Grab 36 of the most renowned fashion designers from 15 different countries throughout the world, mix them in with more than 8,000 attendees, add a 60-foot runway and an entire lot of merchant's tents to appease the consumer in you, and what you're left with is called Miami Fashion Week. Held at the Miami Beach Convention Center's Ballroom D from May 6 to 9, the event featured several fashion shows, press conferences, award distributions, some live music, the attention of more than 400 media outlets, and one heck of a good time.
"These designers are already megastars in their countries, so our aim was to give fashion lovers a taste for what's currently in style around the globe—in places as far away as Egypt, Russia, and Spain," stated former model and event founder Beth Sobol of Sobol Fashion Productions, the company that planned and managed the event. "At the same time, since many of these designers are exclusive to their countries, we were also looking to help hype their lines in the United States."
These giant names included Spain's Francis Montesinos, Egypt's Mohamed Dagher, Columbia's Fabrizio de Castro, and even the Russian firm D'Lorisan, all of whom debuted new accessories. The fun part? After seeing their many handbags and jewelries displayed on the runway, visitors could stroll on over to the other side of the ballroom and purchase them from 14 different booths.
The event, which was moved to the Miami Beach Convention Center at the last minute to secure millions of dollars worth of merchandise from weather storms that were projected to hit the area on those days, had previously been held at the Radisson Mart, Roney Palace Resort, Mansion, and in fashion tents along Miami Beach's 10th and 21st Streets.
The venue featured a rotating Mercury Milan car and luxurious V.I.P. lounges that featured DJ performances, cafes, cocktail bars, mannequin and designer furniture displays, and even interactive high-speed Internet connections, all courtesy of sponsors such as Southern Wine & Spirits and Mckinley Pierre Furniture. Musicians Estéfano, Sabrina, the Hip-Hop Kidz, and Bob Seger saxophonist Alto Reed performed at the various afterglow parties, which took place outside the venue in some of Miami Beach's hottest nightclubs, hotels and restaurants.
—Albert del Toral
Photos: Michael Bays/MB Productions
"These designers are already megastars in their countries, so our aim was to give fashion lovers a taste for what's currently in style around the globe—in places as far away as Egypt, Russia, and Spain," stated former model and event founder Beth Sobol of Sobol Fashion Productions, the company that planned and managed the event. "At the same time, since many of these designers are exclusive to their countries, we were also looking to help hype their lines in the United States."
These giant names included Spain's Francis Montesinos, Egypt's Mohamed Dagher, Columbia's Fabrizio de Castro, and even the Russian firm D'Lorisan, all of whom debuted new accessories. The fun part? After seeing their many handbags and jewelries displayed on the runway, visitors could stroll on over to the other side of the ballroom and purchase them from 14 different booths.
The event, which was moved to the Miami Beach Convention Center at the last minute to secure millions of dollars worth of merchandise from weather storms that were projected to hit the area on those days, had previously been held at the Radisson Mart, Roney Palace Resort, Mansion, and in fashion tents along Miami Beach's 10th and 21st Streets.
The venue featured a rotating Mercury Milan car and luxurious V.I.P. lounges that featured DJ performances, cafes, cocktail bars, mannequin and designer furniture displays, and even interactive high-speed Internet connections, all courtesy of sponsors such as Southern Wine & Spirits and Mckinley Pierre Furniture. Musicians Estéfano, Sabrina, the Hip-Hop Kidz, and Bob Seger saxophonist Alto Reed performed at the various afterglow parties, which took place outside the venue in some of Miami Beach's hottest nightclubs, hotels and restaurants.
—Albert del Toral
Photos: Michael Bays/MB Productions
A Mercury Milan's 360-degree rotating car was displayed in the Miami Beach Convention Center's ballroom for Miami Fashion Week.
Russian firm D'Lorisan showcased its latest fashions on the 60-foot runway.
