Friday, March 30, 2012

Sponsorship Alert: INsite Magazine

As if you haven’t already heard, INsite magazine is teaming up with Gainesville Fashion Week for yet another season!

We've already told you guys about the cover model contest hosted by INsite magazine. Several models that were selected for GFW had the chance to compete to win a photoshoot that will appear on the cover of the April issue of the mag. And it’ll be out just in time for fashion week! Stay tuned for the official announcement of this year’s contest winners!

Check out last year's cover!

INsite is Gainesville’s premiere entertainment magazine that features stories on local restaurants, events, nightlife and of course fashion. They even feature celebrity and band interviews, star profiles and movie reviews.

Thursday April 12, INsite will be collaborating with Gainesville Fashion Week for a night of runway shows featuring designer clothes, great music and beautiful people. We hope to see you all there!

To purchase your tickets for Thursday’s events, as well as all of the others, please visit http://www.eventbrite.com/org/287982867?s=7520409.

Thursday, March 29, 2012

Media Sponsor Alert: Giggle Magazine


First, we're so proud of our media sponsor giggle magazine, for their recently winning the district ADDY® Awards for Best Overall Magazine!

We couldn't be happier to have them on our team. Giggle is a family oriented publication right here in Alachua County. With so many families and children of all ages in the area, giggle magazines provides the best local news and tips for moms and dads. Just like Gainesville Fashion Week, giggle magazine is heavily connected with the community.

We believe that children are the artists, designers, musicians, graphic designers and fashion show producers of the future! Even if a career in art isn't a child's goal, the arts are important for education. You can check out Rocket for the Arts to learn more about that!

Grab a copy of giggle magazine and "like" them on Facebook today!

-Lauren

Media Sponsor Alert: HOME Magazine

This year's partnership between HOME Magazine and Gainesville Fashion Week is a very exciting one.

HOME Magazine is the 2011 recipient of 2 Florida Magazine Association awards: the Charlie Award for General Excellence and Writing Excellence.

There mission is to be the leading lifestyle publication in North Central Florida, while giving back to those who consider the heart of Florida HOME. By providing relevant information to enhance our community’s well being, we value the opportunity to entertain, educate and inspire you– our neighbors.

HOME Magazine is distributed throughout Gainesville and Newberry, grab a copy a learn more about the community you live in. Check them out on Facebook,too!

-Lauren

Model Rehearsal and the 2012 Mixer!

Last night was our second to last model rehearsal. It feels like just yesterday we were preparing for the Casting Call, but here we are 2 weeks away from FASHION WEEK 2012!


As per usual, the rehearsal was held at Sharab Lounge, one of our favorite spots downtown.

Our DJ filled the air with music as the models practiced their walks for one of the last times. It’s imperative that by this time, we’re perfecting minor things in their walk and posing. The models came out in full-force and showed us they are runway ready!


Sharab was so great to host us for this rehearsal, among so many others. We’re grateful for their hospitality and participation in this year’s Gainesville Fashion Week!


After the rehearsal at Sharab, we headed across the street to ZUZU for our Mixer!

We’re all been working hard - the models, the team, the designer, the sponsors, the media, even our fans and friends! Last night we took some time out to just enjoy each other’s fabulous company.

The mixologists at ZUZU made that even easier for us by stirring up our new favorite drink, the Fashion Passion. It was a fruity little cocktail that had us sipping and socializing all night long! The entire evening was a great chance for everyone to meet and really get to know each other before these final weeks.

Among the models and team members we had designers and sponsors in our midst. The Macy's representative, Natalie had swag bags for the models with goodies and coupons. Director of Communications for HOME Magazine, Megan DeGance was there along with other media sponsors, HerCampus University of Florida president Allison Banko and event team member Ashley Edmonston. Designer Francine Elizabeth attended along with our friends from Solutions Bridal Designer House and of course Albey Coroney representing The 1oz Project.


Thank you again to Sharab and ZUZU for hosting our events last night! We couldn’t do Gainesville Fashion Week without you!

