The sophomore year of Tampa Bay Fashion Week, Sept. 23-26, will bring designers, models, press, buyers and fashion fans together to experience the Spring/Summer 2010 collections. This year’s events will include runway shows from established and emerging designers, an exhibitor boutique, cocktail soiree and after-parties.
“We’re excited to host another year of fashion in Tampa Bay with a focus on giving. It has been challenging this year, but the giving spirit is alive and well in Tampa Bay, plus our area loves fashion,” said Charlene McPherson, associate producer and sponsorship director for the Tampa Bay Fashion Week event.
Net proceeds from this year’s event will benefit Best Buddies Tampa and the YWCA of Tampa Bay. “Fashion Week Tampa Bay is a fun event that provides great exposure to our beneficiaries and helps us to reach a creative, diverse crowd,” said Sarah Combs, area director of Best Buddies Tampa and associate producer for the Tampa Bay Fashion Week event.
Tampa Bay Fashion Week will open with a cocktail soiree on Wednesday, Sept. 23, followed by runway shows on Thursday and Friday, Sept. 24 and 25 from: Adjanys Marrero, Audrey “Pat” McGhee, Bebe Ziegler, Ben Chmura, Essence Flowers, Helen Gerro, Ivanka Ska, Michael Della Penna, Nina Verklas, Rhonda Shear, Sana Hassan, Sandra C. Hagen, Triniece Cagua, Troy Anthony and a special student showcase by the International Academy of Design & Technology. Events and activities will be held at the Sheraton Tampa Riverwalk (200 N. Ashley Dr., Tampa, Fla. 33602), Sept.23-25, and the event will end with a private/invite only fashion party at an undisclosed location on Saturday, Sept. 26.
Vendor boutique exhibits will be held when the doors open at 6 p.m., and following the runway shows official after-parties will be hosted at Aja Channelside (290 S. Meridian, Tampa, FL 33602) on Sept. 24, and Rawbar Sushi (777 N. Ashley Dr., Tampa, Fla. 33602) on Sept. 25.
Fashion Week Tampa Bay is proud to welcome this year’s Chaussure De Mode Catwalk Sponsor, FAVE (Female Audio Visual Executives), and they’re joined by: Hpnotiq (Official FWTB Liquer), Barefoot Wines (Official FWTB Wine), Peroni, Glowelle, Grandeur VIP, Fashion Wire Press (Official FWTB Imagery Source), Freeway Fashion, Blu Tampa Bay, Stylo Magazzine, Vertical Tampa Bay, tbt*, Asibe The Magazine, Metromix Tampa Bay, DeOcaPac Designs, White Book Agency, Pepsi, Pretty City, Andrew Ashton of LaPosh, New Identities, Century 21 List With Beggins, Cecelia Bythewood, Runway America, The “B” List Noveltees, International Academy of Design & Technology, The Art Institute of Tampa, and Meetings Afloat Executive Yacht Charter.
For more information regarding schedule, ticket prices and line-up, please visit us online at: www.fashionweektampabay.com or call 813-675-9274. Press and buyer registration is now open, please e-mail: press@fashionweektampabay.com or buyer@fashionweektampabay.com.
About Tampa Bay Fashion Week
Tampa Bay Fashion Week was established in June 2007 with a focus on leveraging the skills and talents of various individuals, and giving back to our communities. While Fashion Weeks are held in numerous cities across the country, Tampa Bay’s version will differ from other Fashion Week events by including a focus on community involvement. The annual event will showcase established and emerging fashion and accessories designers from Tampa Bay and surrounding areas, while recognizing that an individual’s sense of style is deeply related to other elements, like the way he/she sees the world we live in and his/her contribution to its overall welfare. Each year Fashion Week Tampa Bay will benefit organizations that are committed to the well-being of and service to our world, our children, our health, our future and our dreams. The week-long event will consist of multiple runway shows, boutique vendor exhibits and fashion-focused activities throughout Tampa Bay.