Delray Fashion Week 2022

By Rachel Galvin

Delray Fashion Week, held Feb. 23-27, showcased spring and summer styles featuring local retailers in a variety of events, kicking off with "Living in Paradise," a fashion show outdoors at Old School Square with more than 70 models on the runway. 

The event was emceed by fashion designer Amanda Perna, who also provided her bags -- which were filled with swag -- for the VIPs, and had some of her fashions in the show. She also is a host of Delray Morning Live, which she co-hosts with her fellow emcee for the evening, Jameal Stewart. Joining the duo was Jule Zelman, known for being the owner of ROXYLULU.

Amanda Perna & Jameal Stewart emceed, along with Jule Zelman.

The event is put on yearly by the Downtown Development Authority and all proceeds benefit the Achievement Center for Children and Families.

This event also included pop-up vendor tents, including a selfie station to capture the moment. There was also a VIP section with lite bites and libations available

 

This was just the beginning of the fun. The festivities continued with Thursday's Colors of the Tropics Fashion Show and Luncheon at Meso Beach House. On Friday was the Sunsational Shop and Sip Event with guests checking in at the Rosewater Rooftop at The Ray Hotel where they received a drink, lite bites and a goodie bag of shopping specials befpre shopping downtown. Each received a passport that when all punched and turned in put them into a raffle for a special package. Saturday was a Sand & Sea Fashion Event at The Ray Plaza, featuring swimwear on the runway. There were also trunk shows weeklong at various venues.

 

For more information, visit https://downtowndelraybeach.com.

 

 

 

Delray Beach Fashion Week 2020 kicks off

Antica Romana

By Rachel Galvin
Just in time for the Big Game, Delray Beach Fashion Week kicked off their week of fashion with a football theme. On Wednesday, Jan. 29, they had their kickoff event -- Fashion Bowl "54," a runway show and Studio 54 Dance Party. Over 80 models strutted their stuff on the runway, set up in front of the Colony Hotel on Atlantic Avenue. Before the fashion show even began, guests could browse through vendor tents, take a photo on the red carpet and enjoy light bites and drinks in the reception area; plus, opening entertainment and the appearance of some former football players. Hosts Amanda Perna, of The House of Perna, and Jules Guaglardi excitedly introduced each set of models as they hit the runway showing off fashions by over 30 local retailers. After the fashion show, people could enjoy the disco dance party, complete with DJ'd music by Parisi Events and a glittering disco ball projecting reflected light on the street below. Proceeds for the event benefited the Achievement Centers for Children & Families.

"Each year, we add a new twist... and, for 2020, we are collaborating with the Palm Beach Sports Commission and South Florida Super Bowl Host Committee to create a fun fashion week and Big Game experience," said Laura Simon, executive director of the Downtown Development Authority.

This 7th annual Delray Beach Fashion Week ran from Jan. 29 to Feb. 2 and included not only this kickoff party, but also Art & Couture All-Stars-Designer Fashion Show & Art Experience on Thursday night, Jan. 30 at the Cornell Art Museum at Old School Square, which included a chance to meet the designers and enjoy light bites and signature cocktails, with proceeds benefiting Old School Square. It was followed on Friday, Jan. 31 with the Half-Time & High Heels Presented by Vince Canning Shoes-Resort Wear Luncheon Show at Che!!! Restaurant. Proceeds again benefited the Achievement Centers for Children and Families. The event included the RTW fashion show plus a silent auction, entertainment and lunch. That night was the Old School Square Super Pep Rally-Swim & Active Wear Show, a free event that included local marching bands, cheerleaders, meet and greet with NFL alumni and local football legends, tailgate games and a concert. On Saturday, Feb. 1, people had a chance to shop and buy the runway fashions they saw weeklong. For every purchase, guests received a raffle ticket and a chance to win prizes. After checking in at Rose's Daughter, they also were treated to a continental breakfast complete with a mimosa, a post-event reception  at L'Acqua Ristorante Italiano and, as always, a swag bag. Later, they could come back and watch the Big Game itself at Old School Square Park for free. 

Did you miss the festivities? Not to worry, fashion fans, there is always next year! Keep an eye on www.DelrayFashionWeek.com.

Vixity

License to Swim: Swim & Surf Fashion Show 2019

Blings & Things

Photos & Story by Rachel Galvin

Fashion never dies and it certainly is not stopped by the rain. On Saturday, Jan. 26, the culminating event for the Delray Beach Fashion Show, the License to Swim: Swim & Surf Fashion Show, was moved from its outdoor location the inside of a parking garage. It certainly seems like an odd place to have a fashion show, but it actually ended up looking like it was meant to be there -- very urban chic. Kudos to everyone involved for successfully pulling it off!

Before the fashion began, singer Mylon Shamble, who was on American Idol, performed "Skyfall," which fit into the James Bond theme of the fashion week. This was followed by a dance performance by Clifton Sepulveda & Mar Martinez, owners of the Fred Astaire Dance Studio. Next, the fashion show began with over 40 models showing off a wide variety of looks (some of which are pictured here). Fashions can be found in downtown Delray with hair and makeup also created by local providers.

Proceeds from the Delray Beach Fashion Week benefit the Achievement Centers for Children & Families. The event is hosted by the Downtown Development Authority.

