fashionweektampabay

Archive for the ‘Designers’ Category

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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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Essence Flowers Brings Couture to TBFW 2011

In Designers, Fashion on September 22, 2011 at 4:35 am

Essence Flowers will be joining us again this year and we can’t wait to see her designs tonight! She’s no stranger to the runway or to Fashion Week Tampa Bay as we welcome her for the fourth year in a row, but just in case she’s a stranger to you (where have you been?)…Before we enjoy another wonderful Essence Flowers runway show, let’s get to know her a little more! Read below to learn some fun facts about fashion designer, Essence Flowers.

Meet Essence

Since Essence graduated from Tampa’s International Academy of Design and Technology, she has had a successful career in fashion. Her work ethic and design talent have led her to creating magnificent pieces of art. Essence wears many hats including:

Consultant in Tampa

Buyer in St. Petersburg

Pre-Fashion Week participant in New York City

Force behind an up-and-coming label in Atlanta

Swimwear and uniform designer for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers cheerleaders for their 2010 and 2011 seasons

Signature Style

Her designs are elicit art and visual controversy with a hint of sex appeal. Best known for her gorgeous couture dresses and glamorous swimwear. Essence Flowers designs are nothing short of remarkable!

Favorite Piece

I love all of the couture dresses below, but my favorite is the royal purple dress in the middle!

Three words to describe her designs…

Remarkable, elegant and artistic

What can we expect this year from Essence?

For Tampa Bay Fashion Week 2011, Essence will take attendees on a journey back to her couture roots for her set, IMPERFECTIONS. You can totally expect high fashion couture that is breathtaking and artistic!

Looking Back

Let’s look back at her previous collections showcased at Fashion Week Tampa Bay!

We invite you to experience the couture movement that is Essence Flowers on Friday, Sept 23 at Innisbrook Resort and Spa. Be sure to get your tickets while they last! Get tickets here.

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Swanky Soiree on the Fashion Week Calendar

In Designers, Events, Fashion, Trends, Updates on September 21, 2011 at 1:24 pm


Swanky Soiree 2011 is an official event of Fashion Week Tampa Bay, and their name truly does say it all – it will be another Swanky Soiree!

Amazing restaurants, chefs and vendors are all part of this year’s event as well as fashion designer, Alla-K and fine artist, Don Kobasky. And while you are having a dream night at the soiree, you will be happy knowing that proceeds are going to help Brookwood Florida, a licensed therapeutic group home for adolescent girls.

There simply is nothing we like better than an evening filled with fine fashion, fine art, fine dining and fine friends – and knowing that proceeds of that evening are going to benefit a very worthwhile and much deserving organization like Brookwood Florida.

Follow this event up by attending the after party at Push Ultra Lounge, and then, of course, Fashion Week Tampa Bay’s runway show (9/23)  – a perfect start to another perfect weekend in Florida paradise.

See you there!

~Paula

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Meet The Designer Behind J. Cagua

In Designers, Events, Fashion, Trends, Updates on September 21, 2011 at 4:28 am

Living in the Tampa Bay area, or anywhere in Florida for that matter, the “seasons” often mesh into one – or two – many scorching months of summer weather and a brief cold period. Of course I’m not one to complain about long summers and soirees by the pool, but any fashionable gal knows finding the perfect bathing suit can be exhausting. Thanks to Tampa Bay Fashion Week designer, Trineice Cagua, the search has been made easier. Her swimwear line, J. Cagua, comes in an assortment of styles from one piece suits to string bikinis. Trineice’s sexy, yet tasteful designs are triggered by her own love for poolside fetes and summertime in Florida.

Trineice graduated in 2004 from the International Academy of Design & Technology with a degree in fashion design and marketing, along with a dream to create her own swimwear line. A dream that soon became reality and a success, with dedication and the assistance of her two longtime best friends. She was first invited to Tampa Bay Fashion Week in 2009 to showcase her line and has returned every year since. The mother of two believes in encouraging and mentoring young girls and amidst designing also finds time to support the Girlz to Women cause and other programs.

J. Cagua swimwear is not only durable, but is made tailored to the individual specifications of Trineice’s clientele – ie: comfortable and totally on trend. Her goal is to make women feel confident and fashionable while wearing her designs.

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Such a Mahh-velous Designer: Rhonda Shear

In Designers, Events, Fashion, Trends on September 20, 2011 at 6:06 pm

When I learned that Rhonda Shear was going to be returning to Fashion Week Tampa Bay runways this year, I just had to visit her website and check out the latest designs.  Like most of us, I am very familiar with what Rhonda shows on HSN, and I do love those products. But I had no idea the extent of her line until I saw her site this week. And I am so glad I checked it out.

Of course, undergarments can be functional (and need to be), but the best scenario is when they are functional, comfortable and beautiful – and that describes Rhonda’s line perfectly.  “Help me, Rhonda” is exactly her calling, and with her beautiful designs, she has done just that for all ages and sizes of women.

I know I like to feel beautiful starting with what I wear under my clothes, and the way to look and feel your best is when you know that everything stays put with no unsightly lines, no unwanted bumps, no tugging and pulling.  Fashion at its best from the inside out!

So I say thank you, Rhonda, for making me and my fashion world a prettier, more comfortable place. Check out Rhonda on the runways this Friday, Sept. 23 at Innisbrook Golf & Spa Resort for Tampa Bay Fashion Week! See you there!

