fashionweektampabay

Archive for the ‘Designers’ Category

, , ,

Witness the Retro-Futuristic Style of Tomorrow

In Designers on September 15, 2009 at 7:34 am

The retro and rebellion rocker era of the 80’s inspires modern fashion of today. Fashion Week Tampa Bay 2009 sponsor, Jay’s Fabric Center presents Ben Chmura who will bring fierce retro-futurism to Fashion Week.

Ben Chmura started by earning a B.F.A in Fashion Design from the Savannah College of Art and Design in 2001. This talented designer was recognized early with the strong prediction of him succeeding in the fashion industry. My face literally turned green with envy when I learned that Ben met Andre Leon Talley, Vogue magazine Editor-at-Large! I can only imagine sitting across the table from the great Andre Leon Talley… trying not to drool or faint and suffering word vomit to express my love for Vogue. Ben Chmura was one of the four senior students to have the honor of dinner with Andre to discuss fashion and career plans.

After living in New York City and freelancing for companies such as TSE, Men’s Express, Ralph Lauren and American Eagle, Ben Chmura moved south to Tampa, FL. He has designed several collections living in Florida including Red Hood, Ozamapoliten, Welcome to the Jungle, Azteca and Venom. Ben also participates in many fashion shows throughout the Tampa Bay area, including his own Sweat Shop show.

I love the mix of unique retro style meets fierce rocker futuristic flair that he creates in his collections. Ben gives fans, male and female, quality designs that are effectively moving forward in fashion.

No time machine is necessary to see the future of fashion! Although… there will be lights, music and fast speed! Destination… Fashion Week Tampa Bay 2009 where Ben Chmura’s newest collection will be shown.

chmura 1

chmura venom

aztec_ben_chmura

Ben’s designs in the 2009 FWTB event will feature material from Jay’s Fabric Center, which helps meet designers’ needs with fabric, notions, sewing kits, home decorating supplies and more. They provide classes for beginner sewers and great customer service specialists who are happy to help you with your sewing project. Click here for more information about Jay’s Fabric Center in St. Petersburg, FL.

, ,

Michael Della Penna: Around the World and Through the Decades

In Designers on September 13, 2009 at 8:18 pm

Creatively inspired at a very young age, Michael Della Penna has grown to thrive as an award-winning hair designer and is now showcasing his first collection at Fashion Week Tampa Bay. As a young boy, Michael was tremendously inspired by the style of the Beatles and other music, movie and TV celebrities of the Sixties.

Michael first ventured his creative spirits into hair design and was closely involved in the World Hair Championships for over 25 years, winning over 20 US titles, the European Championships in Strasbourg, France and the World Championships in Moscow, Russia in 2006. Through the World Hair Championships, Michael was able to showcase his hair art, fashion and total looks in several countries, such as: Paris, Berlin, Milan, Moscow, Budapest, Amsterdam, Vienna, Buenos Aires, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Beijing and Tokyo. These opportunities allowed Michael to study and become inspired by each countries culture, style and way of life.

“Travel is one of the greatest gifts and educational experiences that someone can reflect upon. The exposure to different cultures, thinking and languages has allowed me to view simple things differently and sometimes out-of-the-box,” said Michael Della Penna.

With all his accomplishments, Michael has decided to venture back into the fashion he loves. While his new line is being premiered at Fashion Week Tampa Bay, Michael says we can expect some “interesting combinations of exciting colors and fabrics and designs that should have an impact.”

“I’m very grateful and happy for the opportunity that Fashion Week Tampa Bay has given to me to showcase my designs. I feel this is the beginning for me of many beautiful experiences in the fashion industry.”

We are very excited to welcome Michael Della Penna to Fashion Week Tampa Bay 2009 and are looking forward to seeing what a mixture of passion, creativity, exotic lands and style can become. Purchase your tickets online now to Fashion Week Tampa Bay and experience for yourself the designs of a man who has caught the eyes of beauty and fashion editors in the U.S. and Italy!

Michael Della Penna-1

, , ,

APM Images by Audrey “Pat” McGhee

In Designers, Fashion, Updates on September 10, 2009 at 4:44 am

Meet Audrey “Pat” McGhee, the genius behind the exotic, innovative, and elegant designs of APM Images.

APM Images is an urban couture label for the mature woman, who is the epitome of confidence, mixed with feminine flair.

apmimages

The line is designed for a myriad of women in all shapes in sizes from size 6 to 24, and in various stages of their lives. Pat has channeled her 20 years of industry experience to provide makeovers for bridal parties, women with life-changing illnesses who desire a fresh start, women who want a new look for their work wardrobe, and more.

“This is my second year participating in Tampa Bay Fashion Week. The event is a wonderful opportunity for designers, and the staff is not only helpful, but a pleasure to work with,” said Pat of her second year with Fashion Week Tampa Bay. “I look forward to showcasing my new collection, seeing friends, networking with others, as well as new experiences and opportunities that will come my way.”

Look for the latest APM Images collection on Fashion Week Tampa Bay’s 2009 runway, for Pat McGhee’s immaculate, one-of-a-kind designs!

