A focus on breast cancer awareness in October brought forth a frilly & feminine side of fashion that I adore.
I spent a portion of this season's "Funkshion Fashion Week Miami" backstage with the influx of models, designers & makeup artists preparing for the evening's runway show.
Decked out in rainbow colored hair highlights, retro lipstick & bohemian clothes, Aileen; MUA & Owner of "Makeup by Aileen" insured that every lip line & hair strand was in place.
As "Indie True" Designer Cassondra Youngs was busily putting the finishing touches to her playful & colorful punk inspired dresses and models , I zipped over to give a quick hello. Bubbly and full of energy, Cassondra explained that she'd been awake for long hours while working on the collection. Yet and still, she had a smile on her face and a twinkle in her eye; seemingly happy that the feat had been accomplished.
Fashion Show Producer & Consultant Mr. Coleman instructed the "Indie True" models to line up in order and rehearse how they would walk on the runway. With wildly teased & embellished hair, the models made their way up and down the narrow walkway backstage; stopping to pose for invisible paparazzi.
At show start, the models were focused, the lights were dimmed and the seats were filled.
A T.V. monitor allowed us easy access to the happenings on the runway . (I took a seat in a closely placed chair :))
Lauren Ashley, the beautiful & charming model-esque designer of "LAGlamrock" wowed the crowd with a collection of skirts, dresses & separates in pastel pinks, blues, creams & lace. Two adorable pint sized & poised ballerinas pirouetted their way down the runway to announce the beginning of Ashley's show while reminding the crowd about the seriousness of Breast Cancer.
Designer Evrice Cornelius, the brain behind the "Casey Levan" label, brought a taste of New York City to Miami through his collection of chic pieces in leather & dark plaid that could easily go from work hours to play hours. The collection was a fresh contrast to the sensual femininity of Ashley's show.
The Red Dress Fashion Show by the American Heart Association brought out local fashion notables & socialites alike, including one Mrs. Parsons of Miami International University of Art & Design. The dresses were phenomenally made and the models appeared quite happy to wear them.
The Gustavo Cadile collection was simply phenomenal. Sophistication met utility & style through mature and soft ensembles that I feel any woman would love to wear.
At some point during the shows, I managed to snap a shot with Mr. Traver Rains of "Heatherette".I hadn't seen Mr. Rains since Funkshion about a year ago where he raised eyebrows & giggles on the runway when one of his male models donned a "NO KITTY" Tee Shirt from his namesake collection. Ever friendly & warm, Traver joked with me about the irony that was his current "COW" tee shirt. I told him that he looked fabulous as usual ....and I meant it. So did his "Barbie"-esque arm candy, indie artist "Tokyo Diva" who was set to perform the following night.
All in all, I had a great time, saw some great clothes and met some great people. Next stop? MEXICO!!
Blue lipstick anyone? Me & Traver Rains
