Are You the Talk of Orlando? After the fashion show

Daytona Pioneer Ratt Productions

UCF QB Jeff Godfrey

City

Miss Know It All & Mr. Seen It All

ARE YOU THE

by Kris Kinville of Talkoforlando.com

Harriett’s

Pa r k Av e n u e

Fashion

C

Week

Designed by Karl’s Event Services

alling all my fashion lovers! If you missed the Park Avenue Fashion Week & Fashion Show in October, maybe you should question your fashion drive! Lucky for you, I had the great pleasure to have and all access pass and I am excitedly passing this summary along. For me, it was my own personal “Sex in the City” moment, and I found myself missing my girlfriends to keep me company.

Next year’s scheduled attendance “with the gurls” was made the moment the show ended. The audience enjoyed a red carpet entrance, worthy of their stylish dress in the center of Winter Park.

Every attendant could feel and taste the excitement in the air. All of the designers were impressive in their own way but together, the audience could easily imagine themselves in New York, just with warmer weather. There was something for every “fashion-ista” in this show, from the most demure dresser looking for a new pair of glasses to the “raging rock star” within each of us.

Pre-show I wandered back stage to interview the models participating in the show. All the men and woman participating each had their own beauty, already visible without yet wearing the designs.

The anticipation and nerves were palatable in the staging area. Many of the models were from Central Florida area or Winter Park residents, all ranging from the age of 15yrs to mature models that came out of retirement just for this event. “The chance to support our community and dress for a cause is amazing” stated model Jerica, who would be walking for Thread & Tuni. “I have built a strong and unique bond with Tuni and the designers in the last 3 years that I have participated. It’s an incredible way to bring the community together”.

The start of the show was Harriet herself making her entrance in all white. Wearing a large impressive hat with netting and royal blue bird nestled amongst the folds. Even with the assistance of a walker, Harriet moved with grace and reagalness to steal the show, sitting front row/center with her white gown and decorative accessories. Not even the sparkle of upcoming jewels could match the shine in her eyes. She was truly the “Queen”

awaiting the presentation of the court’s creativeness! And each person whom walked that runway, made sure to pay homage.

Opening the show was the talented Orlando Ballet. Balancing on toes, leaping and tumbling, they donned modern and classic styles in red officially setting the runway on fire for the up and coming designers.

First up was a 10 design line from the winner of The Emerging Designer Contest. 2011’s winner was Rhonda Spears. It was easy to see why she won. She combined comfortable fabric styles and soft textures and earth tones with subtle animal prints to complete a flexible style that goes from the office to the dance floor. Her styles are beautiful with or without accessories. Just what today’s modern woman on the move would be looking for. Last year’s Emerging Designer Maria Roman’s accessories ironically enough would make great additions to this year’s winning designs.

For all the women who feel that accessories

make the outfit, there were many designers who have unique & creative locked down. Bayhill Jeweler’s joined with Eyelash Works to present an image of graceful, mesmerizing colors.

Bayhill’s delicate chain designs with a colorful array of stunning stones can upgrade even the most basic sheath dress to the next level. The models carrying the pieces appeared with colorful feathered eyes combined with the basic colors & neutral tones sheath dresses. The partnership created some of the most stunning ensembles of the night.

For the young and fresh, Lilly Pulitzer’s line offered clean, straight forward cuts with simple bright colors and patterns. From a sundress to beachwear, her light and energetic fabrics have something for all the young at heart. Stores also for the young & enthusiastic were Tuni, Thread & Bebes’/Liz’s all which offered everything the “inner rock gurl” could ever need to make the powerful, passionate impression she craves.

Not to be forgotten were the men’s lines. Current and John Craig both had great tailoring

when it came to men’s suits, but both also had a lot to show when it came to casual. Great colors and touchable, movable fabrics could make the most “tieo-phobic” man want to “clean up” occasionally.

My ultimate “Carrie” moment was with the Sultre’s shoe presentation. These pieces are hot enough to make a paper bag dress look good. They have an ultimate mix of textures including everything from fur, leather, beading, and sequins to hard core metal! If only shoes were free! (Laughing) There were many more designers and businesses whom created this amazing event, all of which are conveniently located in or near downtown Winter Park.

Leave the typical, predictable, over priced mall alone. Find your inner “fashionista” and still have the convince of everything in one place, while being romanced by the home-town feel. Make a day of it! Get an incredible lunch, build the ultimate outfit and then take a stroll in the park to plan on how that outfit will have the most impact! www.parkavenuefashionweek.com www.flyerpromonow.com

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