Unieke Mode Swim Week Rooftop Runway 2026 was a summertime success. The fashion event, held at Bliss Terasu in FiDi, fused luxury swimwear, resort fashion, and high-profile designer styles. The summer 2026 edition of Unieke Mode Swim Week, led by founder Monique Obeze, displayed a visual fashion experience transported beyond the runway, featuring luxury swimwear and wearable swim fashion while spotlighting upcoming designers.
A rooftop fashion show served as the perfect setting for attendees and models on a comfortable, 80-degree summer day. Season two of Swim Week for Unieke Mode highlighted headliner designers Sharon Cole and Tziah Jones for the afternoon and evening show. When asked how she felt in between her shows, Obeze responded, “I’m feeling great! I think we did amazing for our last season in New York.”
It was essential for Obeze to display not only Black and Latino designers, but to also include Asian designers as well. Diversity was very important for her. “That’s what my brand is all about—inclusion, diversity,” said Obeze. “I want to show all walks of life down the runway, not just one. Yes, we are Black-owned, but, at the same time, we represent everybody.” As a founder, Obeze wants Unieke Mode Swim Week and Fashion Week to be synonymous with community. “It’s something I’m very proud of.”
Unieke Mode’s founder explained to attendees how bittersweet the show was, because it was the last Swim Week for New York Fashion Week, with Obeze’s brand expanding into Jacksonville, Florida. “I hope ya’ll will continue to support my designers and support me,” Obeze said. She praised her designers for producing high-quality work. “They really closed out season two.” The designers and models vibed well with the audience as they voiced their pleasure and approval of the fashion show in real-time. “The goal is to make sure you bring designers that are ready to work, that have a solid collection and can appeal to the audience—I think we did that tonight!”
Model Valentina walking in Unieke Mode NY Swim Week 2026. (Brenika Banks photo) 
Woman Model walking in Sharon Cole Designs at Unieke Mode NY Swim Week 2026. (Brenika Banks photo) 
Man Model walking in Sharon Cole Designs at Unieke Mode NY Swim Week 2026. (Brenika Banks photo) 
Woman Model walking in Sharon Cole Designs at Unieke Mode NY Swim Week 2026. (Brenika Banks photo) 
Designers Kiara Sabrina and partner Tziah Jones at Unieke Mode NY Swim Week 2026. (Brenika Banks photo) 
Unieke Mode NY founder Monique Obeze and Brenika Banks at Unieke Mode NY Swim Week 2026. (Brenika Banks photo)
“Our headliner designer [Tziah Jones], he killed it, he always does,” said Obeze. Jones first worked with Unieke Mode in February. Obeze said that, “the crowd loves him” and she strategically brought him back. “I’m very proud to say that he shut the house down.”
Jones described working for Obeze as “amazing — it’s always a good time with Monique!” He emphasized that her shows are well organized and run smoothly. Jones’ partner, Kiara Sabrina, echoed his kind words on working with Unieke Mode. When asked about working with Obeze, Sabrina shared, “She provides an atmosphere for everyone to feel like family.” She also expressed, along with Jones, how satisfying it was seeing their work on the runway after planning for months. “My favorite part of today is watching everybody come together as a community,” said Sabrina. She referred to the community vibes she enjoyed including on the runway, behind the scenes, and during in-between times where the audience and crowd mingled with each other.
Obeze also had a couple of performances and a host to keep the audience entertained. Her attendees gave her a standing ovation and positive feedback post-show.
She advised, “Stay tuned!” Unieke Mode returns for Fashion week September 2026. For more info, visit uniekemodenyfw.com.