-Lauren

Wednesday, March 28, 2012

Designer Spotlight: Laura Kathleen

All the way from Project Runway Season 9, Laura Kathleen Planck, will be making an appearance Thursday, April 12 for our INsite Magazine Music Fashion Night. As our headlining designer showcasing her line,Laura Kathleen, we got the chance to interview this amazing fashionista about we can expect to see from her line this fashion week, her experience with Project Runway and an insider on what she may be wearing this year at Gainesville Fashion Week 2012!


Q. We are so excited to have you with us for GFW 2012, Can you tell us a little about your experience with Project Runway?

A. Laura explained to GFW that the two-month interviewing process was a long nail-biting experience going back and forth with the producers of Lifetime. "When I finally got the call I was waiting for I had to drop everything in my life and go," she said. "But oh my gosh it was such an intimidating process." Laura explained that season nine was a bit different than the rest. Out of the 20 contestants first on the show four were cut without a single challenge. She explained the whole process of being on the show like being in summer camp. "It was an incredible experience and if I had the chance to do it again I totally would." Making it all the way to top five on Project Runway, Laura Kathleen definitely made an impression on the show and gained an abundance of fashion fans, like us!

Q.So tell us, how long have you been into fashion? And when did you realize this is what you wanted to do with your life?

A. This fashion connoisseur knew she wanted to be in fashion since she could first remember."I remember career day in Kindergarten. I dressed up like a fashion designer/model, my mom thought I was crazy." Laura told GFW that ever since her mom let her start playing with sharp things at the age of 8, and bought Laura her first sewing machine; it was game over from that point on. "Being 5'1" the whole model thing wasn't going to work," she said. "I was fascinated by the whole designer industry, and started making clothes for my stuffed animals."

A fun fact many people don't know about Laura Kathleen, is that she admitted to being the biggest tomboy growing up. Who would have known? She confessed her mom would truck her around for soccer practice, and remembers playing on the playground with her guy friends on the playground because she didn't have many girlfriends from being so involved in sports. She even played flag football as an extra curricular in college!

Q. Can you tell us a little about your line "Laura Kathleen" and what Gainesville can expect for this year's fashion week.

A. "Laura Kathleen is a mix between Bohemian and French styles." She explained, think Moulin Rouge, but not the actual style more so the design of textiles and classiness. Laura gave us an insider detail that Gainesville will be the first to see some of her latest designs for her spring collection besides the buyers, and how excited she was for that! Eeekkk only two more weeks!

Q. Who is wearing Laura Kathleen?

A. "My line definitely caters to the one percent," Laura said. The one percent she explained was defined during our interview as reaching a wide range of ages but catering to those that are willing to pay the price for the quality. "We are constantly playing with our price points because we want everyone to be able to own a piece of Laura Kathleen," Laura eagerly said. Something that she takes a lot of pride on is that all of her pieces are manufactured here in the U.S. Laura explained that her pieces are very fashion forward and that there is something for everyone to wear. Her organic fabrics are very youthful and her bold unique prints are for those fashion connoisseurs that are not shy!

Q. In your fashion eye, what do you think will be this spring's next new trend?

A. "I love love love huge flowing fabric gowns," Laura said. "I encourage girls not to wear more skin but to wear something flowy and classy and more rined." Laura knows how to keep it classy!

Q. Any advice you can give to aspiring fashion designers?

A. "Know your craft, it's really important to know how clothing is constructed, a formal education is something you can obtain and is important," she said. "My second best advice, never look at somebody that’s giving you a critique as someone who is trying to hurt you." Laura also suggested seeking an apprenticeship and having someone let you work for him or her for free to learn as much as possible.

Q. And lastly, we're dying to know! What does Laura Kathleen plan on wearing to GFW 2012?

A. "I am definitely going to be wearing something ridiculously flowy," she said. "I love the 70's, jumpsuits and warm weather." This fashion super-star told GFW that will be accessorizing her outfit for GFW with her new line of jewelry, Love Armour.

Laura Kathleen Planck graduated from the Western Kentucky University and majored in design, merchandising and textiles. She also had the chance to study fashion design in Accademia Italiana in Florence Italy as well as obtaining a fashion internship in New York. Upon graduation, she accepted a job with Target overseeing stores in the Nashville area. She knew that wasn't her passion and decided to go for dream and began Laura Kathleen at the age of 23. During her time on Project Runway, she was judged by some of the fashion industry's biggest names: fashion designer Michael Kors, fashion model Heidi Klum, fashion director Marie Claire, and fashion Columbian columnist and critic Nina Garcia who had held the post for fashion director for top magazines Marie Claire and Elle.

