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.

Calling All Hotties!

The Gainesville Fashion Week team is on the prowl for the next hottest thing.

Throughout the next two weeks, we will be scouring the city in search of those worthy of the GFW "Hot" Card- the exclusive hot-pink token signifying we think you have what it takes to be a model in this year’s runway shows. Whether it is at the local hot spots, out to dinner or on campus, we are always on the lookout. Once spotted, your picture will be taken with your Hot Card and uploaded into our Hot Card photo album on our Facebook page for all to envy.

Check our page frequently to see which of your friends have already received their Hot Card!

Are you hot enough for the paparazzi?

Visit gainesvillefashionweek.com for more information.

Hola from Los Angeles

Last season we brought you the scoop from London, this year we're taking things to Los Angeles.

Remember Simone? She covered GFW last year and has since moved to LA to make waves in the fashion, entertainment and beauty industries. We still think of Simone as our hometown girl and had the chance to catch up with her this week.

Photo by Tyler Jones, Exile Photography

Simone, our newest guest blogger, will be giving us the scoop from Hollywood and it ties in perfectly with this year's theme. Want to know about her LA takeover? Start reading:

Four Months of Fur

I wish I had more time to wear my cognac-colored rabbit fur. I guess if I move to NYC or somewhere frigid I’ll get more wear out of it, but here in Southern California I get about a three or four month window.

Vintage cognac colored fur with hood, $100

Even if I only get to wear it once, this golden vintage find was worth every penny. Not only is it in keeping with the Fall/Winter 2010 plush fur trend, it’s also a perfect pairing with this season's neutral palette. A good fur is a staple item you can cherish for years and several Fall/Winter seasons to come.

Thankfully, I spent New Years in a local ski town and got plenty of usage out of my new fur. But alas, winter is coming to a close and a bright spring is in the not too distant future, so this isn’t as much about buying a fur as it is taking advantage of your local thrift and vintage.

Don’t be afraid of thrifting and wearing second hand clothing. A couple things to keep in mind when searching for the perfect vintage find:

1. Exhaust all options, from Goodwill to an old lady consignment shop…just do it up
2. Inspect the garment through and through! If it has imperfections, you won’t wear it
3. Peruse the racks thoroughly...because you never know what’s hiding behind an obstructive 80’s disaster
4. Try it on, and try it on a lot since you probably won’t be able to return it
5. It’s vintage, so go for a bold accent piece you can pair with staples you already have at home. But then again, agood staple is always a solid, and safe, choice.

If you're worried about staying current, you can absolutely find trendy pieces relevant to this season's stipulations. But, the best part about thrifting is the uniqueness of an item that no one else will have, unlike the dime a dozen garments from Forever21 or H&M. Whether its a fur or a retro frock, vintage is a head-turner, and will keep you looking fabulous for at least the next four months.

With love from LA!

Simone

Follow her on Twitter @Tastemakehers

** For fabulous free products, fashion tips and the best in LA living, check out my blog The Tastemakehers: Discover & Indulge. Right now, were giving away makeup from h.wood.beauty, a favorite of Katy Perry, Lindsay Lohan and Rihanna!

Vintage 1980's A-line velvet dress with sheer neckline, $25

Vintage authentic leather satchel, $14

GFW Walking Class in 2 weeks

Need to know how to work it? We can help!

Gainesville Fashion Week has hosted a walking clinic in previous years and will be hosting this year's clinic on Wendesday January 19th at 7p.m.

The class will be held in downtown Gainesville at Sharab Lounge and open to all interested participants.

This takes place just DAYS before the Model Casting Call that will be held at neutral7 design on Sunday January 23rd.

Don't forget you can download the model application online now!

Photo by Tyler Jones of Exile Photgraphy

Welcome one and all to GFW2011

This weekend we "officially" kicked off our Gainesville Fashion Week calendar and welcomed our newest talent to the team.

We managed to squeeze in some fun during a week-long series of meetings on Saturday night at the INsite Magazine Launch Party. The magazine published their 28 Most Interesting People edition (on newsstands now) and we took the opportunity to celebrate a long-time media sponsor and mingle with our new batch of interns.



We put an open call for talent at the end of 2010 and received an overwhelming response. However, from the 200 plus applicants, we narrowed things down to a select mix of twelve PR, Advertising, Business & Event Management and Marketing majors from the University of Florida and Santa Fe College.

We'd like to welcome the interns to the team, and if you see them out come say, "hello!".

• Carolina Prieto
• Sarah Jackson
• Alina Torres
• Aditya Pamidi
• Julian Andrew
• Brittany Jones
• Kristine Straker
• Jacqueline Echagarruga-Irimia
• Alexa Carlin
• Kasi Martin
• Samantha Albright
• Meshi Shoshana

MODEL CASTING CALL - SUNDAY JANUARY 23RD - 1 - 5p.m. - neutral7 STUDIO - APPLY!

