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Posts Tagged ‘fashion designers’

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A.P.M. Images Hits The Runway

In Designers, Events, Fashion, Trends, Updates on September 22, 2011 at 3:33 pm

Tampa Bay Fashion Week is thrilled to welcome back Audrey “Pat” McGhee, CEO of A.P.M. Images, as one of this year’s featured designers. Her urban couture women’s line is designed for those who want to blend boldness with feminine beauty. With over 20 years of experience in the fashion industry, Pat uses her God-given gifts to work with women from their most extraordinary or nominal points in life and everywhere in between.

In addition to creating fabulous ensembles, Ms. McGhee also serves as the Fashion Editor for Power Broker Magazine in addition to volunteering her time to the community working with youth and being involved in service projects.

Pat’s talent is the fashionable inspiration for trendsetters as well as movers and shakers who are looking for unique, classy appeal. With focus on individual body size, and specifically honed in on the difficult to find forgotten sizes (12-24), her designs appeal to the everyday woman. After many previous runway hits at Tampa Bay Fashion Week, we are eagerly anticipating what’s yet to come!

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Terri Funaro ~ Fashion Designer

In Designers, Events, Fashion on September 16, 2011 at 2:04 am

This fall Tampa Bay Fashion week is please to have Terri Funaro showcasing on the runway again. Last year’s showcase of elegant evening and bridal wear was a true pleasure to watch!

Having 15 years in the fashion industry, Terri is truly a veteran in the game and one to watch. Terri began her career in New York and since relocating to Tampa, Terri has spent her time designing bridal wear, all while instructing at the International Academy of Design and Technology. Terri has used her talent to create some breathtaking, sophisticated bridal gowns, pageant dresses, prom gowns, mother-of-the-bride and bridesmaid dresses. Her ability to make beautiful gowns that are flattering and wearable brings beautiful designs to all women. From the length, to the color and style, any one of Tampa’s socialites can find the perfect gown for whatever event she has on her fall/winter calender.

Last year’s use of neutral, beautiful shades of champagnes and grays leaves us wondering what amazing gowns Terri will grace us with at this year’s show. Can’t wait!

~ Yolanda

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House of Donshey

In Designers, Events, Fashion on September 14, 2011 at 9:36 am

Dolly Donshey

As every fashionista knows, no outfit is complete without accessorizing. That is exactly what Tampa Bay Fashion Week featured designer, Dolly Donshey, creates. From unique hats to a jewelry collection launched earlier this month, her work can best be described as one-of-a-kind wearable art.

Piece from Fall 2011 Lola Collection

Dolly Donshey began her career studying under the renowned Jan Wutkowski, alumni of the Melbourne School of Millinery in Australia. This is when Dolly discovered her passion for hat making and designing which eventually led to the establishment of House of Donshey Custom Millinery in January 2009.

Dolly Donshey Headpieces

Upon completion of her first full collection, Dolly began to heavily promote her inventive hat lines while working towards the goal of becoming Florida’s number one milliner and introducing her designs around the world. Since debuting, her designs have been featured on Fox 13 as well as in several local and regional fashion shows and magazine publications.

We look forward to seeing Dolly Donshey’s unique pieces on the runway as her Fall 2012 “Cycles” collection premieres on September 23rd at Tampa Bay Fashion Week.

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Renee Scarborough of Two Coconuts

In Designers, Fashion on September 13, 2011 at 1:40 am

Join us as we welcome Renee Scarborough, owner of Two Coconuts, to Tampa Bay Fashion Week 2011!

Two Coconuts brings sophistication and comfort to all your swim wear and resort wear. Renee, a native of St. Pete, understood how uncomfortable and ill-fitting swimsuits could be, because of this she began creating her own designs for herself. Soon her friends began asking for swim suits and sun dresses for themselves, bringing to life Two Coconuts Swimwear. For 15 years, Renee has been creating her custom swim wear that can be worn by all women. Two Coconuts has a wide selection of swim suits, from bikinis, tankinis and one pieces, with tons of prints to choose from!

Renee’s debut at Fashion Week will surely take the audience back to their summer days on the beach with her beautiful designs of swim wear and sun dresses!

~Yolanda, Stylista Friends

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Best of Spring Trends

In Designers, Events, Fashion, Trends, Updates on April 27, 2011 at 9:03 am

Here are the “Must Have” trends for this season that we can embrace – and enjoy – during sizzling Florida spring weather.

Neutrals and nudes are a huge trend right now. Combine them with black for a chic look or spice it up with a color to avoid the dreaded washed out look. You may even opt for a blush color to take a neutral piece, like a blazer, a bit more feminine without distracting frills.

Rebecca Minkoff Spring 2011

Breezy silhouettes will make enduring even the hottest day easier. Long, loose blouses and swingy dresses are a comfortable yet chic change from too tight dresses and tops.

Michael Kors Spring 2011

High-waist shorts in black or navy are the perfect alternate to a skirt and make legs appear longer – who doesn’t like that? The look can be made more casual with high-waist flared jeans, paired with a sleeveless racerback or scoop neck top. Spruce up the look with a few statement accessories to rock it at night.

