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In a world where appearance often takes center stage, Fashion Fitness Swim is redefining what it means to truly shine. More than a fashion show, it is a platform that encourages healthy living, mental wellness, self-care, and honest conversations about men’s health. This year’s theme, “Let’s Shine Together,” is a reminder that no one should have to navigate life’s challenges alone. Healing happens when people feel supported, understood, and connected.
For the past six years, Fashion Fitness Swim has become a meaningful Houston tradition, bringing together families, business owners, educators, health advocates, and local leaders who believe that mental and physical wellness deserve greater attention, especially for men.
The inspiration behind the event comes from a deeply personal place.
In 2011, mental health advocate and fashion model Carmen Martinez lost her best friend, Latrece Bell, to suicide. During her own healing journey, she found comfort in fashion and fitness, transforming loss into a mission to help others. Alongside community leader and attorney Kevin Murray, she founded Fashion Fitness Swim, an annual fundraiser dedicated to raising awareness, encouraging dialogue, and reminding people that seeking support is a sign of strength, not weakness.
As founder and Director of Media Strategy and Creative Communications, Martinez continues to lead the organization’s vision and expand its impact throughout the year.
“For the past six years, Fashion Fitness Swim continues to celebrate men’s health and encourage the community to take care of their mental health, especially men who often see vulnerability as a weakness,” says Martinez. “It reminds us that it’s okay to be vulnerable and seek help. We are all in this together, building a community that breaks down the stigma. For all those suffering in silence, remember we all need each other’s support. You are loved and valued.”
That message is woven throughout every part of the event.
Fashion Fitness Swim creates an environment where conversations about wellness feel natural and welcoming. Through fashion, fitness, personal stories, and access to valuable resources, attendees are encouraged to prioritize their well-being and support those around them.
At the center of its mission is a simple but important question: How can men feel supported, be supported, and be heard?
The event offers practical tools and meaningful discussions that help normalize conversations about mental health. It encourages a healthier view of strength – one that embraces vulnerability, emotional well-being, and the courage to ask for help when needed.
Proceeds from the event benefit the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), helping provide education, resources, and support for individuals and families affected by mental health struggles.
For Will Roberson, AFSP Board Member and returning Fashion Fitness Swim model, the event is deeply personal.
“Fashion Fitness Swim is more than a runway for me, it’s where fitness and advocacy meet,” Roberson shares. “This is my third year with the event and walking as a model while organizing AFSP’s tabling and volunteers has shown me how powerful it is to use a platform like this to open conversations about mental health. Using my body to heal my mind isn’t just a tagline for me – it’s the reason I keep showing up, year after year.”
His words reflect the heart of Fashion Fitness Swim: wellness is about more than physical health. It’s about caring for ourselves, supporting one another, and creating spaces where people feel safe enough to be honest about what they’re carrying.
As Houston continues to embrace conversations around mental health, Fashion Fitness Swim stands as a reminder that awareness can lead to action, understanding, and hope. It shows that a runway can become a place of healing, a conversation can become a lifeline, and a single event can inspire lasting change.
This year’s theme, “Let’s Shine Together,” invites everyone to be part of that journey.
Because every man deserves the opportunity to heal.
Every voice deserves to be heard.
And every person deserves to know they are valued, supported, and never alone.
Through compassion, advocacy, and a shared commitment to wellness, Fashion Fitness Swim continues to light the way forward, one conversation, one connection, and one life at a time.