fashionweektampabay

Posts Tagged ‘Designers’

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An Interview With Elizabeth Carson Racker ~ #FashionIsAStory

In Designers, Events, Fashion, Trends, Updates on September 6, 2017 at 4:21 am

Elizabeth Carson Racker

You’ll recognize Elizabeth Carson Racker from the Tampa Bay Fashion Week runways. A crowd favorite over the years, Elizabeth’s keen sense of style and dynamic personality sparkles on stage. In this interview, you’ll get to learn her story…

What inspires you daily?
My daily inspiration is pushing my business.

Original creation by Elizabeth Carson Racker Design

How did you pursue your career field?
At the age of 12 I attended my first Ebony fashion fair runway show. Having a chance to see all these amazing black women and men walk the runway wearing the most lavish garments changed my life. Leaving the show I wanted to be a model, designer, fashion producer; I wanted to do it all; so I did. Throughout middle school and high school I coordinated, produced, and modeled for many fashion shows. To my friends, I was their personal stylist and my closet was their closet. I was always pushing the boundaries of fashion “good and bad.” The pursuit of my career field started with Savannah College of Art and Design. SCAD allowed me to spread my wings and truly find where in the Fashion Industry I belonged. After graduating, I traveled with Ebony Fashion Fair as their featured Designer and Wardrobe Assistant.

How do you or your organization help the Tampa Community?
I believe in giving to my community, each year I donate my time and garments to non-profit and for-profit events within the Tampa Bay area.

If you won a “Best Of” award, in what category would you win?
Best Designer Show (Garments, Music, leave you wanting more)

A well-dressed person will always…
…wear the proper under garments, as the foundation is most important.

Elizabeth Carson Racker Design at New York Fashion Week

Describe your signature style in one sentence.
My signature style is bold, unique and simplistic.

What piece of clothing do you wear every day or what item in your closet can you not live without?
I have a ring that I wear every day and no it’s not a wedding ring… lol! My ring is silver moon shaped which has ivory, yellow and red amber stones. It’s a master piece and everything to me.

Do you have a favorite designer and/or what celebrity is your style icon?
My favorite designer is Donna Karen. Most recently Queen Latifah is my celebrity icon.

What’s your favorite fashion trend?
My favorite fashion trend is when something old/dated is made relevant and current to a younger generation. Like right now the blouse/leotards are everywhere now.

Speed Round
Less or More? More
Favorite Color? Purple
Favorite Store? Nordstrom
Best spot to relax in Tampa? Beach with my Dog “Miss Demi”
Skinny Jeans or Bell Bottoms? Skinny Jeans
Heels or Flats? Heels
Tie-Dye ~ hot or not? It can be hot
Dress, Skirt or Pants? Dress
Hand Bag, Big tote, Cross Body or Tiny Clutch? Big Clutch

Following Elizabeth on Instagram: @ecrdesigns and Facebook

 

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Designers Announced for Tampa Bay Fashion Week 2017

In Designers, Events, Fashion, Updates on August 17, 2017 at 2:04 pm

Ahem! We have a little somethin’ to share…the 2017 Tampa Bay Fashion Week 2017 designers and brands!

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Elizabeth Carson Racker is returning to Tampa Bay Fashion Week for her fourth year. Constantly creating fresh and new silhouettes, this Tampa Bay-based designer knows what the modern day woman wants and always delivers.

The Dolce Couture Collection by Melissa Dolce will be making its debut at Tampa Bay Fashion Week 2017. In a class all by itself, Dolce pairs baseball tees with grass mini skirts and water pail hats with flowers sprouting out of it. Theatrical, bold and awe-inspiring, Dolce will put on a show we are sure to never forget.

Sopho by Alexandra Bougadis will be showing the Christi Collection, which combines leather craftsmanship with island flare. The line is inspired by the Mediterranean lifestyle and culture. Already an international hotspot, Tampa Bay is ready for everything Sopho is going to bring.