GFW 20eleven Wants You!

Seeking individuals to intern with GFW 2011 in areas including: Sales and Sponsorships, Promotions, PR/Social Media, Photography, Graphic Design, Video Editing and copywriters. Will work closely with event organizers, business owners, vendors, media and the public. Position offers invaluable experience, and a chance to be part of something truly unique in Gainesville. Ideal candidates will be well organized, creative, have strong problem solving skills, and good interpersonal skills. Must be able to work independently or with minimal supervision. If you are interested in applying please send a resume, cover letter and any applicable work samples to gfwllc@gmail.com by October 31, 2010. If you have a specific interest please make sure to describe it onyour cover letter.

The positions for the 2011committee require a 5 month commitment for monthly meetings for the remaining of the year and weekly meetings starting January. Additional volunteer and "during event" positions will be posted in the future.

gfw! sponsors Project Hyphen: Asians in Fashion

Since our logo release in September, we have been working hard to get started on our marketing efforts for next year's fashion week. gfw! 20eleven is going to be all about glits and glam!  So it's only fitting that gfw! and the Retail Society are cosponsoring the UF Asian Kaleidoscope Month 2010: Project Hyphen: Asians in Fashion, a night in fashion at the Reitz Union Ballroom featuring Filipino designer Jay Nicolas Sario, www.jaynicolassario.com, from Bravo's Project Runway, fashion designer Kim Phan, www.yumikim.com, and Crystal Fong of the Fashion Institute of Technology New York on Monday, October 18 from 6:30pm - 9:00pm.

This glamorous event with be presenting clothing from a variety of prominent Asian American fashion designers as well as hold a questions and answers session from the designers themselves during the show.

gfw! was delighted to assist in promotions and providing makeup and model contacts for the event including Avant Garde Salon who did an amazing job on hair for last year's Gainesville Fashion Week.

Be sure to check out the UF Asian Kaleidoscope Month at www.ufakmonth.com and visit the facebook page for more information about the upcoming event!

And don't forget to keep checking http://gainesvillefashionweek.blogspot.com and the gfw! facebook page for more updates on gfw! 20eleven!

Gainesville Fashion Week: Red Carpet and Art Show

It was only a Wednesday but with Gainesville Fashion Week on board, it was a Wednesday like no other.

Last night kicked off  Gainesville Fashion Week's 2010 season. Hosted in the Sharab Lounge, guests experienced two parties in one. Downstairs, invite-only guests were entertained by the Phobooth's picture studio, fed by Calico Jack's wraps and wings and The Truffle Cake Co. dainty desserts.

But upstairs an open art gallery allowed spectators to check out the work of fourteen local artists, ranging from photography, mixed medium pieces and paintings.

And guests got to awe over handmade jewelry by Courtney Lee Designs and Laurel B Jewelry upstairs too.

This was only the beginning. Coming up are three consecutive nights of amazing fashion designers with three designers per night. On Thursday night, Wolfgang, Calzatura, and Kenneth McCraney will be showing at the Vault. The show starts at 8 p.m.

If you haven't purchased your tickets yet, buy them at Event Brite. Here's the direct link to tonight's show!

*All photos were taken by Tyler Jones of Exile Photography

Designer Update: Mikho Karajito

Some special pieces will be making an appearance in Mikho Karajito's fashion show.

Mikho Karajito by Miguel Blanco joins forces with Nicole Schumann Designs to feature pieces of her jewelry in his spring 2010 Gainesville Fashion Week Show. Schumann designs jewelry from the vintage amulets she has been collecting for years.

"They're old romantic, pieces of the world," she says. "I'm always antiquing in New England and hunting for unique finds in in Europe. I'm a fanatic."

Nicole Schumann's Jewelry has been featured on "The Today Show", "The View", "Elle Magazine" and is a staple in "Hamptons Magazine." Her pieces are worn by stars like Jessica Alba and Christie Brinkley

For more information on Nicole Schumann, visit her Web site: www.nicoleschumanndesigns.com.

Talent Update: Sabor Latino

 They'll be swinging their hips come Saturday night, April 10, at Gainesville Fashion Week!

 
Sabor Latino is the Hispanic Student Assembly's official dance team at the University of Florida. They've lit stages on fire all across Gainesville, and have developed a reputation for having a show stopping latin flare in every performance.

As a competition team, Sabor Latino has competed in and won countless competitions including, VISA International Month Talent Show, Hispanic Heritage Month Talent Show, UF's Official
Gator Growl Talent Night,  UF's Soulfest and  many others.

For more information on this dance group, check them out on Facebook.