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Archive for the ‘Designers’ Category

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Fedoras, Glasses and Fur, Oh My!

In Designers, Events, Fashion, Trends on March 8, 2011 at 5:11 am

With all of the hustle and bustle, glitz and glam surrounding New York Fashion Week, it would be impossible not to notice a collection or two.  While fall often brings about one too many black sweaters and wool peacoats, Malandrino defies the meaning of dull with the breathtaking Fall 2011 collection.  Though Tampa will soon begin to sizzle, pushing us into light cotton dresses and embellished tanks, it is never too early to begin thinking about next fall’s wardrobe.

The Fall 2011 Malandrino collection offers a unique mix of hollywood-esque furs mixed with over-sized eyeglasses.  Some looks portrayed the notion of Jean Harlow meets nerd.  Others utilized fedora-like hats to complete the look.  One beautifully draped purple print gown is featured on a lovely model with long flowing hair and over-sized rims.  Another delightful piece, also in purple is fully accessorized with both glasses and hat.  With several exquisite looks utilizing rich furs, seductive jewel tones and unique accessories, the Fall 2011 collection from Malandrino leaves little to be desired.

The moral?  Whether it be summer or fall, don’t be afraid to kick it up a notch with an unexpected accessory or two.

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Fabulous Helping Hands

In Designers, Events, Fashion on February 7, 2011 at 12:37 pm

The power of generosity easily opens our eyes to the importance of life. It warms our hearts in seconds yet manages to last a lifetime. In the moment…we offer a helping hand. Our helping hands, powered by generosity, are what truly makes us so fabulous!

So why discuss fabulous helping hands? Well, here’s the story: VERTICAL Tampa Bay reader, Upendra Reddy, reached out with an offer to donate a collection of Indian Saris to Fashion Week Tampa Bay 2010 fashion designer, Kimberly Hendrix. She’s a local Tampa Bay designer who reuses, recycles and renews materials to create her gorgeous vintage-inspired and handmade garments and was featured in the fall issue of VERTICAL.

Upendra’s generosity touched Kimberly, and Kimberly decided to donate 50% of the proceeds from the collection she creates with the Indian saris to a good cause of Upendra’s choice. Upendra has a heart for children who are homeless, and the organization StreetSAFE happens to provide for homeless children in the Bay area. This Friday all of these helping hands will be united!

Kimberly Hendrix for k.hendrix is creating a 12-look collection exclusively for VERTICAL Tampa Bay. The collection will be showcased at So Not Sari which is an exotic fashion presentation on Friday, February 11, 2011 at PUSH Ultra Lounge in downtown St. Petersburg.”So Not Sari is a celebration of hope, love and fashion,” says Leslie Joy Ickowitz, publisher and creative director of VERTICAL Tampa Bay. After the presentation, the garments will be featured in a live auction benefiting StreetSAFE – a division of the Family Resources Foundation devoted to the homeless children population in the Bay area.

This event is invitation only. You can check back here though for post coverage updates and join us as we Get VERTICAL this Friday!

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The Golden Globes: What Was Your Favorite?

In Designers, Events, Fashion, Trends, Updates on January 18, 2011 at 3:06 am

Everyone knows that our only motivation for taking time out of our busy schedules to watch an award show is the fashion.  At this year’s Golden Globes, those looking forward to flashy gowns popping with color may have been slightly disappointed with the surprising quantity of beige.  There were a few, however who saved the night in rich fabrics fully saturated with exquisite color.

The beautiful Mila Kunis was nothing short of a live, shining emerald in a one-shoulder Vera Wang piece.  The color complemented her flawless skin perfectly, and intricate draping sculpted her adorable shape.  Also from Vera Wang, Sofia Vergara appeared in a fiery pink gown accented with a black belt at the waist.  The gathered bodice and draped train provided a unique flair perfect for this event.

Of course, I am not insinuating in the least that bright colors are the only option for high style.  Eva Longoria was absolutely breathtaking in a black Zac Posen gown.  With a deep cut version of a sweetheart neckline and a matching black sash to cinch the already fitted waist, this dress was simply divine.  In addition, beige is not always bland when worn like Carrie Underwood in sparkling Badgley Mischka Couture.

