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!