fashionweektampabay

Posts Tagged ‘Designers’

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Oh, What a Night!

In Designers, Events, Fashion, Trends on September 12, 2010 at 2:30 pm

We certainly had a great night of shopping, cocktails, and fashion. Fashion’s Night Out was everything and more that it set out to be. The Fashion Week Tampa Bay team and I spent our shopping night at Neiman Marcus at the International Plaza. The store was closed off and welcomed the Bay area’s most fashionable attendees.

As we sipped on pink martinis and enjoyed hors d’oeuvres from Capital Grill, our eyes wondered seamlessly through all the events. We started out on the first floor and tapped our stilettos to the band, 10th Concession playing in the middle of the cosmetic section of Neiman Marcus and sampled some of the upcoming fall seasons products from Chanel and Bobby Brown.

Women took playful photographs in the ladies shoe department and tried on boots for the fall.

As we worked our way upstairs, enchanted by the hundreds of white butterflies above us on the escalator to the second floor, the sound of Madonna’s ‘Vogue’ filled the room.

Neiman Marcus treated attendees by presenting a runway show that showcased some of fall’s must-have trends including fur coats, trench coats, lots of leggings and suede boots. This sure inspires one to shop!

Fashion’s Night Out is not only driven to help the fashion industry and economy, but it is shopping for a cause. By purchasing a Fashion’s Night Out t-shirt, the proceeds were donated to the NYC Aids Fund. Where will you be wearing you Fashion’s Night Out t-shirt?

Thank you to everyone who participated in Fashion’s Night Out 2010. Fashion Week Tampa Bay would like you to tell us where you spent your night shopping and about your purchases!

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From the Classroom to the Runway

In Designers, Events, Fashion, Updates on September 3, 2010 at 9:16 am

We’re just weeks away from Tampa Bay’s most anticipated fashion event of the year, Fashion Week Tampa Bay 2010! As our featured designers work long hours to finalize their Spring 2011 collections, the Fashion Week Tampa Bay blog begins the festivities virtually by introducing this year’s designers. This week the spotlight shines on Terri Funaro. A native to New York, Terri started her career as an assistant designer at Vassarette. Soon after she began designing for Vision Apparel to discover that her true love was in bridal. Her designs have been featured in major publications such as, WWD, Seventeen Magazine, Modern Bride (cover), and Brides Magazine.

Although her passion is bridal gowns, her primary goal is to inspire her students. The past 10 years she has been an instructor in the fashion department at the International Academy of Design & Technology in Tampa. She guides her students and encourages them to have their sketches come to life while helping them define their own personal style. She mentors her students to follow the path from an idea to a finished, well-made, beautiful product.

Terri Funaro creates clothes that accent women’s best features. She feels that clothes should make women feel beautiful both inside and out. As she showcases her Spring 2011 collection in FWTB on Friday, Sept. 24 in the Fashion Tent at the Armature , be sure not to miss her evening wear and bridal separates gracefully strut down the runway leaving you feeling beautiful…right from your seats.

For more information on Fashion Week Tampa Bay 2010 and tickets visit www.fashionweektampabay.com

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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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Material Girl

In Designers, Fashion, Trends on July 14, 2010 at 5:47 am

I remember as a little girl, cutting the finger tips off of my gloves, taking my mothers mini cross-body handbag and tying a knot at the end because it was way too long for me. Also, I recall dressing in layers and looking as if I threw everything in my closet on -this was during the 80’s. However, as history repeats itself, so does fashion history.  The 80’s style is back and being transmitted through a true 80’s stylista herself, Madonna.

Her new fashion line, Material Girl portrays some of the singers most memorable looks such as lace tops, tulle skirts, like a virgin-bustier tops that trickle back from the “Express Yourself” video.  Looking for a “Papa Don’t Preach” look? There’s a leather jacket, denim jeans and striped top.  However, the collection is not just a trip down memory lane for Madonna’s greatest fashion hits, it’s actually a reflection of a modern-day ‘Material Girl’, Lourdes Leon, Madonna’s daughter which is working closely together with her mother on the development of the junior line.

The line will be sold in 200 Macy’s throughout the United States. Material Girl will launch August 3rd and then will reveal the face for the collection in which Madonna hand-picked herself to resemble a true modern-day ‘Material Girl’. Although they are keeping lips sealed on who the celebrity teen face for the collection will be, you can visit www.materialgirlcollection.com to get a preview of the collection. The photos only reveal from the neck down but it’s clear that the ‘Material Girl’ has blonde hair…umm maybe Taylor Swift or Ashley Tisdale?

The Material Girl collection includes apparel such as, denim motorcycle jackets, tulle miniskirts, boyfriend blazers, lots of lace and crop tops. Footwear, handbags, hair accessories and jewelry. Oh, and there is a bodysuit within the collection-now that’s an opinion-maker.

“A material girl is a girl that is interested in fashion and interested in music and interested in fun. She has a sense of humor and is an adventurous human being.” Madonna, WWD.

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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!

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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!

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Reinventing Kate Spade with Retro-Glam

In Designers on August 6, 2009 at 2:45 am

In July 2009 the classic Kate Spade New York got a makeover with a hip and prettier “retro-glam” look.

Fashion designer Kate Spade is famous for her stylish boxy purses that once made women drool.

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Creative Director, Deborah Lloyd, is not erasing the memorable IT bag at all from the new collection. In fact, those boxy purses and 1960s era in London made a big impact with inspiring the new collection.