~Paula

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Dali Hernandez: Anything But Basic

In Designers, Events, Fashion, Trends, Updates on September 20, 2011 at 9:21 am

Dali Hernandez is an amazing designer with bold, beautiful fashions and can’t wait to see her designs this Friday on the runways at Fashion Week. I eagerly checked out the House of Dali portfolio and boutique on her site several times – mostly because I found I needed to visit and revisit to fully capture the essence of the designs. She has everything from a ruffled top (a must see to fully appreciate) to party dresses and ball gowns.

Even though we have all seen ruffles, party dresses, ball gowns in basic black – these are like nothing you’ve seen before and are anything but basic. Check them out for yourself on her site, and you will see why you have to attend this year’s Fashion Week Tampa Bay to see Dali Hernandez and her designs on the runway. You will be glad you did.

Here’s to another beautiful night of fashions,

~Paula

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Andrew Ashton of LaPosh Salon

In Designers, Events, Fashion, Trends, Updates on September 20, 2011 at 7:23 am

While tout ensembles may be the stars of the show, no runway look is complete without hair and makeup. Tampa Bay Fashion Week is proud to welcome back the talented Andrew Ashton of LaPosh Salon as Hair and Make-up Artist Director.

Hair & make-up styled by Andrew Ashton

A master of models’ hair dos, Andrew Ashton has been a part of Tampa Bay Fashion Week for several years. We are looking forward to the sexy and sassy styling Andrew and team will be bringing to the runway during Fashion Week 2011.

The upscale and super chic LaPosh Salon located in Clearwater offers hair, nails, skin and massage services. LaPosh also sells an assortment of products including Heal5ium haircare, which is also a sponsor of this year’s Tampa Bay Fashion Week 2011 for the second year in a row! Other product lines sold at LaPosh include: Redken, Hempz and Aquage for all hair types. You can purchase Andrew Ashton’s very own makeup line “FaceWorks” at LaPosh as well. In the meantime, join us at Tampa Bay Fashion Week to see the unique looks Andrew gives the models this year!

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Join Us For Past Perfect’s Red Carpet Reception

In Designers, Events, Fashion, Updates on September 19, 2011 at 5:47 pm

As Fashion Week Tampa Bay 2011 begins, it is only appropriate that we take a day to pay a tribute to all the fashion designers that have become before us. Tomorrow (Tuesday, September 20) at 7pm Tampa Bay Fashion Week 2001 will be kicking of its week with Past Perfect: A Celebration of Vintage Designs 1820. Join us to celebrate some amazing vintage fashion, while enjoying hors d’oeuvres and champagne at the Art Institute of Tampa.

With an assortment of garments from Halston, Ceil Chapman, Chanel and so many more this evening will truly be Past Perfect. This evening of vintage garments will leave you speechless and craving more of Fashion Week Tampa Bay 2011. With so many breathtaking garments, dating all the way be to 1890s, this event is not one to miss!

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New Identities: A Must-See Salon for a New You

In Designers, Events, Fashion, Updates on September 19, 2011 at 3:01 pm

 

 

 

 

New Identities Hair Studio is a must-see salon. With locations in both Tampa Palms (the New Tampa area) and Riverview/Apollo Beach, a big part of the Greater Tampa Bay area can travel there quickly. For those of us located a bit farther out, New Identities is worth the trip!

The owners and staff at New Identities have years of experience, and the services offered include something for everyone. Maybe you have an upcoming wedding or are attending a special event – hey, we know the holidays are just around the corner and those parties start earlier each year – check out New Identities and book your appointments now.

Like most people with busy schedules, I like getting everything done at one salon, and a salon that is a beautiful place with talented people makes my beauty time even more enjoyable. There is so much more to try than just a cut/blow dry (although we all love those). Maybe you want that sleek, smooth, shiny hair that is a bit difficult to achieve in our Florida humidity – they can help. Maybe you have a picture of a look you want to copy – they can do it.

Take a friend, or two, and enjoy your salon time together. Book something before Fashion Week Tampa Bay, so your look goes perfectly with your beautiful fashions. And, be sure to check out what great styles New Identities Hair Studio clients will be sporting at all of the Fashion Week Tampa Bay events. You’ll be glad you did.

Here’s to looking beautiful,

~Paula

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Proper Training…Always in Fashion: Art Institute of Tampa

In Designers, Events, Fashion, Trends, Updates on September 19, 2011 at 1:10 pm

Fashion Week Tampa Bay and The Art Institute of Tampa – a perfect pairing in my mind, that’s for sure and we’re thrilled to have Art Institute as a Tampa Bay Fashion Club sponsor for the fourth year in a row.

The Art Institute of Tampa is an incredible school offering varying degrees from a top-notch faculty.  Maybe you are interested in the Culinary Arts – they have the training, maybe something in Web Design & Development, beginning and advanced – they have the training, or maybe your “Fashionista” desires lean towards Fashion Retailing and Management – once again, they offer the training.

As a former boutique owner, I speak from experience when I say that the Fashion Retailing and Management training you can get at The Art Institute will definitely give you a head start in the Fashion industry.

You owe it to yourself to check it out.  Looking forward to your feedback and to seeing you at Fashion Week Tampa Bay.

~Paula, Stylista Friend