How to WIN tickets to GFW

Some of us met yesterday and after months (and we mean months) of planning, we can't believe the big week is finally here! Though we start planning in September it's these final 10 days before Fashion Week that are the most exciting.

So how does one win tickets to the GFW runway events (if you haven't already bought them that is).

This year, there are a few fun options.

1. See a GFW road sign around town? We're giving a pair of tickets to the people who post a pic of our sign and it's location on our Facebook page. No repeat offenders though, the first person to post that location will win.

his photo comes from one of our models AJ Vanegas.

2. Our friends at 106.9KZY are also doing a ticket giveaway - they've got 15 PAIRS you can win along with some great music and a really funny morning show. Listen to their morning jock Kidd Kraddick from 8a.m. to 9a.m. for chances to win a pair.

Though not in the realm of winning but we still think it's pretty cool.

Guess what? GFW Tickets are today's special on Groupon - yup, we're in the big leagues now. So tell a friend to tell a friend.

I'm sure there's room somewhere in here for a Charlie Sheen reference. Heck, if someone posts a funny enough reply on Facebook - we might just give you a pair of tickets too. WINNING!

What to wear to Fashion Week!?!

We get this question quite often. Everyone wants to know what to wear to Fashion Week and more importantly where can you find it?

We recommend anything you feel comfortable and spectacular in; but, the lean is always towards cocktail attire for our events.

Going fancy takes some effort and sadly it is not the norm to get super dressed up in this town. But good news! If you aren't up for online shopping and road trips to the nearest shopping meccas Gainesville has a reasonable list of boutiques you should get to know.

One of them in particular is Mesh Boutique in Union Street Station downtown.

We met owner Muna Shadeed as a participant in the 2010 season, she joins us for another round this Spring. Muna gave us some great suggestions of pieces anyone can wear to GFW and beyond; because who likes forking out a ton of cash for a "one time only" dress?

She suggests this layered chiffon look; perfect for this warmer weather we're seeing. The dress is simple, but the silhouette is always stylish.

The rouching details (seen below) can cover up any "jiggly bits" you might be self conscious about. Plus the fun zebra pattern is flirty enough for evening, but not inappropriate for other occasions say...date night, brunch or a Spring/Summer wedding - we think it's a win!

Her other suggestion is this haltered, jeweled, lace number (you can see the detail in the top photo). This look is really effortless: the jeweled neckline eliminates dressing up that area, thicker black lace keeps it from being too sugary sweet. Pair with something sparkly on the feet and a great clutch (why not a bold red lip) and you're done!

Hope this gives you first-timers some direction. Check out this video on Muna and her store Mesh from our pals at CMC Apartments and catch them on the GFW runway Thursday April 7th at Villa East.

SPONSOR UPDATE: FloridaWorks

In between jobs? Not really finding the right fit of employees for your company? Here's the local solution.

FloridaWorks is the place where jobseekers and employers connect. Search for a job now at www.EmployFlorida.com

Jobseekers: We can assist you with your job search, placement services, help with resumes, professional networking, assessments, occupational training programs, technology training and more.

Employers: We can assist you with prescreening, job fairs, job posting and monitoring, lay-off aversion programs, lay-off assistance, ramp-up services and more.

SPONSOR UPDATE: Rolls'n Bowls

Rolls 'n Bowls is an innovative sushi restaurant in Gainesville that offers fresh traditional Japanese ingredients combined to create savory foods to satisfy any appetite.

Their concept embraces the freedom of choice in creating your own unique dish. Customers go through the sushi line as the chef asks what the customer wants in their roll, bowl or salad.

Check out their menu online or like them on Facebook to learn about great deals and promotions. Use foursquare? They offer great deals (like FREE edamame) when you check in, so go ahead, check 'em out today.

Word Hard. Play Harder!

Things got HOT as the sun set on Wednesday evening at Sharab Lounge.

Our participating designers joined us at model rehearsals to get an up-close look at our models and to choose which hotties will be rockin' the runway in their designs.