The new collection for Kate Spade contains unique throwback shapes and retro-glam prints. The unveiling of the debut clothing collection will be August 11, 2009.

Influenced by a mix of current New York City nightlife and classic London in the 1960s makes this amazing collection fabulous. The collection is a perfect fit for any girlie girl to dance the night away or enjoy a cocktail party with her friends.

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Deborah Lloyd was striving to give a worldly feel to each look while inspiring global thinking, yet dressing locally.

“I wanted to inspire grand ideas: a cocktail dress that sparks a party, a coat that causes a trip to the opera – clothes that create moments of glamour.” –Deborah Lloyd, Creative Director, Kate Spade www.marieclaire.com

the-only-kate-spade-store-in-nyc Fashion Designer Kate Spade has been a growing success ever since the opening of her first store in Soho New York City in 1996. Two years later stores were opened in Boston, Chicago, San Francisco and Long Island. As the years went on so did the opening of more stores around the world allowing fashionable women everywhere to have her trendy accessories.

Kate Spade New York continues growing and providing us with fashionable accessories that makes anyone drool.

What’s your opinion? Do you love the new retro-glam Kate Spade or the classic Kate Spade boxy purses?

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The Finale of The Fashion Show on Bravo TV

In Designers on July 30, 2009 at 12:48 pm

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I’m a huge fan of any TV show about fashion or interior design like Project Runway so nothing excited me more than another fashion show on Bravo TV- The Fashion Show!

The name of the show is pretty self-explanatory! In every episode the fashion designers compete against each other for the “winning look.” The winning look is determined by the fashionable audience and the judges: Isaac Mizrahi, Kelly Rowland, Fern Mallis and a weekly guest judge.  Viewers can also purchase an outfit inspired by the winning look on http://www.bravotv.com/the-fashion-show.

If there’s a winner then, of course, there’s also a loser… the outfits that receive the least votes and most negative comments are up for elimination. Then the judges decide between the two remaining designers on who will be eliminated and sent home.

The season finale of the Fashion Show was last Thursday with three designers left: Anna, Daniella and James-Paul. Each fashion designer brought something different to the runway.

The_Fashion_Show_DaniellaDaniella brought a young, hip, rock-and-roll style with a great color pallet of black leather, crème, tan and silver.

anna-mccraney-african-print-dress-240tp072309Anna had a very fun and colorful collection, and the way she mixed her colors was beautiful.

nup_134220_1383The collection from James Paul showed his artistic and unique style with clothing inspired by industrious people.

America voted for their favorite designer and the winner of the first season of the Fashion Show is… Anna!

The judges also choose their favorite collection which is… Daniella!

I absolutely love the way she mixed colors like light purple with tan and orange. Her collection is perfect for making a fun statement with the patterns, colors and movement.

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Anna’s signature look from her collection was this blue and green dress. It fits beautifully on the model while the bottom moves similar to the waves in the ocean.

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If you’re interested in purchasing any of Anna’s pieces or any of the winning looks throughout the season then check out: http://www.bravotv.com/the-fashion-show.

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Au Revoir Christian Lacroix

In Designers, Fashion on July 21, 2009 at 5:50 pm

Au revoir! Almost everyone is impacted by the awful economy and money crisis. It’s even taking its toll in the fashion industry, and most recently for French designer, Christian Lacroix who is known for his haute couture collections.

His fashion show last week was like no other… tears and hugs were exchanged after Christian Lacroix showed his last collection.

During the last 20 years, Lacroix always made headlines with his abnormal and fantasy creations, including the short puffball skirt (“le pouf”), rose prints, and low décolleté necklines.

This legendary designer always put on a show with exceptional haute couture pieces. Christian Lacroix also started making clothes and accessories that were “ready to wear” for the average working woman.

Lacroix’s Fall-Winter 2009-2010 Collection mostly involved shades of navy blue and black that gave a funeral feel to the collection. Even though it was appropriate… it added to the sad mood of saying goodbye to Lacroix.

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Aside from the tears of witnessing Lacroix’s last collection, the crowd loved every fashionable piece. The collection was made beautifully and really made an artistic statement with the darker colors, exquisite craftsmanship and models with covered heads.

Ending the show was this glorious cathedral-inspired bride to lighten up the gloomy and dark mood.  It truly was an elegant goodbye to the death of something wonderful!

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His 24 looks in this collection ended with a rare roar of applause from the elegant and dreary fashionable audience. Supportive fans held a banner reading “Christian Lacroix forever” as he made his final walk on the runway.

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“I can’t think this is the end,” Lacroix told Associated Press Television. “It’s the beginning of something, I hope.”

I personally fell in love with this dress below! I love the craftsmanship with the lace and elegance I feel from this dress.

cl dress fav

I hope Christian Lacroix can get out of this financial mess then reopen his haute couture and fashionable ready to wear collection. He estimated it would take 50 million Euros to re launch the label, and he said Tuesday’s show at Les Arts Decoratifs museum, would serve as a showcase to seduce possible financiers.

I feel that Christian Lacroix will win this financial battle he is facing. He will once again make exquisite pieces of fashionable art for the world to wear.

I won’t say “Au revoir” to Christian Lacroix just yet… instead I’m saying “Au plaisir de vous revoir” meaning- See you later!

Read more: http://www.nydailynews.com/lifestyle/fashion/2009/07/08/2009-07-08_french_designers_last_haute_couture_catwalk.html#ixzz0LNDoifhC