Derek Lam Spring 2011

One of the most stylish and comfortable ways to step into spring is wearing wedges. They are a happy medium between flats and often painful stilettos. An easy go-to shoe with any outfit, wedges will leave your tootsies feeling great – even at the end of the day.

Michael Kors Spring 2011

Lace – It’s fun, flirty and can be combined with any of the trends above. Lace can be dressed up or made casual.  A light, lace top can be layered over a matching tank and will create the effect of a longer torso. It’s an incredibly versatile piece that can be taken from work to weekends, day to night.

Badgley Mischka Spring 2011


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Queen Midas

In Designers, Events, Fashion, Trends on August 5, 2010 at 1:33 am

Despite current economic reports of dread, Fall 2010 will bring fashion dripping in gold.  With shimmering possibilities from shirt to shoe, you may find yourself pondering the title of “Queen Midas”.

While this may seem a familiar choice, I would be completely remiss if I did not mention Christian Louboutin’s gold-studded bootie.  The body of the shoe is covered in round studs and spikes, all in amazingly shiny gold.  As if this were not enough, the heel exudes such brilliance that eye protection may become necessary in looking upon this beautiful shoe.

Speaking of shades, if the eyes must be protected, golden accents will flatter like no other.  The average gold-rimmed sunglasses can be found anywhere from bargain outlet to high-end boutique.  However, you will have a much more shining effect in shades like these from Chinese designer, Zhu Fei.  The very definition of unique, these glasses feature delicate nature inspired cut-outs in brilliant gold.  Whether you can actually see much is another story, but the look itself is utterly amazing.

Shoes and accessories aside, a true necessity for any golden queen involves a beautiful frock complete with gold beading.  This off-the-shoulder number from Herve Leger adds gold and black beading to the famous bandage dress, creating dazzle that is fit for royalty.

This fall, do not be afraid to unleash your inner queen on a drab world.  All of that shine may just do some good for humanity, let alone your wardrobe.

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Galliano Churns Out Pure Magic

In Designers, Events, Fashion, Trends on July 9, 2010 at 3:17 pm

There are almost no words to describe the sheer joy that comes from hearing the phrase, “couture collection.”  That being said, John Galliano has yet again exceeded expectations with his couture collection for Fall 2010.

In Paris this past week, Galliano’s collection for the House of Christian Dior blossomed quite literally onto the runway.  With a vivid floral theme, models emerged in tulip-shaped silhouettes and breathtaking colors.

One look in particular featured a beautifully soft textured blazer in robin’s egg blue which displayed an exaggerated shawl collar.  The waist was tied with a very unique gold belt and led down to a full black skirt with bubble hem.  As if this ensemble were not enough to tempt the eye, the skirt also features a side embellishment of wonderfully realistic flowers in lilac and yellow.  Another dress appeared in shiny black with a vintage, off-the-shoulder design and sheer overlay at the skirt which seemed to transcend into one large, pink petal.  Worn with shocking pink gloves, this look was simply divine.

While many fall collections tend to feature warm, yet sometimes dull earth tones, this was certainly not the case in the House of Dior.  A gown more vibrant than any exotic flower arrangement presented with a full length skirt shaped in tiny tiers of exquisite teal silk.  The strapless bodice revealed a purple floral print and transitioned quite nicely with a large, artistic bow in neon yellow.

John Galliano is a true innovator with a mind that continually churns out pure magic.  If not one piece in this collection of literal silhouettes and mind-blowing color tickles your senses, I would suggest an immediate medical consultation.

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Fashion & History Under the Same Roof!

In Designers, Events, Fashion on May 5, 2010 at 2:03 am

As Tampa continues on its journey to increase the fashion scene in the Bay area, on May 1st it got one step closer. Garment District 813 was to me a feeling of familiarity. Historic downtown Tampa turned into the 1970s meatpacking and garment district of New York City. Minus the ‘meat’, local Bay area fashion designers Ben Chmura and Raven Reda set the stage with their latest collections. Their inspiration for the show was the late 1970s meatpacking and garment district. So what better place to have it then Tampa’s well-known district of memories, the Tampa Armature Building (trolley barn). Between the brick foundation and the restored trolley at the head of the runway, you couldn’t help but to look around. This is when arriving early to a fashion event was a must. The two elements, the building and the clothing, were both equally beautiful yet so different. The wide open entrance (picture an entrance the size of two trolleys plus) lead your eyes straight down the runway. The exposed brick, original iron support and some broken windows reminded me of the Gansevoort Market in NYC.

Fashion Week Tampa Bay’s very own Ben Chmura showcased his first collection since being on Project Runway Season 7 and recent showing at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in February 2010. Although his collection was inspired by the old Greek Myth about Lamia and Zeus, accents of his collection also paid tribute to 1970s NYC . Textured, cropped pants with a coral diamond-cut jacket were paired with metallic, copper shoes. Copper shoes, can we say disco inferno!