Get your tickets to the Thursday and Saturday shows here. Pre sale tickets are available until March 31.

Word of advice from an insider, tickets are going fast! So be sure to snag one quickly.

See more photos on our model selection rehearsal here.

That Saturday, we joined uber-student property The Estates to crash one of their infamous pool party weekends.

We co-hosted the event and made some new friends in the campus community.

Can anyone say "so so College?".

Now that we've taken a break to appreciate the student community with: beer, keg stands, noodles and inflatable dolls (yup) it's back to work for TEAM GFW as we are counting down TWO more weeks to Gainesville Fashion Week 2011.

See photos from the all-wet fete here

SPONSOR UPDATE: Villa East

We have to give a special mention to one of our venue sponsors Villa East. Catch the Thursday and Saturday night 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

Villa East is a place where the hippest events in Gainesville are happening! It is somewhere that doesn’t remind you of a convention center and is home to the best caterer in Gainesville, Celebrations Catering.

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.

TALENT UPDATE: Klarc Shepard

We wanted to introduce you to another key member of this year's team - DJ Klarc Shepard. *Applause and cheering ensues* but wait...not so fast, you've heard him at our events before.

Klarc has lent a huge hand by spinning at our Annual Model Callbacks for the last two years and keeping the lady models on their toes. What can we say? He's suave.

But he's also pretty legit. Klarc has worked in: Florida, Atlanta, New York and the tri-state area as well as the West Indies as a DJ, producer and talent manager.

He joins us in 2011 as GFW Music Coordinator. Come check him out at our events - this guy knows how to pump up a crowd. Don't believe us? Head to 101 Downtown on a Saturday night to see and hear the proof.

Learn more about Klarc here.

Have a song request? Post it on his Facebook Fan Page.

SPONSOR UPDATE: 106.9 KZY

Gainesville Fashion Week welcomes another radio sponsor to this season's line up.

106.9 KZY is the radio station custom made for North Central Florida.

106.9 KZY gives away thousands of dollars worth of cash and trips every year with Kidd Kraddick in the Morning, plus 106.9 KZY keeps you company all day while you work and all weekend long with 52 minute music hours.

106.9 KZY is on demand at www.1069kzy.com or like them on Facebook or follow them on Twitter @1069KZYFM

GFW2011: 24 Days & Counting

In one month (to the day) Fashion Week will be over.

In fact, it was a little alarming and surreal when we did our backwards countdown of dates (we're not really good at counting to start with, the budget count took even longer). Enter panic mode.

24 days.

Twenty Four Days!

Today our team met and revised our already gigantic and full calendar, which you can see below. Not the clearest picture, but we have to keep some of the suspense right? Consider it a leak.

Meanwhile here are the need-to-know's for this year's event:

Ticket Sales

Tickets are ON SALE now and this year we've worked in a student discount: UF, SFC, Full Sail, FSU - whoever simple bring your student ID to the door and get in at a lower cost. Simple!

As usual there are tickets for standing and seats - early bird gets the good chair.

For ticket information click here

Performances

There are tons of performances and art projects to look forward to. Our annual Kick Off Art Exhibit, music artists Pop Glow will be performing at Thursday's show.

Plus a whole night dedicated to art appreciation and awareness at Gala for the Arts - our black tie fundraiser benefitting Rocket for the Arts - like Rocket on Facebook

Volunteer Opps

Want to get involved? Great! We are now accepting applications for volunteers, submit this form and a GFW team member will contact you if we find a good fit.

Volunteering is pretty sweet. You get free range at the events, access to backstage and all sorts of cool things BUT this is a serious working opportunity - no slackers (sorry).

Have you gotten a t-shirt or a button yet? Let us know if you have and what you think!

Need Media Creds? Click here

Are you a working member of the media interested in covering our event?

Super! (and welcome)

Please complete this form - the deadline for submission is March 19th 2011

Do you write, blog, vlog, film, edit, photograph, produce?

We encourage all types of media to apply.

