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How the 20-Year-Old Designer Behind Frankie's Bikinis Gets Ready for Swim Week

Welcome to Beauty Diary: Several days of getting glam with an industry insider.

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Francesca Aiello doesn't spend her days pondering what grimy dive bar she should go to after class, or what she's wearing to her next sorority mixer. Instead, this 20-year-old designer is brainstorming different bikini prints, exploring flattering fits for her global swimwear customers, and expanding her social media presence (on Instagram, to date, her business counts over 486 thousand followers).

Yes, the GORGEOUS young designer behind Frankie's Bikinis is definitely a force to be reckoned with, and in just three years after founding her line she's already gained a cult following of influencers and celebs who live and breath her crochet-trimmed swimwear and cheeky cuts. For this, her second Swim Week, Francesca let us tag along throughout her stay at the W South Beach, all while documenting her beauty routine throughout four days of castings, fittings and, finally, a successful fashion show during SwimMiami.

Day 1

Pre-casting, I'm wearing a robe from the W South Beach on the most comfortable bed on the planet! I'm wearing Armani Luminous Silk Foundation, Buxom Amplified Lash Mascara, and RMS Buriti bronzer. I'm currently prepping for the second most important day of Swim Week...choosing the models for the big night!

Casting time! Here's our amazing stylist, Danny Santiago and I in the Great Room at W South Beach. There's Cuban coffee to the left of me... to keep me going throughout the long day!

Day Two

Having lunch poolside at W South Beach in our cabana. I'm wearing nothing on my face but Elta MD Broad Spectrum Sunscreen, shades by Celine, and a swimsuit by Frankie's Bikinis, of course.

Here's a closeup of my lunch at WET. Get the burger– you won't regret it.

Day Three

Another huge day for us in Miami was the fitting. After we carefully selected our models, we got to spend hours in my beautiful suite at W South Beach deciding what each one was going to wear, including myself. On this day I did a SK ll Facial Treatment Mask before doing my makeup, which includes Armani Luminous Silk Foundation (I mix 5.75 and 6.00, to create the perfect shade for me), Becca Shimmering Skin Perfecter in "Opal", Buxom Amplified Lash mascara, and I added in some golden shades from the eyeshadows in the Too Faced Naked Semi-Sweet Chocolate Bar to spice up my usual look.

Here's Natalie Roser, one of our models, getting fitted.

Day Four

And finally, back stage at WET before the show with two of our incredible models, Hannah Whelply and Mckenna Berkley. I opted for my normal makeup attire to play it safe and added a little Bumble & Bumble Pret Powder for some extra hair volume. 

W South Beach

2201 Collins Ave, Miami Beach, FL 33139