Be sure to come out and see Laura Kathleen at GFW 2012 Thursday, April 12 for our INsite Magazine Music and Fashion Night. Tickets on sale now here!


Interview conducted by:
Alina Torres, Director of Social Media

Sponsorship Alert: BC Spas

Calling all beauty queens! We have another sponsorship alert! Beauti Control, aka BC Spas, has signed on as an official sponsor of Gainesville Fashion Week.

BC Spas is a beauty company that specializes in spa treatments, skin care products personalized just for your skin, and advanced anti-aging products.

For more information about the services they offer, visit their website at www.shop.beauticontrol.com.

Tuesday, March 27, 2012

Sponsorship Alert: Grooveshark

Grooveshark is officially a media sponsor of Gainesville Fashion Week 2012! It seems like such an obvious pairing: music and fashion shows. Who would have thought?
Grooveshark is an online music streaming company that allows its users to upload music, discover new tunes and create and save playlists featuring songs from all of their favorite artists. And guess what? You can have it all for free! Launched right here in Gainesville in 2007, Grooveshark currently has over 35 million registered users and is growing fast. With a song catalog of millions of song, you are bound to find something to spark your interests.

As of late, Grooveshark has also become more socially integrated, allowing users to comment on individual songs, share songs they are listening to on their Facebook and Twitter pages, and subscribe to playlists that others have created.

For more information from the sharks, find them on Facebook, follow them on Twitter @Grooveshark, or sign up for a free account and start grooving today!

Sponsorship Alert: Monster Energy Drinks

We are excited to announce yet another sponsor of Gainesville Fashion Week! Returning for another year, Monster Energy Drinks is back to keep us all from going a little bit crazy, while keeping us pumped up all week long.

Monster is different from many of its competing drink companies in that it doesn’t advertise through typical channels. They prefer to support bands, athletes and fans through concert tours, parties and other wild events, instead of making commercials and billboards. If they can dream it, they’ll do it.

They also like to give stuff away that fits with their target group of adventure-seeking athletes and musicians who are living their lives in style, one day at a time. Promos include things like dirt bikes and snowboards, and even trips to hang out with top athletes and musicians. Monster features personalities like Snoop Dogg, Rob Dyrdek, Wee Man and T.J. Lavin, but the list goes on.

At Monster, people live their lives on the edge by partying hard, listening to punk rock music and being involved in intense action sports. Monster is a lifestyle in a can.

For more info about Monster and the crazy wild lifestyle it promotes, check out their Facebook or follow them on Twitter @MonsterEnergy, or visit their website, www.monsterenergy.com.

Sponsorship Alert: Moe's Southwest Grill


We all have to eat, even our super fit models! Good thing we have Moe’s Southwest Grill sponsoring us!

There’s nothing better than their quick and friendly service greeting you from the second you walk in... “Welcome to Moe’s!” If you’ve yet to go to Moe’s, we suggest starting with a burrito, they’re delicious! Grab some queso or guac for your chips and your well on your play to being a Moe’s Pro.

We have 4 Moe’s locations in Gainesville, so no matter where you are in town there’s one nearby! There’s one on the University of Florida campus in Rec Center Dining. The other locations are:

3832 W. Newberry Rd. Gainesville, FL 32607, phone: 352-337-2850

3443 SW Archer Rd. Gainesville, FL 32608, phone: 352-367-8565

7770 W. Newberry Rd. Gainesville, FL 32606, phone: 352-332-7606

-Lauren

Sponsorship Alert: the Flying Biscuit Cafe



Our tummies are a whole lot happier because of this sponsor...the Flying Biscuit Cafe.

If you haven’t tried their grits, you haven’t lived. Oh, and their award-winning biscuits, too. Not to mention their omelets are divine! Whether you’re vegan or a meat-lover, going for breakfast or brunch the Flying Biscuit Cafe will warm your heart with southern hospitality and fill your tummy with the yummiest food around.