Pop Glow to perform at GFW

The GFW team is so excited to announce our first musical act of the season - Pop Glow.

We were introduced to the group in 2010 while they were on a Florida leg tour with Black Kids. Earlier in the year I saw them play The Vagabond in Miami; trust me when I say, these guys (and their fans) know how to have a GREAT time.

If you've ever been to a Pop Glow show you know you're in for dancing, tons of neon, and crazy, motor-mixed cover songs (on top of their original tracks) including Michael Jackson's "Rock with You" and Phoenix's "Listomania".

Here's one of my favorite Pop Glow songs called "Dreams Come True". Don't let the title fool you, there are no Disney-esque lyrics here.

You can catch Pop Glow LIVE at Villa East - 301 North Main Street - during Gainesville Fashion Week's Thursday lineup - buy tickets here.

Remember, pre-sale tickets end on March 31st - so you better hurry. Between this fun band and our incredible line-up of designers, boutiques and the Emerging Designers Showcase; word to the wise - just get those tickets quickly!

Like Pop Glow on Facebook or listen to more of the tracks on Soundcloud.

Dreams Come True by Pop Glow

SPONSOR UPDATE: Magic101.3FM

Gainesville Fashion Week is thrilled to announce we have a radio sponosor! Woo hoo!

Magic 101.3 is Gainesville/Ocala's home for blazin’ hip-hop and R&B.

Check them out during your work week or listen live from their website!

The Weekday Lineup

6am-10am: The Rickey Smiley Morning Show

10am-3pm: Lady Reign

3pm-7pm: Ya Boy Russ

7pm-12am: DJ Terrah

Connect with them on Facebook or follow Magic 101.3 on Twitter @Magic1013FM

Meet the models with Spyglass Apartments

We loved that one of our sponsors Spyglass Apartments created this hot, new Meet the Models video.

Take a look at what some of our new and returning talent had to say about the event and check out their vlog CMC-TV.

Brittany and Mel are playing double duty this season as sponsors and GFW team members.

Have a safe and stylish spring break students! See you on the runway.

Three Thirty Couture Grand Opening & Model Meet'n'Greet

Three Thirty Couture's Grand Opening and Model Meet and Greet was amazing! Hot clothes, beautiful models - what more could we ask for?

Check out the live talent "model-quins" in the store's display window showing items from their collection.

We spent most of the evening mingling with owners Nicole and Clyde Snodgrass, their staff and our models.

Some of our sponsors catered the event (points if you got there early). Guests enjoyed delicious sushi from Rolls'n Bowls and fruit trays from The Flying Biscuit Cafe.

Three Thirty hooked up shoppers at the grand opening by taking 35 percent off their purchase.

The night ended with a ride downtown to SpeakEasy - thanks to AP Limo - for the official after party. Thanks for the great night Three Thirty, we look forward to seeing your line!

See more candids from the event here.

SPONSOR UPDATE: HOME Magazine

HOME: Living in the Heart of Florida Magazine's mission is to be the leading lifestyle publication in North Central Florida, while giving back to those who consider the heart of Florida HOME.

The magazine has a diverse, extensive readership all over North Central Florida and features articles on everything from healthy to fashion.

HOME is active in support charities throughout the community and hosts its own event, Taste of HOME, to benefit youth in our community.

We proudly welcome them back to another season as media sponsors of Gainesville Fashion Week.

For more information visit their website and grab a copy around town today!

Official GFW Model Photo Shoot

Our newest video from our modeling photo shoot is now up on GFW-TV.

We have some awesome behind the scenes footage and interviews with some of the models.

Check it out!

Special thanks to our sponsors:

• University House for providing us with a location to make it all happen
• Domino's Pizza for feeding our staff and models
• Monster Energy for keeping us wired throughout the day
• And last but certainly not the least, Tyler Jones of Exile Photography for the awesome
  candids from our photo shoot. Check them out here!

Lastly, you've been hearing us ramble about how hot they are!

We present to you our 2011 GFW models. See you haute stuffs on the runway!