After making its mark in the Pacific Northwest, Ohlendorf, atelier by Wendy Ohlendorf has returned to Tampa Bay and we’re thrilled! Drawing on her educational background in fine art and design, Ohlendorf’s tangible pieces express her ideas, romanticism and love for life.

 

Banana Republic is for men and women who make the most of every moment and opportunity. Their ability to make the simplest items seem so elegant is almost magical. Their contemporary classics and thoughtful design is iconic and we are glad they are returning to our runway.

 

 

Known for their on-trend designs, Fabletics inspires people to stay active in a variety of ways for all kinds of occasions. We’re excited to see their passion and energy on the runway!

Free People is for the eclectic, worldly woman with a restless soul. Rooted in femininity, courage and spirit, Free People expresses an important message through their clothing and Tampa Bay Fashion Week can’t wait to hear it!

Lily Pulitzer’s bright, colorful pieces are easily recognized in today’s sea of neutrals and nudes. No matter the weather, using bright prints and pinks they always bring the sun and fun on the runway.

Pandora’s jewelry always draws a breath of awe from us. Their handcrafted pieces serve as timeless love links to family and friends. Made with genuine materials and stones, Pandora is sure to put a twinkle in your eye.

We are counting down the days until we see this fantastic designers and brands on the runway! Learn more about the designers and brands here: http://www.fashionweektampabay.com/designers2017

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Fashion Designer INDASHIO Brought His American Dream To Life In Tampa Bay

In Designers, Events, Fashion on March 28, 2013 at 11:35 am

International fashion designer and reality star, INDASHIO, showcased his newest collection at the American Dream Fashion Show in Tampa on Friday, March 1.

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Attendees dressed to impress and filled the Hard Rock Café for this patriotism-infused fashion show at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Tampa. From bold stars to color-blocked stripes, fierce camouflage to sparkle and shine, INDASHIO did not disappoint with his never-before-seen American Dream collection. Models rocked the runway to beats provided by DJ Kidd Leow of 93.3 FLZ FM.

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INDASHIO, one of the youngest designers ever to show at Fashion Week in New York, was excited to be back in the Bay area to showcase his newest collection and bring an over-the-top fashion show spectacular to Tampa Bay. We caught up with INDASHIO following the show and he enlightened us with the inspiration behind the collection: “Obama and the spirit of equality in America, especially marriage equality, inspired the designs for my American Dream collection.”

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While the finale was star-studded to say the least, it was INDASHIO’s talent and passion for his work that truly lit up the night and brought his own American Dream to life.

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A portion of the event proceeds will benefit the Wounded Warriors Project, a cause that INDASHIO holds very near to his heart. Event sponsors included the Hilton Tampa Downtown, Tampa Bay Times, Wild 94.1 FM, Maxima 92.5 FM and ACE Tampa.

Did you attend the show? What do you think of INDASHIO’s American Dream collection?

IndashioModels

~Jenna

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Monstruosité by Dolly Donshey: The Seven Devils Showcase

In Designers, Events, Fashion on March 26, 2013 at 2:31 pm

In February we were fortunate enough to attend Dolly Donshey of Monstruosité’s showcase at Martini Republic in the heart of Downtown Tampa. Titled “Seven Devils,” the Fall/Winter 2013-14 collection was a representation of the seven deadly sins through fashion, video, music and drama.

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The Seven Devils showcase was as unique as Dolly Donshey’s designs. The audience was mesmerized by the theatrics of the show as the models impersonated each of their deadly sins to Ms. Donshey’s poetic narration.photo 2

Monstruosité’s Fall/Winter 2013-14 collection stayed very true to its theme. The designs, the story behind the collection, the luminous makeup and hair pieces down to the glitter-infused faux blood covering the models’ limbs – the showcase did not miss a beat. Although, this does not come as a surprise for work produced by TBFW Designer 2011 & 2012, Dolly Donshey.

