The Power of the Evil Eye
Priscilla Martinez made a splash as she debuted her latest Atelier Martinez swimwear collection at Miami Swim Week. It wasn’t just another set of designs. It was personal, creative, and rooted in a symbol that has guided her life for decades: the evil eye.
“I’m obsessed with the evil eye,” she says with a laugh. “I have it everywhere. I literally wear it everywhere.”
The inspiration came from a gift her mother gave her in high school.
“My mom gave me my first evil eye when I was in high school,” Martinez explains. “To ward off any negativity because, you know, high school can be hard. I fell in love with it. I could feel the difference when I wore it.”
What began as a protective charm became the foundation of her latest collection. Evil-eye motifs appeared throughout the runway alongside handcrafted macramé details, creating a collection that felt both meaningful and fashion-forward.
A Bold New Collection
Known for monochromatic palettes and timeless neutrals, Atelier Martinez took a colorful turn this season. The designer introduced a vibrant five-color palette while maintaining the signature turquoise that has become synonymous with the brand.
“Honestly, everybody’s loving this collection,” Martinez beams.
One standout design generated excitement before it even hit the runway.
“I invented a new silhouette,” she says proudly.
For Martinez, the collection also marked a personal breakthrough.
“I’m really proud of this collection. Sometimes you can get imposter syndrome. It’s almost as if you can’t believe that you’re the one who did it. This year I didn’t have that.”
The confidence came from seeing the work connect with models, audiences, and industry insiders alike.
Designed for Every Woman
While many swimwear brands chase trends, Martinez focuses on how women feel.
“I design with you in mind.”
Her own experiences with body image have shaped her approach.
“I try to design everything in mind for every girl.”
Inclusivity is at the center of her creative process. One yellow bikini embellished with evil-eye details became a perfect example.
“I call it the sisterhood of the traveling bra,” she laughs.
The style worked across a variety of body types, reflecting Martinez’s commitment to creating pieces that are both flattering and functional. Many designs incorporate built-in support systems, often overlooked in swimwear.
“I put a lot of underwiring in pieces because a lot of my models have a larger top size.”
For Martinez, beauty should never come at the expense of comfort.
A Love Letter to Women
That philosophy extends beyond the runway.
“We’re selling to natural women.”
Her campaigns intentionally feature women who feel relatable rather than unattainable.
“I don’t want a girl to see my pictures and go, ‘I don’t look like that. I can’t wear that.'”
Instead, she hopes women see themselves reflected in the brand.
The mission is deeply personal. Atelier Martinez has always been a love letter to women, confidence, and self-expression.
“My inspiration is always my mom.”
That influence appeared in a particularly emotional detail during her final walk. The stunning black-and-bronze beaded bra Martinez wore wasn’t factory-made. Her mother handcrafted it.
“My mom hand-beaded that bra.”
More Than Swimwear
This year’s Swim Week also marked the first without Martinez’s mentor and friend, Moh Ducis, founder and chief executive officer of DC Swim Week and Miami Swim Week.
“If it wasn’t for him, I wouldn’t be a designer. The heart and soul of Miami Swim Week was definitely lacking.”
As the show came to a close and raindrops began to fall, Martinez reflected on months of work brought to life.
She creates for more than aesthetics.
“I want you to put on one of my pieces and feel like a superhero. Like Clark Kent does when he changes into Superman.”
That, more than trends or sales, remains the true mission of Atelier Martinez.
“I want you to feel radiant, magical, iconic. I want you to feel famous.”