The Flying Biscuit Cafe is located at 4150 NW 16th Blvd. Gainesville, FL 32606 and their phone number is (352) 373-9500. They’re open from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Thursday and from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday through Sunday.

-Lauren

Monday, March 26, 2012

Sponsorship Alert: Macy's

Macy’s. Need I say more?

The Gainesville Fashion Week Team is excited to announce that Macy’s is an official sponsor of this year’s events!

Macy’s is a mid to high-range department store chain that has about 800 stores open in the United States. Stores sell almost anything you could ever think of needing, including clothing for men, women, teens and children, household items, shoes and accessories, fragrances and jewelry.

With a pairing like this, the GFW runways are bound to be overflowing with stylish and accessorized models galore.

Sponsorship Alert: Study Edge

Study Edge. We all know who they are and what they do, but now they have teamed up as an official sponsor of Gainesville Fashion Week 2012! Who knew studying and fashion could make the perfect match?

If you haven’t already heard about them, Study Edge is a company that provides study sessions and review materials for many undergraduate classes here at UF. Study Edge is up to date with current technology and offers all of its study sessions either in person with a highly-trained study expert, or on video, which can be accessed through a Facebook Application. In addition to exam review sessions, Study Edge also offers weekly review sessions as well as study hours. Study hours let you get help, whether in person or through Facebook, on any questions you may have regarding practice problems or other study materials.

Over 30,000 college students have already put their grade in the hands of the study experts at Study Edge. Isn’t it about time you did too?


Friday, March 23, 2012

Artist Spotlight: Tony Feria


Tony Feria, 23, owner of Zombie Vinyls, met up with us for an exclusive interview just a few weeks before his second appearance for Gainesville Fashion Week 2012. Inspired by music, Zombie Vinyls does what no other form of art has done: "Brings dead music back to life." Here's a little of what he had to say about his artwork, inspirations and GFW2012!


Q. How would you describe your art to someone that hasn't seen it before?

A. Tony explained his work to us in full detail. The color schemes for most of his work are based on various patterns, neons and designs . "Basically if you can think of mixing art and music together and featuring an artist's logo on a large vinyl that pretty much sums up my work."

Q. What inspires your creativity behind your designs? Was their a certain scenario in your life that made you get into your art?

A. Tony's inspiration for Zombie Vinyls was a duo-idea between him and his friend. They thought of an idea of mixing spray paint, vinyls and music. The first vinyl they created was a John Lennon. After realizing the potential to finetune their craft; they started to receive recognition from their friends, and before they knew it, Tony was on his way to start selling merchandise on tour with Identity.

Q. How long have your been doing art?

A. He explained that his favorite part of art of taking a creative thought and making it into something tangible. "I've been drawing all of my life and i've always liked art," Tony said. "I think its great how someone can think of something organically and make it into something tangible and be holding it later, absolutely mind-blowing."

Q. When did you begin your company, Zombie Vinyls?

A. According to Tony, Zombie Vinyls has been around now for 2 to 3 years and has slowly evolved a lot since its inception. He hopes to continue on the venture with his company and move out to the west coast upon graduating from the University of Florida this spring.

Q. What got you interested in the idea of art on vinyls?

A. "Because it captures what the art is really about, music," he said. Tony used this metaphor during his interview that brought out his hometown of Miami some love. "Its like painting Lebron James on a canvas or basketball, it just makes sense."

Q. What are you looking forward to the most this year for GFW 2012's art show?

A. "I'm excited to see all of the different artist this year has to offer." "But honestly, what I look forward to the most is going to support one of my best friends Co Producers, Kristi Desoiza." -- Sweet guy and artist isn't he?

Q. Any advice you want to share with young aspiring artist?

A. "The difference between someone who has ideas and one that doesn't is one who actually puts them into action and make it tangible," he said. "Think less, GO DO!"

Be sure to check out Tony and Zombie Vinyl's at Gainesville Fashion Week 2012, Wednesday April 11. Buy your tickets now! And pre-order your very custom own Zombie Vinyl here!!

