Funkshion Fashion Week, Miami’s semiannual alternative fashion showcase, kicked off last night at the Setai in South Beach with a special show from Nobulingka With Love, a line designed by Tibetan monks. Now in its 13th season, Funkshion’s lineup of designers such as Nicole Miller and Custo Barcelona have helped garner the event more sponsors than ever before.
“Some people found out about the event through the press and contacted us,” said Funkshion founder and producer Sale Stojanovic. “The whole schedule is really strong this year, and we’ve proven to people that [though] the economy is so bad, we can still attract designers to come to Miami.” Stojanovic said he offered the same sponsorship packages as in years past.
Presidente and Presidente Light headline the week’s group of 11 sponsors (five more than last season). The Miami Beach Visitors and Convention Authority is Funkshion’s only returning sponsor, and brands like Silver Dagger Vodka, Cointreau, Nespresso, and Motives by Loren Ridinger makeup have come on board for the first time.
Big name designers such as Micheal Kors, Badgley Mischka, and Carolina Herrera will show their designs during Funkshion as part of the American Heart Association’s annual Red Dress Fashion show tomorrow night at the Setai. New sponsor Fame Route, a private jet company, flew designers Nicole Miller and Richie Rich into Miami's Opa Locka Airport this morning where they conducted interviews with local media about their involvement in Funkshion.
The fashion shows continue tonight at the Setai and begin tomorrow at the Bass Museum of Art.
