The runway at Paraiso Miami Swim Week was a stage of vibrant transformation as SHAN, the esteemed Canadian resort wear brand, debuted its Cruise 2025 and SS25 collections. The show was a testament to luxurious landscapes and timeless elegance, where each piece told a story of sophisticated artistry and futuristic charm.
Backstage at SHAN's Paraiso Miami Swim Week Runway Show, courtesy of William Perez.
Before the grand unveiling, SHAN hosted an exclusive pre-party in partnership with Paraiso Miami Swim Week and Select Models, setting the tone for the glamorous showcase that followed. The event was a celebration of fashion, style, and elegance, bringing together industry insiders and fashion enthusiasts alike. If you missed it, you can check out SHAN's pre-party here!
We followed SHAN everywhere, from the pre-party to the runway and beyond, and we were fully immersed in the experience of this vibrant emerging brand.
Backstage Energy: A Buzz of Anticipation
The atmosphere backstage before the SHAN runway show was electric, filled with a palpable buzz of anticipation and excitement. Models, stylists, and makeup artists moved with focused energy, fine-tuning every detail to ensure perfection on the runway. The laughter and chatter intermingled with the sound of hairdryers and makeup brushes were symbolic of the laid-back yet high-stakes nature of this show, creating a symphony of pre-show preparation.
Photos of models backstage at SHAN's Paraiso Miami Swim Week Runway Show, courtesy of William Perez.
The models, adorned in vibrant and modern pieces, radiated confidence and poise, embodying the bold and sensual aura of the collections. The brand's creative vision was evident in every meticulously styled look, setting the stage for a showcase that promised to captivate the audience.
A Kaleidoscope of Elegance and Innovation
SHAN's latest collections are a masterclass in blending textures and colors, presenting an exquisite fusion of fabrics that showcase the brand's commitment to innovation and elegance.
Natural fibers and linens were intricately mixed with SHAN's signature mesh, delivering a modern, romantic look that captivated the audience. Handmade jacquard with metallic textural effects seamlessly merged with metallic jersey lycra, creating a vibrant contrast that illuminated the collection with undeniable brilliance.
Photos of models on the runway at SHAN's Paraiso Miami Swim Week Runway Show, courtesy of SHAN.
The color palette harmoniously reflected worldly travels, featuring electrifying Majorelle blue, joyful lemon yellow, rich teal blue, passionate rouge carnival, brilliant daiquiri pink, silver martini, and appletini green - colors reminiscent of a summer on the coast of your favorite tropical getaway.
This kaleidoscope of hues brought the collection to life, embodying the essence of refined elegance and sophisticated adventure. Adding to the show's allure was a special collaboration with Select Model Management, with all models for the SHAN show being exclusively from Select Worldwide.
Photos of models on the runway at SHAN's Paraiso Miami Swim Week Runway Show, courtesy of SHAN.
Chantal Levesque: The Visionary Behind SHAN
At the helm of SHAN's creative vision is Chantal Levesque, Founder, President, and Designer, whose keen eye for industry trends and dedication to comfort, quality, and sustainability have defined the brand since its inception in 1985. Rooted in Laval, Canada, SHAN's commitment to sustainability permeates every aspect of its operations, from design to distribution.
Chantal Levesque on the runway at SHAN's Paraiso Miami Swim Week Runway Show, courtesy of SHAN.
"Fashion is a diversion, a décor to embellish the body," says Levesque. "The Cruise and SS 2025 collections embody an air of modernity and avant-garde designs inspired by the promise of a dreamy future. This collection is an invitation to journey into a whole new world of swimwear couture."
An Evolution of Excellence
SHAN began 40 years ago as a small family business in Chantal Levesque's basement and has grown into an international luxury brand. "Our goal was always to make high-end swimwear with strong attention to fit and comfort," shared Levesque.
The brand quickly expanded to meet the demands of a high-end clientele, launching its first ready-to-wear collection in 2019. Today, SHAN controls 100% of its design, production, and shipment processes from its facilities in Canada, exporting to 35 countries and over 800 locations, including its own stores in the U.S. and Canada.
Strategic Expansion in the U.S.: The Miami Connection
Miami has always been a significant market for SHAN, making it a natural choice for expanding their retail division. "South Florida attracts a high-end clientele from all over the globe," noted Nathan Gilbert, Creative Director of SHAN.
The city's vibrant culture and status as a luxury destination align perfectly with SHAN's brand ethos, allowing the brand to seamlessly integrate its sophisticated collections into the local fashion scene. Miami's cosmopolitan appeal and international visitor base provide an ideal platform for SHAN to showcase its high-end resort wear to a diverse and discerning audience.
From SHAN's Cruise 2025 campaign, courtesy of SHAN.
Naturally, the strategic expansion continued beyond Miami. Recognizing the potential in other affluent areas, SHAN extended its reach to Palm Beach and The Hamptons. These locations, known for their exclusivity and high-end clientele, were a perfect fit for SHAN's luxury offerings.
Both regions attract a sophisticated consumer base that appreciates the brand's attention to fit, comfort, and design. The expansion into these markets not only broadened SHAN's U.S. presence but also solidified its reputation as a premier luxury brand in some of the most exclusive shopping destinations in the country.
The Creative Journey: Vision to Reality
As the Creative Director, Nathan Gilbert's favorite part of his role is bringing his vision to life. "When we start a new collection, it can be very abstract because all we have are the fabrics we picked almost a year prior and a mood board," he explained. The process begins with an initial spark of inspiration, often derived from the chosen fabrics and a thematic mood board.
Creative Director Nathan Gilbert with a model backstage at SHAN's Runway Show, courtesy of William Perez.
This abstract beginning gradually takes shape as Gilbert and his team work meticulously to build a cohesive collection. Each piece is crafted with a deep understanding of the brand's aesthetic, ensuring that the final product aligns with SHAN's commitment to high-end, sophisticated design. The journey from concept to creation is intricate, involving countless hours of design, refinement, and attention to detail.
Storytelling Through Swimwear
Gilbert's passion for storytelling is what he finds most fulfilling about his role. "Storytelling is what I like most about my role," he shared. For him, each collection is not just a series of garments but a narrative woven through fabric, color, and design.
This storytelling extends beyond the runway, influencing the brand's photoshoots, marketing campaigns, and overall brand image. The Cruise 2025 and SS25 collections, described by Gilbert as "bold, vibrant, modern with an aura of sensuality," are prime examples of how SHAN uses fashion to convey a story.
From SHAN's Cruise 2025 campaign, courtesy of SHAN.
These collections invite customers to embark on a journey, experiencing the allure and elegance that SHAN represents. By infusing each piece with a distinct narrative, Gilbert ensures that SHAN's collections resonate deeply with their audience, creating an emotional connection that goes beyond mere aesthetics.
Looking Ahead
SHAN continues to innovate and expand. In the short term, the brand is finishing its Spring-Summer collection and preparing for a campaign shoot in Canada's beautiful northern landscape. Long-term plans include opening new markets and expanding their retail network.
"We're also in negotiations for a capsule/collab collection, but that's all I can say about it for now," teased Gilbert. "Many exciting projects ahead, so stay tuned!"
From SHAN's Cruise 2025 campaign, courtesy of SHAN.
SHAN's latest offerings promise to continue the brand's tradition of delivering stylish, refined, and timeless pieces that resonate with a global audience. For more information, visit SHAN's website or follow them on Instagram at @shancollectionsofficial.