, ,

Eastern Design Meets Western Trends at Fashion Week

In Designers on September 7, 2009 at 3:00 pm

East meets west at Fashion Week Tampa Bay2009. Designer Sana Hassan will premier her newest one-of-a-kind collection that combines traditional Indian design with the latest western trends. Born in Bangladesh, Bengali, the elaborate patterns of Indian fashion remain close to Sana’s heart. Sana studied fashion design and has worked with leading fashion designers in Bangladesh. Sana’s goal is to bring color, pattern, design and the feel of the garment to bridge the gap between Indian fashion and modern style and elegance. Her collection will bring originality and distinctive style to the Bay area that is suitable for today’s lifestyle. Come get a peek of ancient India and become inspired by the tasteful fusion of Sana Hassan at Fashion Week Tampa Bay!

sana hassan 400

Sana Hassan image

, , , ,

Sandra C. Hagen Introduces Colombian Style to Fashion Week

In Designers on September 3, 2009 at 3:01 am

Fashion Week Tampa Bay welcomes designer Sandra C. Hagen in her second season with Fashion Week Tampa Bay. Last year, Sandra was one of the selected students from the International Academy of Design and Technology chosen to showcase her designs at the inaugural Fashion Week Tampa Bay. This year, with her own collection, Sandra is back stronger than ever. Sandra’s style and class are shown through her collections that display an array of vivid colors and add a modern, feminine flare to classic silhouettes.

Sandra was born and raised in Colombia, South America and drives inspiration from the style of her native country. Surrounded by a creative family, Sandra was always eager to learn. She began designing clothes for her dolls with her grandmother’s scrap fabrics. As a teen, Sandra altered clothes to make something new, fresh and original. At school, she polished her skills, participated in several prestigious events and received many awards and accolades. Today, Sandra is premiering her newest collection at Fashion Week Tampa Bay. We are very excited to see what she brings to the runway this year and in the years to come! Come check out Sandra C. Hagen at Fashion Week Tampa Bay!

Sandra C. Hagen

Sandra C. HagenSandra C. Hagen

Sandra C. Hagen

Bambina by Nina Verklas for Fashion Week Tampa Bay

In Designers, Fashion on August 30, 2009 at 2:47 pm

This year’s event will feature fabulous custom designer, Nina Verklas’ label, Bambina by NV. Her edgy, feminine designs are mysteriously versatile, from ready-to-wear and evening wear, to costume design.

Nina Verklas

Nina Verklas has showcased her chic designs in various fashion presentations, including our very own Tampa Bay Fashion Week. Each collection is unique with a myriad of colors, textures, prints and elegant facades.

Nina Verklas2

Bambina NV will return to Tampa Bay Fashion Week’s runway this year. The label’s theme is “Safari Chic” with designs inspired by wildlife in National Geographic magazine.

Nina Verklas3

Visit www.bambinabynv.com to see her previous collections, and look for the latest collection at our event!

, , ,

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!

jc1

jc2

jc3

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

Troy Anthony: 2009 Fashion Week Tampa Bay Designer

In Designers on August 26, 2009 at 5:52 am

Fashion Week Tampa Bay welcomes designer Troy Anthony and his label, Dynamyk Threadz. Educated at the International Academy of Design and Technology and the Institute of Marangoni in Milan, Italy, Troy has expanded his talent into one of the Bay area’s celebrated clothing companies. While Troy designs for both men and women, his passion is creating women’s garments that instill a sense of confidence and style. Troy Anthony produces what he calls “wearable couture” with a touch of urban and island flair. With an emphasis in diversity and couture, Troy combines street style and high-fashion to give women the freedom to style for a variety of occasions while maintaining the same level of class, elegance and flair. Come check out Troy Anthony and Dynamyk Threadz at Fashion Week Tampa Bay 2009!

DSC04625_preview

CRW_0031_preview

dsc04862_preview

Jamaican%20Collection_preview

, , , ,

Essence Flowers, Fashion Week Tampa Bay Designer

In Designers on August 24, 2009 at 3:51 am

Fashion extraordinaire, designer Essence Flowers, is making a name for herself in the state she calls home. At an early age, Essence was exposed to the art of designing and sewing by her grandmother in Haines City, Florida. Realizing fashion was her passion and calling, Essence further honed her craft at the International Academy of Design and Technology in Tampa. Today, Essence is a recognized designer, consultant, buyer and business professional.

Her label, Remarquable Designs by Essence, is becoming a hot commodity in Atlanta and the Bay area. Essence has had the opportunity to be a pre-fashion week participant in New York and will showcase her newest collection for the second year in a row at Fashion Week Tampa Bay 2009.

Remarquable Designs by Essence mixes couture and ready-to-wear with high-fashion, elegance and sex appeal. Each piece in her swim wear, formal, wedding and accessories collection is like a vivid work of art and makes a statement. Her designs truly are remarkable and, as her website says, “Anything else is just ordinary.” I’m looking forward to seeing Essence at Fashion Week Tampa Bay 2009 in September!

z 104

Remarquable Designs By Essence 3

1008459305_l

slider6

, , ,

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

l_f1e0dc8d96ae0f2d10a63709

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!