New York Swim Week 2023 featured dozens of talented models and designers, but one name rose above the rest—Kalli Locklear. With her commanding presence, signature walk, and magnetic charm, Locklear captivated the audience in a way that felt both timeless and fiercely current. It wasn’t just a performance; it was a statement.
As the fashion world continues to evolve, Locklear’s appearance served as a benchmark for what modern elegance in swimwear truly looks like. Her presence reminded us that modeling isn’t about simply wearing the clothes—it’s about becoming the message.
Video: Slow Motion New York Swimwear Models 2023
The moment Locklear stepped onto the catwalk, the energy in the room shifted. She appeared in a structured, monochrome two-piece with subtle metallic accents—a minimalist design by future-forward label Kuro Tide. The look was paired with a flowing sheer robe that glided like water behind her, creating a moving portrait of balance and beauty.
Her walk—deliberate, smooth, and utterly magnetic—showcased the swimwear without distraction. She didn’t just command attention; she controlled it, using every movement to extend the life of the garment beyond the moment.
Locklear’s styling was as refined as her walk. Hair slicked back in a sleek wet look, dewy skin with just enough highlighter to catch the spotlight, and a palette that spoke to understated glamor. Her stylist for the evening, Maya Rios, mentioned how Kalli wanted to look “fierce, but free.”
That concept guided every detail—from the no-accessory decision that kept the focus on fabric and form, to the subtle shimmer applied to her collarbone and shoulders. The result was a look that was universally admired for its class and restraint.
During the second segment of the show, Locklear emerged in a high-cut one-piece with diagonal paneling that accentuated her movement. As she paused for a mid-runway pivot—perfectly timed with a beat drop from the show’s soundtrack—the audience erupted. That split-second moment, captured by dozens of smartphones and live-streamed globally, lit up social media.
Video: Kalli Locklear in Mesmerizing Slow Motion 4K | Beach Club x LUXE 2024 Miami Swim Week
Clips of her spin and runway exit quickly went viral. Fashion influencers began reposting the video with captions like “The walk of the week,” and “Kalli Locklear just owned Swim Week.” Even industry veterans weighed in, praising her runway instincts and polished delivery.
Multiple designers backstage credited Locklear’s professionalism and collaborative energy. The creative director at Kuro Tide called her “a rare blend of runway grace and visual storytelling,” explaining that she gave more than expected at every fitting, always asking about movement, shape, and fabric behavior.
Other designers expressed how Locklear brings depth to every look. She doesn’t just walk—she animates a vision. Her commitment to understanding a brand’s identity helped transform their collections from fashion pieces into unforgettable moments.
What truly sets Kalli Locklear apart isn’t just her physical performance—it’s her message. In post-show interviews, she spoke passionately about redefining beauty and bringing real emotion back to runway shows.
Video
Kalli Locklear’s Chic Pink Melon Swimwear
Her words resonated: “Swimwear shouldn’t be about comparison—it should be about comfort and confidence. I wear these designs because I feel empowered in them, not because I’m trying to fit an outdated idea of what looks good.”
That authenticity landed with both viewers and fellow models. Locklear’s transparency and refusal to conform to stereotypes positioned her as more than just a model—she became a voice.
Locklear’s standout performance was no accident. According to show organizers, she arrived early for rehearsals, working meticulously with choreographers and lighting directors to map out her pacing. She took time to understand the visual flow of each scene, ensuring her presence enhanced every camera angle.
Her attention to detail extended to fittings, where she worked with tailors to ensure garments flowed naturally with her walk. She even helped fine-tune elements of the soundtrack’s timing to match her entrance cues—a level of involvement that earned her respect across the production.
Following her NY Swim Week triumph, modeling agencies and high-end brands took notice. Rumors have already surfaced about upcoming collaborations with luxury swimwear lines and a possible editorial feature in a major fashion magazine.
Locklear’s team confirmed that multiple campaign offers are now under negotiation, with an emphasis on aligning with brands that prioritize sustainability, diversity, and ethical production. Her strategic mindset combined with undeniable talent is drawing interest from markets far beyond New York.
In an industry historically tied to narrow definitions of beauty, Locklear’s success signals something far bigger. She represents a shift—a movement toward fashion that celebrates all forms of strength, grace, and individuality.
Her performance at New York Swim Week was not just a showcase. It was a reminder that the industry is changing, and that change is being led by women who refuse to be boxed in. Women like Kalli Locklear.
Kalli Locklear didn’t just participate in New York Swim Week—she elevated it. Her precision, presence, and message turned a fashion show into a cultural moment. Every look she wore became a statement. Every step she took became a lesson in what it means to own the space you walk through.
As the lights dimmed and the applause echoed, one truth became clear: Kalli Locklear didn’t just walk the runway—she redefined it.
