Fashion is art embodied, and a designer's palette is life. Shoes are more than protection from hot pavement but stories. The same rings true for blouses, jewelry, and trousers…each eager to assist you with your daily narrative: punk Monday, dressy Tuesday, bohemian Wednesday.
Celebrate the rituals of style during Tampa Bay Fashion Week, when local and national designers, retail buyers, talented designers, models and more in celebrating the art of fashion.
Blogger Brilliance
Sat., Sept. 17, 9 a.m.- 6 p.m.
International Academy of Design & Technology
Cost: $25
Want to dip your toes in fashion fun before the ultimate fashion blowout week? Blogger Brilliance invites fashion, food, and lifestyle bloggers from across the country for an opportunity to learn from expert web journal writers discussing topics in social media as well as branding. The schedule includes a full day of activities. Attend panel discussions with experienced bloggers and media, and then take advantage of an option to attend the fashion show presented by Tim Gunn or join in an exclusive foodie experience at Pelagia Trattoria (both at International Plaza). Panelists include Carrie Wildes of Carrie Wildes Photography; Holley Sinn, host of Studio 10 and author of Hollisphere; Holly Hamann of BlogFrog; Jodi Furman of Live FabuLESS; Kristina Medhus of Pretty Shiny Sparkly; Marjorie Harper from HSN; Sasha Ezquerra from Everything Fabulous, and Vahni Georgoulakos from Grit and Glamour. A fun-filled mixer in capping up the night. Purchase tickets at bloggerbrilliance2011.eventbrite.com
Past Perfect: A Celebration of Vintage Designs
Tues., Sept. 20, 7 p.m.
Art Institute of Tampa
Cost: $50, $65
Parasols, gloves, and pearls, oh my! The list has been posted and vintage is the lead role. In kicking off Tampa Bay’s annual fashion gala, rare garments are taking the stage at The Art Institute of Tampa. Sashay to Tampa downtown for a red carpet reception and celebration of 120 years of fashion. Indulge in complimentary hors d’oeuvres and champagne while soaking in the styles of Chanel, Halston, Ceil Chapman and more. A portion of proceeds will be given to the 11/Eleven Dream Fund to benefit the students of the Art Institute of Tampa’s Fashion & Retail Management and Culinary programs. Tickets are $50 and $65 at the door.
Model Behavior Cocktail Reception hosted by Cambria
Wed., Sept. 21, 6-9 p.m.
Element, 808 N. Franklin St., Tampa
Cost: $50
Mixers aren’t just an extra boost in your vodka. Come immerse yourself in creative energy during Tampa Bay Fashion Week’s signature mixer event with featured designers, sponsors, models and fashion followers. Make sure to take advantage of opportune photo-ops with designers and featured models including iconic supermodel Cheryl Tiegs. The event includes fash-tastic raffle prizes as well as Hor d’oeuvres with complimentary wine and bar. Tickets are $50 and are only available in advance and can be purchased at pastperfect2011.eventbrite.com.
Swanky Soirée
Thurs., Sept. 22, 6:30-9:30 p.m.
One Progress Plaza, Downtown St. Petersburg
Cost: $150
Feel free to greet attendees at the second annual Swanky Soiree event with “Hello, Darling”. The event is famous for being swoopey-oopy and a blast! Local-ism at its finest will be featured through a display of Tampa Bay fashions by designers Alla-K and John William Barger III as well as fine artist Don Kobasky. Be punctual, yet hungry in order to savor some of Tampa’s finest restaurants, chefs, bakeries and coffee shops. The proceeds benefit Brookwood Florida, an organization dedicated to providing services to struggling young women. Admission is by donation to Brookwood (minimum $150).
Runway Shows & FWTB Boutique
Fri., Sept. 23, 6.pm.
Innisbrook Golf & Spa Resort
Tickets start at $40
Want to know a secret? Come find out what makes Tampa Bay Fashion designe’s tick. In a catwalk that mirrors ritzy New York runway style, Tampa Bay designers have a chance to show you what makes their fashion bellies purr. Doors open at 6 p.m. in honor of FWTB Boutique. Runway shows start at 7 p.m. Designer lineup: Audrey “Pat” McGhee, Dali Hernandez, Dolly Donshey, Essence Flowers, Kimberly Hendrix, Rhonda Shear, Terri Funaro, Triniece Cagua and Two Coconuts Swimwear. VIP Friday Fashion Passes are available at fashionweektampabay.com and include a VIP seat to runway shows, a trendsetter swag bag, complimentary drinks and exclusive access to the designers following completion of runway shows.
For more information about Fashion Week Tampa Bay events, visit fashionweektampabay.com.
This article appears in Sep 8-14, 2011.