Interview conducted by:
Alina Torres

Sponsorship Alert: Primavera

We are proud to announce another sponsor for Gainesville Fashion Week 2012! Primavera Festivals, which is in its first year, offers art, theater, music, dance and creativity all over Gainesville. The festival will last from March 20, which is the Spring Equinox, until April 22, Earth Day.

Throughout the month, Primavera promises to showcase music, farm-to-table fresh cuisine, street fairs, main stage productions, dance and art in many different ways. Settings for the kickoff year include botanical gardens, rural hamlets and historic urban neighborhoods of Gainesville. Could you get more cultured?

Santa Fe College will be hosting the official Primavera Kickoff Celebration on March 22 from 5:30 to 7:30 pm at the Fine Arts Hall. In a town already overflowing with music, art and culture, Primavera is sure to add that final punch to the spring season.

For more information about specific events and the see them in full bloom, visit the Primavera website at http://primaverafestival.us/.

Sponsorship Alert: Her Campus


We are proud to announce that Her Campus is one of the official media sponsors for Gainesville Fashion Week 2012 and will be providing round-the-clock coverage of the events featured during fashion week.

Her Campus is ranked as the #1 online magazine providing advice to college-aged girls all over the United States. Topics covered nationally include Love, Style, Beauty, Health, Career and Life with more localized content for each individual college. Her Campus serves to teach college-aged women the ins and outs of the world, while giving them updates on the current season’s fashions and health tips.

Her Campus was founded by three girls in their undergraduate at Harvard University, Stephanie Kaplan, Windsor Hanger and Annie Wang and it has been honored many times. Most recently, in October 2011, Her Campus was named a 50K Gold Winner and “Best All-Around Team” in MassChallenge, which is the world’s largest startup competition.

Visit their website, http://www.hercampus.com/ to check out all that they are dishing out!

Thursday, March 22, 2012

Sponsorship Alert: Gold 4 All


We're ecstatic about Gold 4 All sponsoring us for fashion week! In the same way we're all family at Gainesville Fashion Week, Gold 4 All is truly a family run business, specializing in jewelry and watches. They put their heart and soul into what they do and it shows! That's why we couldn't be happier to have them on our team.

They're a high energy team passionate about what they do, you won't find a better place to buy jewelry if you tried!

Want some bling? Give them a ring at 954-975-5987 or visit their location inside Festival Flea Market Mall (picture above) at 2900 West Sample Rd 2021 Pompano Beach, FL 33073. To learn more online visit festival.com!

-Lauren

Sponsorship Alert: Complete Nutrition


Fitness goes hand in hand with fashion. We all have to look good under the fabulous clothes we wear, right? That's how the GFW crew and our sponsor Complete Nutrition see things!

Complete Nutrition is the local go-to store if you want to be in the best shape of your life. They help you with your personal health and fitness goals, whether it's losing weight, gaining muscle or just finding the self confidence in you! That's what fuels our models down the runway - self confidence and fierce clothes!

Complete Nutrition open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday and from noon to 6 p.m. on Sunday. The store front is located in the Oaks Mall, 6327 W. Newberry Rd. Gainesville, FL 32605. You can reach them by phone at 352-872-5752 or with the click of button, check out their Facebook page!

-Lauren

Wednesday, March 21, 2012

Sponsorship Alert: Sharab Lounge


Sharab is Gainesville’s Premiere Nightclub Lounge that takes pride in mixing quality, top-shelf, exotic drinks made with fresh fruits and juices that are hand-squeezed daily. Sharab Lounge has a relaxing atmosphere that translates from day to night, offering signature drinks and liquor-infused hookahs.

As a GFW sponsor, Sharab has kindly opened their doors to the Gainesville Fashion Week crew and let us host our model rehearsals on location every Wednesday night, making for a fun evening with an upscale feel.

Sharab’s expansive drink menu includes martinis and cocktails like the Key Lime Pietini, Apple Limeade and Pink Grapefruit Gimlet. They also offer unique hookah flavors that are infused with flavors like Skittles, Pina Colada and Sour Apple.

