fashionweektampabay

Posts Tagged ‘Tampa Bay Style’

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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!

ECR designs

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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Can We Get A Drumroll, Please?

In Designers, Events, Fashion, Trends, Updates on August 25, 2016 at 4:48 am

And a couple of French horns!

Allow us to introduce you to the designers who will be claiming the runway and spotlight at Tampa Bay Fashion Week 2016!

ECR designs

Elizabeth Carson Racker Designs

Elizabeth Carson Racker, Tampa Bay Fashion Week alum, designs for the modern everyday woman. Her colorful, patterned designs reflect the multitude of influences that color her life everyday. Recognized by tastemakers such as Andre Leon Talley and David Rodriguez, we’re looking forward to seeing her at this year’s show.

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Floridita by Charlotte Marin

Floridita by Charlotte Marin, a Latin American swimwear, resort wear and accessory line was made to bring out your inner mermaid. Designs consist of bright patterns, custom embellishments and intricate embroidery to make wearers of Floridita feel unique. Each piece helps support and empowers single, working mothers who have been victims of violence and war. We’re excited to have this brand, that is making a difference, in the fashion week spotlight.

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Madame Adassa by Marsha Vacirca

Marsha Vacirca’s Madame Adassa line was created to evoke the natural sensuality and confidence every woman possesses. Her pieces are deeply connected to her culture and her country of origin. It will be awesome to see what passionate expression of creativity, Madame Adassa brings to the stage at this year’s show.

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Allison Bailey

Ally B. Swim by Allison Bailey, is a swimwear line that individually constructs and hand makes every suit for order. They combine elements of upscale lingerie with vintage inspiration. Able to withstand any watersport any fashion-forward woman enjoys, we are ready for what Ally B. Swim has to offer for every shape and size.

 

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Tracy Negoshian

Tracy Negoshian is a trendy multi-line, multi-season clothing label. During her time as a luxury sales and wardrobe consultant, Tracy realized you didn’t have to break the bank to look and feel good.  Geared towards the fashion-conscious, budget-friendly woman, we can’t wait to see her philosophy in action on the runway.

 

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A select few students will be showcasing their skills on the runway again this year in  Sanford Brown-IADT School of Design’s Student Showcase. This is definitely a must-see as we’ve been impressed by the design talent we’ve seen over the years, and this year won’t be any different! This year we’ll see designs from: Smyrne Charles, Joshua Duck, Lakesha Johnson, and Rachel Ternival who will combine classroom instruction with creativity for the runway.

Elizabeth Carson Racker, Floridita by Charlotte Marin and Sanford Brown-IADT School of Design will be showing Friday, Sept. 23, 2016.

Ally B. Swim and Madame Adassa by Marsha Vacirca will be showing Saturday, Sept. 24, 2016.

You won’t want to miss it! Grab your tickets or RSVP for standing room here.

Until next time!

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Stylish Socks: Always in Season

In Fashion, Trends, Updates on August 11, 2016 at 1:38 am

If you’re in sunny Florida like us, your freshly pedicured toes are still making an appearance in sandals, open-toe shoes, and flip flops right now. Just around the corner is the fall season though, and while you can keep your pedi on point, your feet will need some coverage. Enter: socks.

Socks have been a necessity in one’s closet since the beginning of mankind. Depending on which part of the world you live, socks were used to absorb sweat or to insulate the foot and decrease frostbites. They were a mostly hidden commodity, but…Not. Any. More.

Socks have been trending for a while now and we are loving the attention they’re getting! Why? Because anyone from the working professional to a young child can stylistically wear socks that are appropriate for the everyday hustle and bustle (or running around the playground).

Ankle and calf-length socks are great for formal settings.

Worn correctly, they can bring high fashion to the workplace.

Ankle and calf-length socks pair well with casual wear also, bringing an urban, eccentric feel to even the most mundane of outfits.

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Image by FashionHe

Over-the-knee (which includes thigh-high) socks are some of our favorites because they are the most versatile. They keep you warm in the winter months and look darn good while doing so. They can be paired with almost every look.

Mini dresses or skirts and OTK’s? Lovely, classy and ready to go.

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Image to Nancy Qian

Oversized sweaters and OTK’s? Comfortable, stylish and season-friendly.

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Image by Dawn Cassizzi

Shorts and OTK’s. Pajamas and OTK’s. Athletic wear and OTK’s. We can go on and on, we love them and their versatility.

If you like the scrunchy sock look, you can get OTK’s and adjust them to your satisfaction.

