FASHION WITH AN INTERNATIONAL FLAVOR
By: Hope Wilkos, Writer/Blogger Photographer: George Whylie Videographer: Maxine NolanMiami Beach is preparing for one of the hottest international fashion events of the year as the Miami Beach Convention Center welcomes Miami Fashion Week and Miami Bridal Week . It all takes place from Wednesday, March 20, 2013 through Saturday, March 23, 2013.
The diversity of art, culture and fashion are united as designers from countries across the globe such as Bolivia, Pakistan, Peru, West Indies, Africa, Columbia and more thrill guests with their elaborate and elegant fashions shown on the runway under the bright lights.
Not only will the week showcase some of the winning designs of the best the world has to offer, but there will be awards ceremonies rewarding the hard work and dedication to an industry ripe with emerging and long-standing talent. The Humanitarian Award, Miami Fashion ICON Awards and Designer Of Tomorrow Awards continue throughout the week and the highlight of the event is the Miami MODA & Music Awards with some very special guests.
Guest celebrities that will be on hand include Lorena Rojas, Lupita Jones, Adriana Barraza, Luis Fonsi, Michelle Salas, Angel Sanchez, Eduardo Marturet, Maritza Rodriguez, Alex Rodriguez, Kika Rocha, Fabián Ríos, Maripily Rivera, Ximena Duque, Diego Di Marco, Fernando Carrillo, Bárbara Bermudo, Isabella Castillo, Kimberly Dos Ramos, Adriana Cataño, Carlos Arrechea and Paula Arcila, among others.
The first evening brings some of Florida’s own fashion stars such as Erin Healy and Julian Chang and Nicolas Felizola Evening and Bridal Couture. The night ends with a superstar that is a favorite at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week season after season, Carlos Miele of Brazil.
The second evening brings us the Daywear Style Showcase with collections from the USA and Italy followed by the Africa Designer’s Showcase and ending with a romantic and exquisite Eveningwear showcase featuring fashions from Pakistan-UK, Bolivia, Peru and United Arab Emirates.
The party is just beginning on Friday evening with the Swimwear Showcase featuring fashions from the USA, Jamaica, Brazil and a gorgeous finale’ by Heather Jones Bridal Couture of the West Indies. That is followed by a Prêt-A-Porter Showcase of international esteem with collections from Dolcevita Cashmere/Italy, Dusko. Orascanin/Bosnia & Herzegovina, Heidy Estrada/Bolivia, Claudia Anicy Manuguian/Chile, Mujeres de Bolivia by Paulo Silva, Winner of Bolivia’s Mision Moda.
What better way to end the evening than with the Duchesa Bridal Couture by Robin Fleming of the USA and Itala Testino of Peru.
Ending night brings us TVModa’s European Designer Showcase with capsule collections by Roberto Cavalli, Alberta Ferreti, Bluemarine, Iceberg, Byblos, Moschino, Kriza, Vivienne Westwood and Stella McCartney and a personal appearance and show by one of the world’s top bridal designers, Rosa Clará Bridal Couture/Spain, celebrity emcees and special performances. From there it is on to an after-party that will make Miami sizzle as special performances are set to take place and guests can dance the night away under the star-studded sky of South Beach.
With a wedding in the works, the anxious bride and groom will also find all the guidance they need to make their big day a special one with a wedding pavilion of vendors from Bloomingdale’s, Doubletree Hilton Ocean Point Resort & Spa, Duchesa Bridal Couture, Orth Photography, jewelry and shoe and accessory vendors from around the world and many more goodies all in one location.
In addition to the shows and award ceremonies, a culinary style cafe’ will tantalize your taste buds with a three-course tasting menu and all proceeds will go to benefit Miami Fashion Week Foundation. There will also be daily seminars focusing on how to start a fashion line in today’s market. In between shows, get a glimpse into the latest trends in jewelry and accessories and fashions for your lifestyle as vendors will be on hand to give you one on one attention with merchandise for sale.
Some of the sponsors for the event include Rimmel of London, Wella Professionals, Beck’s Sapphire, Miami Beach Visitor and Convention Authority, Tiffany & Co. and Mondrian South Beach.
Founder of Miami Fashion Week is Beth Sobol, President & CEO, who has contributed so much to the international fashion industry in so many capacities as well as the local fashion market. This show invigorates the local economy annually. She works hand in hand with her managing partner, Aaron Perry, to make this event widely celebrated as a monumental success each year.
This event is also a means to introduce new talent to the industry and there will be a number of competitions taking place over the course of the week including Emerging Women’s Wear and Men’s Wear, Fashion Student, Student Fashion Photography, Graphic Artist Student, Handbag Designer and Jewelry Designer competitions.
This is definitely a time for international fashion to shine on the shores of South Beach as over 650 international press affiliations descend on the city to take part in this magical event that is not to be missed.
The Miami Beach Convention Center is located at 1901 Convention Center Drive, Miami Beach, Florida 33139. More to come as the event gets underway in full swing.
PHOTO CREDITS: Zoltan, James Eagles of www.photobellaimages.com and Leon Prime of www.photographybyleon.com
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