With fashion week quickly approaching, be sure to snag tickets before they are all gone! Don't wait until the last minute! http://www.eventbrite.com/org/287982867?s=7520409

Sponsorship Alert: Phobooth

What could better complete the opening night to fashion week than beautiful models (well, that’s a given) and a photobooth to get a little crazy in? Thanks to Phobooth, guests and models attending the opening night to Gainesville Fashion Week will get the chance to let loose and express themselves with friends and fellow models in photobooths.


Look like fun, right?

The photography experts behind Phobooth have contributed to one of the top 30 photography reference books, available on Amazon, and have had their work cited in the NY Times, Wired and Newsweek.

Seems like they know what they’re doing.

With less than a month left before the start of fashion week, now is the time to pick up your tickets before they are all gone!

GFW at Gainesville Community Fest


Gainesville Fashion Week made a lasting impression at this year's Gainesville Community Fest!

This year marks the first annual event where local businesses, artists and musicians joined together and celebrated everything Gainesville!

Over 125 vendors gathered to support the charity, Kids Kicking Cancer, which was the main driver of the event.

Our GFW booth caught the attention of many, children, families and local residents to name a few. You could quickly spot GFW from our bright t-shirts, eye-catching camera flashes, models and bubbly crew.

We had a mini photo shot for our new mini fans. Kids gathered around our models and were told to give us their BEST pose and “work” the camera.

All in all, Gainesville Community Fest was an amazing opportunity for GFW to contribute to our community. Our team had a blast, and we are already looking forward to next year's festivities!

It was great meeting all of you, and we hope to see you again at our GFW events this April 11- 15!

To see more photos from GFW at Gainesville Community Fest, check out our album on Facebook here!

Tuesday, March 20, 2012

Sponsorship Alert: University House

We're ecstatic that University House is one of sponsors for Gainesville Fashion Week! Remember our official photoshoot at the beginning of the season? That was at UH!

The University House leasing office is located at 725 NW 13th Street Gainesville, FL 32601. But you can give them a ring at 352-3387467 or follow them on Twitter: @uh13thstreet!

University House luxury apartments are conveniently located 6 block away from the University of Florida campus, on NW 13th Street and NW 7th Avenue. Apartments at University House come fully furnished and include all utilities with high speen internet and digital cable with HBO! What more could you want? And we haven't even told you about the pool... that's right, during the photoshoot, we also hung out poolside with our fabulous models. Want to learn more fun facts about University House? Like them on Facebook and check out the long list of features and amenities... and the occasional update about FREE ice cream available by the pool! University House has it all, and we're so happy to work with them again this year!

-Lauren

Sponsorship Alert: Florida Works


With Gainesville Fashion Week being less than a month away (April 11-15), we want to take some time out to appreciate our sponsors. Their contributions and support is absolutely vital to fashion week.

Florida Works is not only one of our top sponsors, but a local inspiration and positive force in the Alachua and Bradford County community. Florida Works strives to increase employment and support growing businesses. There couldn’t be a mission more closely tied to Gainesville Fashion Week, as both GFW and Florida Works want to support local entrepreneurs and business owners by giving them opportunities to showcase their work and network among people like them...people like you.

Beyond their talent and creativity, our designers, artists and musicians are also business owners. That’s why Florida Works hits us so close to home. Without a good business model and support from the community, these creative local talents can’t reach their full potential.

Florida Works won the 2011 Chairman’s Award from the Gainesville Area Chamber of Commerce for fostering job growth. Gainesville was also named the Region of Excellence by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Institute for a Competitive Workforce for its sustained, collaborative approach to economic development through education and workforce development.

We couldn’t he happier about Florida Works joining our Gainesville Fashion Week family and supporting jobs in the arts with us!

Visit Florida Works on the web at floridaworksonline.com or in person at 4800 SW 13th St. Gainesville, FL 32608. Their phone number is 352-955-2245.

-Lauren

Monday, March 19, 2012

Sponsorship Alert: neutral7 Design Group




Titanium sponsor for another Gainesville Fashion week is neutral7 design group is redefining visual communication for businesses by providing graphic design, marketing services and sign products created by a team of artists, designers, project managers and production staff. With over 15 years of design and sign production experience our team has worked with and provided services to everyone from the small business owner just getting started to multi-national business and marketing firms. Locally owned and operated in Gainesville Florida by professional designers. We conceptualize, design, print and produce graphic materials. No other business in Gainesville serves as both a design agency and in-house print and sign production facility.