To each her own: What was your favorite?

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New Year, New Style

In Designers, Fashion on December 31, 2010 at 4:49 pm

What are you doing New Year’s Eve?  As you descend upon a new year full of dazzling hope and unlimited potential, bid a joyous goodbye to 2010 at one last fabulous party.  Whether it be a small intimate gathering with close friends or an extravagant soiree, be sure to enter the new year in style.

Dazzle the night in a sequined, yet elegant party dress such as the Tadashi Shoji piece in plum.  With sequined mesh over satin in a perfect fit, this dress will certainly grab attention at your holiday dinner.  For  a more youthful feel, the floral skirt cocktail dress from Sue Wong is perfection.  Shimmering silk flowers are accented with sparkling crystal and bead detail for a look of dazzling delicacy.

Wherever you may find yourself this New Year’s Eve, make it one to remember with amazing friends and even more amazing fashion.  Raise a bubbling toast as you welcome a stylish New Year!

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Surreal: Colorful Statement Shoes

In Designers, Fashion, Trends on November 16, 2010 at 9:05 am

Making a fashion statement is like taking a short cut through a terrifying forest. It’s far from being safe… living on the dangerous side is more like it! It’s risky business – your fashion statement could be saying the wrong thing. Don’t get me wrong, there’s good reasoning to make the statement and worth the risk. Particularly if you’re a fashionista who loves unique pieces that make a statement all on their own. Sounds like me! This is why I choose some surreal shoes that will make a loud fashion statement of being unique, colorful and fashionably bold.

The first statement shoe is the Angel Bootie by Alexander McQueen. These shoes were a part of McQueen’s last collection before his early and unexpected death. Royalty would be honored to wear such a beautiful craftsmanship pair of gold heels.

These gorgeous blue ankle booties are made by Pollini for Manish Arora. Feel like a goddess from Hercules’ time! The royal blue color makes them POP while the three-dimensional gold detail steals some of the attention from the vibrant blue color.

Make a fashion statement by having a cool do on your…feet? These Palais Mohawk pumps in purple suede made by Yves Saint Laurent will surely make your feet stand out. The cool girl with a rebellious attitude will love making a fashion statement with these bad boys.

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Unintentionally Chic

In Designers, Fashion, Trends on November 11, 2010 at 5:03 am

I work in an office that likes to offer themed dress days as the holidays near.  Today happened to be ’80s day.  As I passed one of my co-workers in the hall, I could not help but turn to admire her ensemble.  While I am quite certain that her intention was to look as ridiculous as possible, she accomplished quite the opposite.  She was in fact, unintentionally chic.

Leopard print often bores me in traditional tan and black.  Green, however is a completely different story.  Over these fabulous leggings, she wore a denim mini and neon yellow top.  Her long brown hair was tied to the side, perfectly completing the theme.  All throughout the day, I could not help but think of her fabulous accident.  In fact, she looked as if she had stepped out of a Betsey Johnson ad.

My experience today has brought me to the conclusion that fashion is such a powerful and never-ending force, we may not always need to try as hard as we think.  This is certainly not to say that we should just close our eyes and put together whatever happens to fall out of our closet.  However, if we just loosen up a little, we may find new and exciting fashion possibilities beyond our wildest dreams.

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Ancient Inspiration

In Designers, Fashion, Trends on October 23, 2010 at 6:39 pm

Watching a recent episode of Project Runway, I found myself paying more attention to Heidi Klum’s ensemble than what was being put onto the runway.  Her judge’s chair seemed to resemble a throne as she sat proudly in a gold shimmering top, neckline adorned with blue and silver jewels.  Where had I seen this look before?  Ancient Egypt, perhaps?  With her glowing skin and perfectly styled bob, Heidi did in fact, resemble an ancient queen.

After thoroughly admiring the star’s look, I began to wonder what other modern twists on ancient beauty graced today’s fashion world.  Badgley Mischka’s most recent collection features a seductively fluid gown in light aqua.  The one shoulder detail is wonderfully reminiscent of a Roman toga, especially with coordinating gold jewelry.

