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

Artist Spotlight: Mikael Ennis

Mikael Ennis, is one of this year’s directors for Gainesville Fashion Week's opening night art-show. An amazing yet very busy artist himself, we were lucky enough to snag him for a couple minutes to hear about what we can expect for this year's art show thats rumored to be GFW's best YET!! He's been scouting all over the world for new found pieces to wow the Gainesville community for Wednesday's grand opening of festivities! Check out his exclusive interview with GFW about his inspirations, his personal art-work and how he choose the artist that will be on displaying their work at this year's GFW 2012 art-show!

Q. Define your style of art? Is there a certain name, genre?

A. “I feel as though my art is always changing and to label it as a certain genre or style would be quite difficult.”

Q. How do you get inspired to do the art that you do?

A. Ennis told GFW that most of his art and creativity driven behind his work is influenced by music and different life occurrences.

“I believe a lot of things factor in that give me inspiration when doing my art. First and foremost my first true inspiration was graffiti,” he said. “Once I started I was immediately addicted.” “Second, I think my mood plays a huge variable in my art.”

Q. Who is your favorite artist & why?

A. “I get this question asked way too often. It’s such an easy question, yet so complex. My newest would have to be EL MAC. He's a photorealistic artist out of Mexico that does a bunch of collaborations with a west coast artist RETNA,” Ennis said. “Also an artist called KOFI. He's a drafter by trade and it definitely reflects in his calm and elegant pieces of art." “Lastly, another personal favorite is Françoise Nielly, I am extremely excited to see her work in person this summer while visiting Paris."

Q. As art director of GFW 2012, you’ve seen all of what’s going to be showcased? Can you give us a sneak peak of what we can expect?

A. “I hand picked a majority of the artist this year by taking many different avenues to reach them, he said." "I am beyond stoked to have the lineup that we have this year we have a bit of everything for everyone's liking.”

Q. What are you most excited for at this year’s art show?

A. Ennis told GFW that he is excited for everyone that is a part of this year’s art show but he gave us a heads up on whose work he suggest to look out for!

“ I have two guys from Sarasota that I'm sure will definitely turn heads, “ Ennis told GFW. “Karl Boardman and Keith Alvarado. “Their styles are complete opposite of each other, but I'm a huge fan of both of them.”

Q. What is your favorite piece of art of your own creation?

A. “ I would have to say my blue hand. I really enjoy the light blues within the piece.”

Sounds interesting, wanna know what he's talking about...you'll just have to come out to our event and see :)

Q. Where do you see yourself in the next 5 to 10 years?

A. “I hope to still be creating art. Moreover, I would like to have accomplished my childhood dream of traveling to every country,” he said. “If I could tie the two together, that would be great.”

Be sure to check out Ennis’ work and all of the amazing contributing artist’s pieces that will be on display at this year’s Gainesville Fashion Week THIS Wednesday, for our GFW opening night art-show at Villa East!

International Coverage Alert: Fashion Politique

Say hello to our new partners across the Atlantic, a new online aggregate of fashion shows and expositions across the globe. FashionPolitique, or 'f-politics' is based out of London and sets out to cover fashion paving the way in numerous cities through reporting and video coverage delivered via innovative digital platforms.

F-politics aims to be the creative, innovative and inspiring leader ofonline fashion journalism delivering high-quality fashion relatednews, comment and information that enables fashion designers to communicate and connect with fashion buyers and fashion retailers across the world.

You can catch GFW spotlighted in the news section among the likes of Paris, Montreal and Las Vegas Fashion Weeks.The GFW team is thrilled at this opportunity to gain international exposure for our designers and talent, all while partnering with achic new team.

-Kasi

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: 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.

Add Villa East to my foursquare to-do list.

Buy Tickets for Gainesville Fashion Week here!

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.

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

Our First Model Rehearsals

There is a reason people say that “practice makes perfect.” With Gainesville Fashion Week just around the corner (mark your calenders for April 11th-15th), it’s imperative that our models nail down the perfect walk and pose. Last night was the first of four model rehearsals and it took place at Sharab Lounge in downtown Gainesville.

It just warmed our hearts to see some of our models come to the rehearsal wearing their Gainesville Fashion Week shirts, but things really heated up when they started walking. Not to show off too much too soon, but we have fierce album on Facebook full of photos from the event. Take a peek, we’ll be you’ve never seen so many chiseled jawlines and sky-high heels strutting down a catwalk.

Bottom line: this is just the beginning of rehearsals, but we’re so happy and impressed with all our stunning models. That being said, there are three more official practices left, so the pressure is on. Practice makes perfect, but attitude makes a catwalk!

-Lauren

GFW 2012 Official Photoshoot

Congratulations to all of the models who were selected to be part of Gainesville Fashion Week 2012! This past weekend, we rallied the troops together for our 2012 Model Photoshoot, featuring all of the fantastic models who made the final cut in our casting call.

The fashion mob took over the University House 13^th Street Apartments for a Sunday Funday filled with staggering heels, hot models and even hotter poses. Did I mention the models were really hot?

Thank you to Domino’s Pizza for keeping our bellies full all day, and to Avant Garde salon for providing on-the-spot hair touch ups and keeping the models looking sassy. DJ Klarc Sheppard was in the house getting everyone loose, spinning beats and pumping the jams. Finally, big thanks to University House 13^th Street Apartments for letting us use the club room and pool area for the day!

-Hayley

GFW partners with HOME Magazine for GFW 2012

Gainesville Fashion Week is ecstatic to announce our newest partnership with HOME: Living in the Heart of Florida's Magazine!

This year the GFW program will be the center feature of HOME yearly art issue and sponsors will be exposed, not only to our audience base, but to affluent and in-tune readers across
the state.

April's issue will include this exclusive GFW program for our 2012 lineup that will be distributed at all of our events along with the Gainesville community inclusive.

As the leading community and lifestyle magazine in North Central Florida, printing 12,000 copies distributed in the wide geographic span from High Springs to Tioga Town Center to Haile Plantation to Downtown Gainesville.

This means an expansion of our demographic reach into those that coalesces with the mission of HOME. We are excited about our expansion and a continuation of our commitment to building community
ties.

Be sure to snag your self a copy of HOMES April issue and join us for our GFW 2012 event's we will have plenty to share!

-GFW Media