Haus of King, kicking off with a collection that merged sporty streetwear energy with laid-back swim looks. Cool, confident, and ready for both beach and block party. Cinnamon Club followed, softening the tone with easy, vibrant prints and subtle color palettes. These were relaxed looks that still turned heads—made for making an entrance without trying too hard.
The tone shifted with Daughters of Ra, who delivered one of the night’s most dramatic collections. Flowing fabrics, gold accents, and layered textures brought a powerful, almost ceremonial quality to the runway. The pieces blended strength with elegance, offering a luxurious take on resort-wear. A standout of the evening, Daughters of Ra, took the Tulum theme up a notch. Jewel accents, ornate headpieces, and sleek silhouettes created a look that felt both royal and symbolic—refined yet bold, and perfect for golden hour glam.
Rounding out the first half was Premavida, bringing out a fresh burst of energy with swimsuits clearly made for the girls. The collection showcased creative matching sets that felt fun, flirty, and perfectly timed for summer. With bold pairings and thoughtful details, these looks balanced style and comfort—ideal for beach days, pool parties, and wherever hot weather calls for standout swimwear. Closing out the first half was Meja, offering a minimalist, nautical-inspired lineup defined by clean, bright stripes and sharp tailoring. The simplicity of the designs let the craftsmanship shine—proof that sometimes, less is more.
Runway, Part Two: Star Power and Maddie’s Moment
The second act opened with Homespun Heart, known for their couture angel wings. Their whimsical collection brought an ethereal, almost fantasy-like feel to the runway, channeling the high-glam energy of a classic Victoria’s Secret show. From delicate stitches to flowing feathers, the looks were soft yet bold—equal parts dreamy and dramatic.
Next came Madeleine Gray Designs, the much-anticipated collection from ATL Swim Week’s founder. Her pieces blended structure with fluidity—featuring confident silhouettes, cutouts, and movement-friendly fabrics. The collection felt deeply personal, reflecting the show’s broader mission to create space for creativity, diversity, and innovation in swimwear.
Atlas Swimwear followed with a travel-inspired aesthetic, showcasing clean, modern silhouettes in a muted palette. The designs echoed the brand’s goal: to reflect a love of global exploration through effortless, versatile pieces. Nectar was another standout, channeling Tulum with a mystical twist. The collection carried fairy-like, whimsical vibes mixed with goddess energy.
Golden Rose brought a playful energy with an inventive approach to bikini tops—featuring halters, one-shoulder designs, and asymmetrical cuts that stood out for their fresh take on classic shapes. Whimsy Forge closed the show with a fantasy-inspired collection that shimmered under the lights—leaving the audience on a high note of imagination and escapism.
Representation That Matters
Beyond the stunning designs, what stood out most was the cast of models. This wasn’t a cookie-cutter catwalk. It was a celebration of real people.
There were women and men of all shapes, sizes, and skin tones. From 5’2” to 6-foot-tall, from the curvy queens to buff kings, to natural curls and platinum blondes, every body type was represented—and every single model slayed.
In a world where fashion shows still often struggle with inclusivity, ATL Swim Week made it loud and clear: everyone deserves to feel fabulous in swimwear. And when those models hit the runway? The applause said it all.
A Thank You Letter to Maddie Gray
It’s only right to end with a massive shoutout to Maddie Gray, the creative heartbeat behind ATL Swim Week. Whether she knew it or not, Maddie wasn’t just hosting a fashion show. She was holding space—for small business owners to reach new audiences, for models to walk with pride, for industry hopefuls to get inspired, and for Atlanta to show off its creative soul.
In a world that can feel gatekept, ATL Swim Week threw the gates wide open. And we can’t wait to see who comes through them next.
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