INsite Music and Fashion Night!

Thursday, April 12 was all about INsite, all about fashion and all about music. To sum it up, it was a night of our favorite things! It was the first night of runway shows for GFW 2012. After some mingling, everyone took their seats and the shows began.

Maghan McDowell of INsite Magazine was the emcee for the night. She looked absolutely stunning and effortlessly introduced the designers. The night's headliner and Project Runway season 9 contestant, Laura Kathleen, is a friend of Maghan's from their intern days in New York City. It was such a special evening for them, especially when Laura's designs hit the runway...but we'll get to that in a bit!


The first show of the night was The 10z Project, led by Albey Coronel. When The 1oz Project took center-stage, it was clear that color was of high importance. It was all about making a statement. Sometimes, literally. Check out our photos from The 1oz Project show and see for yourself!



Next was Levels Boutique, which Maghan hinted might have a store coming to Gainesville (our fingers are crossed)! We loved the trendy urban vibe from Levels Boutique. Color blocking was a major point for the show. We're so glad this is still on trend! We could see these pieces on any chic Gainesville girl on a fun night downtown, couldn't you? Check out the photos from the show!



Nothing made us want to "get a ring on it" like the Solutions Bridal show. The wedding gowns and even bridesmaids dress were drop dead gorgeous. Gone are the days of ugly bridesmaids dresses, these looks were absolutely chic and elegant. The models looked marriage-ready walking down the runway, I won't lie, I almost got emotional! Ladies, look at the Solutions Bridal photos and tell me you don't want to wear one of these gowns!!

Since the evening was a night of music as well as fashion, it's only fair to mention that DJ Klarc Shepard was spinning all night long for every show!!! He's played for us several times before, and we just love him! So much fun and such a talented guy! We also heard live music from Janna Pelle & the Half Steps, an awesome blues and pop band straight out of the Univeristy of Florida! Read more about their story on INsite Magazine's website!



Back to the fashion, Macy's was up next! As Maghan told us, they wanted to take us on vacation. We were so ready for that!! The beachy looks made us wish we had our toes in the sand sipping on [insert fruity drink of choice here]. We may be biased, but the guy's looks were pretty stellar. Can you say abs? Go see for yourself...brace yourself, though!



Francine Elizabeth was up next, and wait until you learn all about her...she debuted her line last year at GFW 2011, on her 18th birthday. She taught herself everything she knows and hand-makes everything. We can't to see more from her, especially after she attends SCAD, starting this Fall! Her looks were so edgy, yet completely wearable. Her color story looked fabulous on the models, look and prepare to be amazed...don't forget, it's HAND-MADE!



Last but definitely not least, was our headliner: Laura Kathleen! She is as wonderful and sweet in person as she is talented! We were just blown away by her designs. You can't help but feel empowered, fierce and on fire in one of her looks...and the models proved that. Take a look! Personally, I felt like I was back on the streets on Manhattan, there's was just an overall city-chic vibe that gave me chills!

Don't miss the Gala for the Arts tonight and the next set of runway shows. It's truly a stunning experience that you won't forget!

-Lauren

Dress Rehearsal at Villa East

‘Twas the week before Gainesville Fashion Week and all through Villa East.

Models were practicing poses and enjoying the Cafe C feast!

As much as I’d love to continue this little song and dance, I think it’s more important to get down to business...IT’S FASHION WEEK, PEOPLE!


As I mentioned before, this past Thursday was our dress rehearsal at Villa East! We finally got the models and team, including our fabulous volunteers, in the space.


After everyone got a tour of the venue, we real work began, as models ran through every single show. Midway through the runway practice, we all loaded up our plates with the most delicious food, catering by Celebrations Catering/Cafe C. It was amazing, and this is coming from someone who got in line late!


After we all finished our dinner it was back to work! Running through shows, and nailing down detail for this coming week, everything had to be set in stone.


Don’t get me wrong, it wasn’t all business and no fun! We all mingled and caught up on each other’s lives. Music was pumping, as per usual, and everyone busted a little move...even our models!

It’s true, there’s nothing like the energy and feel of a live show, but we sure came close on Thursday! It only makes us even more excited for this week’s shows!

Maghan McDowell of INsite Magazine was on location during dress rehearsal, and so were the double cover editions of INsite! We snagged the two models, Joe and Christen, in between runway walks for a quick picture with their covers! I don’t know about you, but I’m bringing both covers and getting them autographed!