For your design needs, visit neutral7 at 2444 NE 1st Blvd. Gainesville, FL 32609 or give them a call at 352.376.4221 or e-mail info@neutral7.com.

Also, check them online on their Facebook page and their Web site.

Platinum Sponsorship Alert: Villa East


We want to introduce our venue and head Platinum sponsor of all of our Gainesville Fashion Week 2012. Villa East. Be sure to check out all of our events and
shows at their beautiful location 301 N Main Street in Gainesville.



Villa East is a place where the hippest events in Gainesville are happening!

You can invite up to 400 guests and still enjoy elbow room. No one will spill your drink and if they do, their staff will promptly clean it up for you.

Think about it...an indoor and outdoor urban environment, chandeliers hanging softly over beautiful draperies, and the expressions of your individual style from their professional event designers - THIS is the place for your next event.

For more information visit their website www.celebrations-villaeast.com or check out their blog.

Sunday, March 18, 2012

The 3 W’s of GFW: Who, What, Wear

Fashion is our middle name...literally. We take the clothes we put on our bodies just as seriously as the clothes that goes down the runway. The GFW team is going to look fashion forward and put together for our week of events coming up in April. We want you to look your best, too, so here’s the dress breakdown.

April 11: Red Carpet/ Art Show Opening Night

That’s right, we’re rolling out the red carpet for the first night of fashion week. Complete with a step and repeat (the backdrop behind the carpet) where you can get your photo taken. The very best of Gainesville is coming out for this event, so you can expect the best.

For the ladies, something formal/ trendy is recommended, but not required. If you have a fancy LBD (little black dress) that you’re itching to wear, now is your chance. Ladies think night out with the girls on the town!

Gentlemen, we just ask that you dress like...a gentleman! Traditionally, trendy tops, dark jeans, slacks, button ups. If suits scare you, just dress to your comfort level, but it won’t hurt to sport a colorful bow-tie or classic skinny tie! In the same sense, dress like you're going out for the night with your buds!

Bottom line for everyone: wear something you want to be photographed in...because evidently, you will be photographed!!

April 12-15: Runway Shows

Just because these two nights center around what’s on the runway, doesn’t mean that you’re outfit isn’t important either. Definitely come to shows dressed more casually than the opening night Red Carpet and Art Show, but don’t skimp out on the trendiness! Lights will be flashing and pictures will be taken of the shows and of you! Dress to impress. Street fashion has become a big part of fashion show culture. Rock an arm party or two, pair tribal prints with neon and break out the platform wedges. Or even spicin' up your basics with a blazer and some pumps! Part of seeing if being seen, right?

Did we forget to mention the abundance of paparazzi that will be at our events? Be sure to LOOK YOUR BEST because you never know if your HOTness will be in the next magazine!

Get your GFW 2012 tickets now HERE! Follow the links to each separate nightly event to purchase your tickets! See you fashionistas there!

-Lauren

Thursday, March 15, 2012

GFW Spots Spring Break Trends!


Spring break is the one time a year when neon
clothing is at its peak in wardrobes!

Without fail, every spring break we find ourselves searching high and low, rack to rack, for the next best piece of bright clothing. Entering the mix this year, we saw many girls rocking brightly-colored denim pants with sky-high strapped wedges.

Tribal prints gave neon a bit of competition as we saw more and more girls dawning zigzag patterns and wild prints. Our personal favorite tribal-print goddess is Mara Hoffman, who has a knack for everything beautiful, tribal and colorful.

And you can’t forget your swim suit. The perfect spring break swim suit is speckled with bright colors and of course, patterns.

For those of you who are feeling extra frisky, take the string bikini to the next level with one of these numbers by Mara Hoffman.

To add on to the tribal look we've noticed, we even spotted a few beach babes this spring break rockin' the new fridge craze by L*Space by Monica Wise.


If you're looking to add even more glam to your spring break wardrobe, Gainesville Fashion Week will be featuring several swim collections this year, including Sironna Swimwear and Zella Machado. Be sure to snag yourself a ticket to check out these shows. On sale THIS Monday! Get excited!