Gabrielle(me) & Raven Reda

Along with Ben Chmura’s futuristic resort collection, Raven Reda revealed her latest collection Coup D’etat. Huh? That means what? Well, in an interview with Raven I got the scoop. She stated that, “Coup D’etat, which basically symbolizes a takeover of the fashion industry here.”  Her rocker-heroine chic clothing consisted of dye-jobbing, netting tops and jeggings (jean leggings) that accent anyone’s be-hind!

Until recently, New York City’s meat packing district was known for its industrial purpose. Now, high-fashion stores and art galleries fill the streets between Gansevoort and West 14th Street. Designers like Ben Chmura and Raven Reda are always actively involved in growing the fashion scene in Tampa Bay and bringing that high-fashion that is desired. However, this was Ben Chmura’s farewell show for he is leaving for New York to further his brand in the original garment district. Good luck Ben!

Deanna (FWTB Blogger) & Gabrielle (me)

All you shop-a-holics can still purchase both Chmura and Reda’s clothing at LACE Boutique, located @ 100 Main St., Suite 106, Safety Harbor, FL. For more information about Ben Chmura visit him at www.facebook.com/benchmura Coming soon: www.ben-chmura.com! For more information about Raven Reda visit her at www.dementa.etsy.com!

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J.Cagua brings Stylish Swimwear to our Fashion Week

In Designers on August 28, 2009 at 12:18 am

jcagua

J. Cagua is a sophisticated and stylish swimwear collection by fashion designer, Trineice Cagua. She will be joining our runway yet again for Fashion Week Tampa Bay 2009.

This Floridian beauty started at the International Academy of Design. Since then she has showcased in several magazines like Lake, Oasis, Black Men and Karu & Y Show by Miami Fashion Weekly Magazine.

Trineice understands that every client is uniquely different which is why she tailors her swimwear to the client’s exact specifications. This gives the client swimwear that is comfortable and stylish. She is also always incorporating the newest fashion trends into her swimwear designs to keep her clients fashion forward.

I love her collection from last year’s Fashion Week Tampa Bay! The collection had African prints with earthy tones and colors like black, white, red, green and orange.

Whether it’s from the runways to the sunrays, J.Cagua swimwear will make any women feel sexy, fashionable and confident. I can’t wait to see the newest collection from Trineice Cagua September 24th during Fashion Week Tampa Bay 2009!

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This one piece white swimsuit is one of my favorite J. Cagua swimsuits!

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Ivanka Ska, Tampa Bay Fashion Designer

In Designers on August 19, 2009 at 5:28 pm

Well known and respected Tampa Bay fashion designer, Ivanka Ska will showcase her newest collection at Fashion Week Tampa Bay 2009 during the week of September 23-26.

missIvanka

Her move from Poland to New York City in 1991 is where she fell head over heels in love with fashion. During a vacation in sunny Florida, Ivanka realized the place where she’d create her successful business… St. Petersburg!

Ivanka has made a huge fashion and artistic impact to the Tampa Bay area with her clothing and by opening the first fashion house in St. Petersburg, the House of Ska. She recently launched a new business that specializes in training aspiring models for the runway in the commercial and high fashion industry, The Art of Modeling and Runway Studio.

This designer, stylist and producer has successfully proven her determination of bringing fashion to the Tampa Bay area with her designs skills and eye for stylish clothing. Ivanka has a variety of  talents that are incorporated into her “House” of Ivanka Ska-ness,  including models, makeup artists, hair stylists, fashion designers, photographers, and artists. The success from her fashion boutique was awarded in 2008 by Metro Magazine as the “Best Funky Fashion House.” A media darling, Ivanka has been published in various magazines and newspapers including Bay Life Magazine, Tampa Bay Illustrated, St. Pete Times and the Tampa Tribune. In addition, she has been featured on NBC’s Daytime (where she gives fashion advice) and Fox 13′s Lightning Round.

Fox13Lightning Round

House of Ska_Ivanka Ska

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Ivanka is an active community leader, helping to launch the artist collective, Gala Corina, supporting the careers of emerging designers, and of course, participating in Fashion Week Tampa Bay, an event that highlights fashion designers while giving back to the community. “Fashion Week Tampa Bay is the most exciting and awaited event for all designers in Tampa Bay. It’s what we all have been preparing for all year. I’m so proud to be a part of our own fashion history,” says Ivanka. She has also showcased in the St. Pete Art Beat, Salvador Dali Museum’s Surreal Fashion Show, and produced her own House of Ska events.

HouseofSka3This will be Ivanka Ska’s 2nd year with Fashion Week Tampa Bay

Ivanka Ska strives to bring a creative, artistic edge to the Bay area community. Personally, I’m a huge fan and applaud fashion designer Ivanka Ska for giving the Tampa Bay area “wearable art” that’s simply love at first sight. I can’t wait to see Ivanka Ska at Fashion Week Tampa Bay 2009!

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