Villa East, Cafe C and Celebrations were an absolute pleasure to work with, the models were on point and the team was working hard, as always. Don’t get left in last-season, buy your tickets for Gainesville Fashion Week now!

-Lauren

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

Insite Magazine's Cover Model Contest

Photo by Sean Kelly

Yup, We are doing it again! Gainesville Fashion Week is teaming up with media sponsor, INsite Magazine’s for it's third annual cover model contest.

Models selected for GFW 2012 will have the chance to compete to win a photo shoot that will appear on the cover of the April issue of INsite magazine, which just so happens to be out just in time for all of our GFW events!

The winner will be chosen through a combination of editor’s choice and reader votes. Last year's GFW model, Abigail Dixon, had a blast being the center of attention for the month of April for Gainesville's No. 1 entertainment resource.

Beautiful right? You too have the chance to be the next INsite Magazine cover model winner! Stay posted for more of this year's contest coming soon....

-Alina

INsite Cover Model Winner

Photo by Justin Duncklee

This year, we once again teamed up with media sponsor INsite Magazine for a cover model contest.

Sort of a "winner's choice" from the group of models we select for Gainesville Fashion Week. INsite gave us the scoop and a few photos of their winner Abigail Dixon.

Check out the HOT cover for their April issue (on newstands Wednesday) and a behind the scenes look at the photo shoot here.

Photo by Sean Kelly

Beautiful right? Remember you can meet all of our models, designers, planners, stylists and salons at the kickoff Red Carpet Art Exhibit taking place Wednesday April 6th at Sharab Lounge from 7p.m.

*Please note by invitation only*

SPONSOR UPDATE: INsite Magazine

INsite magazine is Gainesville's No. 1 entertainment resource.

The monthly print edition features exclusive profiles on everyone making headlines, from local bands to national celebrities. Regular features include reviews on movies, music, video games and books; fashion, beauty and fitness columns and photo shoots; a complete restaurant and nightlife section; and the most comprehensive events calendar in town.

Their sister website, InsiteGainesville.com, is updated daily with front-row concert pics, behind-the-scenes videos, Gator sports highlights, unmatched giveaways and insider events coverage.

Want to be in the know?

Follow INsite on Twitter @INsiteMagazine for Fashion Week deets and more!

SPONSOR UPDATE: INsite Magazine

INsite magazine is Gainesville's No. 1 entertainment resource.

The monthly print edition features exclusive profiles on everyone making headlines, from local bands to national celebrities. Regular features include reviews on movies, music, video games and books; fashion, beauty and fitness columns and photo shoots; a complete restaurant and nightlife section; and the most comprehensive events calendar in town.

Their sister website, InsiteGainesville.com, is updated daily with front-row concert pics, behind-the-scenes videos, Gator sports highlights, unmatched giveaways and insider events coverage.

Want to be in the know?

Follow INsite on Twitter @INsiteMagazine for Fashion Week deets and more!

GFW 2011 Model Casting

Every year we hold an open casting call for models. We encourage ALL to apply there are no special requirements other than being fabulous (and over the age of 18).

Download the model application here.

The casting process is simple:

1. You show up and complete a form, or turn in your already completed form
2. We measure you and take a headshot

Done! It's really that simple.

OK, OK so it's a bit more complex on our end but it's still pretty simple for you!

Check out this clip of last year's casting from our friends at INsite magazine.

See you on Sunday January 23rd from 1 - 5 p.m. at the neutral7 studio in Gainesville.

INsite sponsors GFW once again for 2010!

GFW would like to welcome INsite Magazine as a media sponsor once again this year. INsite and GFW have been working together in promoting both our event and the upcoming INsite Cover Model Contest. Make sure you check it out!

INsite is the #1 Entertainment Magazine in Gainesville.

Every month they reach more than 30,000 readers aged 18 to 34. These include thousands of University of Florida and Santa Fe College students and young professionals who have settled in town. Pick up an issue of INsite and you'll find exclusive profiles on local bands and national celebrities; reviews on movies, music, video games and books; fashion, beauty and fitness columns; a complete restaurant and nightlife section; and the most comprehensive events calendar in town.

Check out their Facebook page or website for new updates and events!