Being fans of creativity and originality, we at Fashion Week Tampa Bay are digging this trend and want to know whether you do, too! Comment and let us know what you think.

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2013 TBFW Designer Runway Show Recap – Part 5

In Designers, Events, Fashion on October 7, 2013 at 8:06 am

Accessuri – Rachana Suri

Designer Rachana Suri used one word to describe her Accessuri line – “rockanrolla.” Accessuri is all about providing fabulous clothing while also doing good for the community through her commitment to sustainability and anti-human trafficking initiatives.

 TBFW Instagram  

Rachana’s collection featured many glamorous and easy-to-wear dresses. The sunset hues on this purple dress would catch anyone’s eye! The collection was full of variety; ranging from effortlessly pretty work-day looks, to sexy date-night looks!

k.hendrix – Kimberly Hendrix

Kimberly Hendrix is no stranger to uniqueness. Her line k.hendrix features raw designs, each made with recycled materials. This year’s collection proved that Kimberly knows exactly how to restore life to those recycled materials and use them to create beautifully unique pieces!

 

This angelic cream dress wowed the crowd, while the black and white design found the perfect blend of delicacy and fierceness. You definitely won’t see dresses like these anywhere else!

~Stephanie

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2013 TBFW Designer Runway Show Recap – Part 4

In Designers, Events, Fashion on October 5, 2013 at 1:04 pm

Sandra Hagen

There was no shortage of variety in Sandra Hagen‘s gorgeous collection! From fabulous daytime outfits to lovely dresses perfect for special occasions, Sandra brought it all to the runway.

  

Sandra Hagen’s fabulous dresses were a hit with the crowd. Gorgeous prints, luxurious materials and fabulous cuts. These two dresses found the perfect balance of sexiness and class; each are terrific go-to dresses for any upcoming special occasion!

Monstruosité by Dolly Donshey

Dolly Donshey is no stranger to dramatic runway shows and designs. We expected theatrical and edgy designs from Monstruosité, and it was delivered!

Scarlet red, onyx and grey were incorporated into many of Dolly’s designs, giving the collection a wonderfully romantic and mysterious mood. The audience was blown away by the powerful scarlet skirt on this dress! Dolly also paired a few dresses with baseball caps; a fun and unique touch!

Elizabeth Carson Racker

Elizabeth Carson Racker has been a successful evening wear designer for years. This year, she premiered her new line “A New” and proved that she can design fabulous every-day clothing as well as stunning evening gowns!

  

This dazzling red gown would make anyone the center of attention and is ideal for any special occasion! Elizabeth’s new ready-to-wear designs were a hit with the crowd as well, especially this gorgeous pastel shirt and maxi dress combo!

~Stephanie

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2013 TBFW Designer Runway Show Recap – Part 3

In Designers, Events, Fashion on October 5, 2013 at 5:03 am

The Academy Student Designer Showcase

The International Academy of Design and Technology showcased designs from four students at this year’s Tampa Bay Fashion Week! Student designers Alexandra Lin, Carly Edwards, Gwenn Everett and Ivette “Gigi” Guerra put their skills to the test and proved that they each have a great eye for design.

     

Bright floral prints, metallics, ruffles and retro maxi dresses were just a few of the fabulous looks from the student collections. Each student’s individual style reflected clearly in their designs. We will be sure to keep an eye on these emerging designers!

~Stephanie

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2013 TBFW Designer Runway Show Recap – Part 2

In Designers, Events, Fashion on October 4, 2013 at 3:01 pm

Lolodaisy by Lorena – Lorena Knezevic

Lorena describes her style as “modern romance” and her spring/summer 2014 collection stayed true to her description! Her dresses managed to find a harmonious balance between modern cuts and romantic vibes.

 

The crowd could not get enough of the gorgeous pleated dress Lorena sent down the runway, which could easily be taken from a day time to a date-night look!

Audrey “Pat” McGhee

One of the hottest trends right now is women in menswear. It’s also one of the hardest fashion trends to pull off without losing a sense of femininity in the outfit. Well, Audrey “Pat” Mcghee proved to us that she knows just how to incorporate menswear into a woman’s wardrobe, without sacrificing any of that feminine beauty!

  

Audrey “Pat” McGhee put a fabulous twist on a classic white button-down by cropping the front, and provided the perfect pops of color with a bright green clutch and adorable hair bow. And Pat’s silver tailored tuxedo? A night out on the town in that outfit will surely make a bold statement and demand that all eyes are on you!

~Stephanie