A few collections ago, Alexander McQueen presented a collection taken straight from the Dark Ages.  Several pieces resembled fashion forward armor, complete with feather adorned helmets.  One exquisite gown befitting of a medieval princess revealed delicate chiffon peeking through a beautifully sculpted robe-like garment.

After browsing a plethera of collections, I found more ancient Egypt and a few Grecian inspired pieces.  Beautiful draping and shining embellishment is certainly no modern idea.  In fact, the roots of nearly any spectacular garment can probably be found at the Smithsonian.

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From Punk To Funk

In Designers, Events, Fashion, Updates on October 21, 2010 at 6:30 pm

There’s no question about it. The girl keeps doing her thang! Fashion Week Tampa Bay 2010 was just a month ago and Nina Verklas is showing in another Fashion Week. Nina will be presenting an exclusive showcase, “Rockin’ Retreat,” in Funksion Fashion Week Miami Beach.

Funksion Fashion Week Miami Beach is Wednesday, October 20 through Sunday, October 24th. Nina will be competing with other fashion designers in the Emerging Designers Competition. The competition will be at the Bass Museum Fashion Venue on Thursday, October 21st. Doors will open at 5pm and the fashion show starts at 6pm. Don’t be too fashionably late ladies and gents!

Nina Verklas has been selected as a featured designer for Fashion Week Tampa Bay for three years in a row. Her Bambina by NV Resort 2011 Collection was shown this year. I love this rockstar inspired collection! The collection was very punk rock, gothic/dark expanse and trendy with leather, chains and studs. She brought the punk and here comes the funk. We wish you the best! Knock ’em dead girl!

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Runway Review

In Designers, Events, Fashion, Updates on October 2, 2010 at 4:16 pm

Essence Flowers

Flowers are usually associated with romance and what’s more romantic than a wedding? Well, Essence Flowers’ collection was a mix and match made in heaven. A edgy elegance made up of gorgeous feminine pieces paired with rebellious music from Marilyn Manson –“Sweet Dreams.” They have always said that opposites attract! The Tampa Bay Buccaneer Cheerleaders worked the runway and posed in puppet like positions at the end. In addition to wearing white bridal hats, goddess gowns and girly form-fitting pieces with a soft color palate of pink, white, camel and gray.

Kimberly Hendrix

Her Spring/Summer 2011 Collection contained the most glamorous shipwreck outfits ever. All of the metallic, glitter, silver and gold made it feel like we were stranded on Treasure Island. However, the triangular shapes and unique angles in her pieces reminded me of Tinker Bell so maybe our ship wrecked on Never Ever Land. Overall Kimberly Hendrix created a collection that would satisfy sexy furious women and fantasy fever women. The models worked the runway in black heels and matching black angle socks. In addition, the models were wearing embroidery pieces that were emphasized at the top or bottom of the outfit. All pieces are vintage inspired and handmade by Kimberly herself.

Terri Funaro

“Uptown girl living in an uptown world.” Terri’s Spring/Summer 2011 collection will soon be in every classy fashionistas closet living in the Upper East Side (and living in Tampa Bay). Each piece would be flitting for every girl attending a formal event or a cocktail soiree. The collection was very well made with each piece containing a “wow” detail like a lace neckline on a gorgeous gown. The wedding gowns were breathtaking! Everyone fell in love with her wedding gowns. I heard cheering, applauding and positive chit-chat all across the tent.

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Exotic Couture

In Designers, Events, Fashion on September 24, 2010 at 1:23 pm

Three times a charm, for this innovative designer as she participates in her 3rd year in Fashion Week Tampa Bay. Each year, Audrey “Pat” McGhee brings exotic, innovative and elegant designs to the runway. Through her 20 years of fashion industry experience, Pat has done everything from retail to wardrobe styling.

APM Images is an urban couture label for mature woman who epitomizes pure confidence. Her collection offers clothing for women of all shapes and sizes.

Last Fashion Week Tampa Bay 2009 season, Pat rocked the runway with her untamed wild prints and theatrical showcase. I’m sure Pat will wow the audience once again at Fashion Week Tampa Bay 2010!