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We look forward to the bright future of Dolly Donshey and the beyond ingenious and artistic work yet to come from Monstruosité.

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~Jenna

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Sparkle Your Way Through Fall

In Designers, Fashion, Trends on November 6, 2012 at 6:26 pm

The time has come when the Tampa Bay area is blessed with cooler weather.  Cooler weather=Cooler fashion!  If you love the look of layers, glitz and mixed textures, winter in Florida is a very happy time for you.

Metallic denim is hotter than ever this season, from light champagne to brilliant gold.  Pair it with a cute sweater for the ultimate ensemble.

Faith Connexion metallic coated stretch-denim skinny jeans

Rag & Bone Metallic Legging

Silver Metallic Jeans with Chic Striped Sweater

Traditionally, Fall fashion can sometimes appear drab.  Don’t you dare pair a frumpy dark sweater with black pants!  Choose one brilliant sparkling piece to create magic within the rest of your ensemble.

Pink and Silver Sequined Tuxedo Jacket

Copper Sequined Skirt with Silk Blouse in Winter White

Cozy Gray Sweater with Gold Sparkle Mini

Street Sparkle

On your search for Fall fashion, have fun!  Remember:

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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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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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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!

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Well Model Behaved

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

On Wednesday, September 22, Fashion Week Tampa Bay 2010 kicked off the annual event with a VIP Model Behavior cocktail party at Clearwater Audi, Fashion Week Tampa Bay’s 2010 presenting sponsor.

The night was filled with fashion, fun, and fast cars. As attendees sipped on Conelly cocktails and enjoyed hors d’oeuvres from Grillsmith, Stone Chefs and Mitchell’s Fish Market, they got to test out some of Audi’s luxury cars.

VIP guests got the chance to behave or mis-behave like a model, dressed to the ‘nines’ and were photographed in front of Fashion Week Tampa Bay’s red carpet.

I spent the night chatting with Fashion Week Tampa Bay designers and models about what to expect Friday, September 24 on the runway. Although I received tons of good details, unfortunately I will be keeping lips sealed on this one. Come check out the Fashion Week Tampa Bay 2010 runway show at the Armature building for a night you won’t forget.

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Please, Direct Me to Beauty Heaven!

In Designers, Events, Fashion, Updates on September 18, 2010 at 8:16 am

Ever been on the search (via the internet) for a new nail salon that’s closer to home? Maybe you’ve googled, binged, and even pulled out the old yellow pages? I was without a beauty heaven, until I came across one of Fashion Week Tampa Bay’s sponsors, Prettycity.com (our sponsor for the past three years – thank you!) The door opened and I saw the light. A beauty Mecca that was right at my fingertips.

At Prettycity.com, I am able to search the top local spas and salons in my city: Tampa Bay. Prettycity.com supports 30 cities in the U.S. including, New York, Los Angeles, and Miami. Along with searching to find my new beauty get-a-way, I’m able to read real reviews from customers about their experiences, plus likes and dislikes on particular companies. Also, the site provides printable coupons for contributing spas and salons and promotional updates in your city.

By becoming a VIPretty, you can receive special updates and attend Prettycity.com events. From now until December, PrettyCity is in partnership with Shape to help celebrate The Beauty Sample Sale. This sale touches numerous cities in the United States. Guests will sample complimentary beauty services courtesy of the world’s prettiest brands, from hair care to skin care from cosmetics to cosmeceuticals.

On my most recent search, not only did I find a new nail salon, I came across new products, celebrity tips and tricks, and consulted with Prettycity.com’s beauty experts about recommended skin care products for my skin type to prepare me for all the Fashion Week Tampa Bay events coming. I got to have my skin along with my dress looking flawless.

As you prepare yourself for Tampa’s most anticipated fashion event of the year, Fashion week Tampa Bay 2010, visit www.Prettycity.com to let them assist you with your beauty needs. See you at the show!

For more information and tickets to Fashion Week Tampa Bay, visit www.fashionweektampabay.com