For more info., visit www.downtowndelraybeach.com

#downtowndelray #delrayfashionweek

Mylon Shamble sings.

Clifton Sepulveda & Mar Martinez dance.

Ramona La Rue

Surf District Surf Shop

Quiet Storm Surf Shop

Debilzan Gallery

The House of Zen Dali

Glavidia By Glavidia Alexis

Delray Beach's Fashion Week 2019 begins

Ramona LaRue

Photos & story by Rachel Galvin

Delray Beach kicked off its Fashion Week on Wednesday, Jan. 23 with "Fashion Royale," showcasing evening wear and designer fashion on Atlantic Avenue in front of the Colony Hotel. The theme this year is "Fashion Never Dies," inspired by James Bond, and a James Bond lookalike, complete with sexy women counterparts posed on the runway as the events began. Downtown Development Authority (DDA) Chair Peter Arts and City of Delray Mayor Shelly Petrolia did some introductions before the opening act began-- a performance by a five man a capella all vocal band called Edge Effect, who came down from Orlando to entertain everyone with their smooth moves and amazing vocal harmonies (and also did an encore performance at the end). There was also a dance performance by Elegant Emeralds.

Then, the runway came alive went multiple designers--all from downtown Delray Beach -- with emcees Heather McMechan, Dana Peller of Local Mom Scoop, Pellerini and SoFlo Moms on the Go, and Amanda Perna of House of Perna and Neon Bohemians. VIP guests sat along the runway and each received a stylized swag handbag by House of Perna, complete with tassel.

Designers included Antica Sartoria, Beverly Hills Boutique, Biba Boutique, Blings & Things, C. Orrico, a Lily Pulitzer Shop, Coco & Co., Debilzan Gallery, Elektrik Boutique, Glavidia by Glavidia Alexis, House of Zen Dali, LF Delray Beach, Morley, Patchington, Periwinkle, Quiet Storm Surf Shop, Ramona LaRue, Sara Campbell, Sunday State Style, The House of Perna & Neon Bohemians, Unique Boutique and Vixity.

Proceeds from the events benefit the Achievement Centers for Children & Families (https://achievementcentersfl.org/resources).

This is only the first event of the week. For info. on all upcoming events, visit
 www.downtowndelraybeach.com/events/delray-beach-fashion-week-2019

#DelrayBeachFashionWeek
#RachelGalvin

Blings & Things 

Quiet Storm Surf Shop

Periwinkle

House of Perna

Antica Sartoria

Fall Fashion 2018

Some looks for Fall 2018. Photo from Vogue.com.

By Rachel Galvin

It is my favorite time of year... Fall Fashion time. This year's looks are '70s bohemian chic with its flowy fabrics and interlacing patterns with a pop of '80s neon thrown in the mix. It is international, global, celebrating all cultures all at once. Now is the time to pair together colors and textures together than normally should not go. Clothes are even being made with this look... a plaid collar with a leopard print shirt, or one sleeve plaid, another leather... It is like the island of misfit toys. It should not work. And, yet, it does. Play up the romantic.

Block patterns of electric colors, especially safety orange, are a must-have. Pair your '80s inspired neon look with a fanny pack... yes, a fanny pack... Pick one that also makes a statement, is preferably boxy, and wear it belted across your front. Throw an accessory, like a phone or iPad in there too... It adds to the "futuristic" look. Otherwise, grab a structured clutch with a bright colored logo perhaps.

Scarves are all the rage... celebrating a Middle Eastern feel... It goes perfectly with the more modest sentiment that has seemed to creep into the fashion lines... with hemlines growing longer, even to the ankle, and long flowy sleeves becoming a staple, some cinched in certain places. Pair that look with some long boots and you have an outfit you thought you would never wear. Oversized coats, faux fur, puffed parkas or shearlings complete the look for those in colder temps. Trenches are always in.

Hair accessories from the '90s are also in... Large clips, accordion headbands and even snap clips are being seen on the runway.

It is always fun to be in fashion, but really, to me, fashion is about what works best for your body. Play up your assets, hide what you feel are your flaws and, most importantly, have fun. That is what fashion is really all about!

MagChop rocked Palm Beach Swim Week

Jayquan & Day-Ja La Dama jump started the audience before MagChop.

By Rachel Galvin
The final show from Day 1 was MagChop, designer Kenny Ruiz's collection. The show began with a jolt-- the hip hopping/ rapping duo of Jayquan & Day-Ja La Dama. Then, the models showcased his unique fashions. His collage work translated onto many of the bikinis and monokinis, and other styles. He utilized some neon colors, sexy shaping and interestingly places strings to add an extra sexy factor. The models being oiled up didn't hurt. Designer Kenny Ruiz was thrilled with this debut of his line. Munir Ingram of Miami Mun Rays had his eyewear on some of the models. Half way through, the audience was delighted again as Dejah Ro rocked the mic. The addition of the rock elements definitely ossified the brand as being urban, young, sexy and a bit gritty. Yet, the swimwear itself was definitely mainstream and edgy, and refreshing. 
Photos: Rachel Galvin © 2017

 

Dejah Ro fiercely singing on the runway.

Designer Kenny Ruiz with models on the runway.

MagChop's Kenny Ruiz with eyewear designer Munir Ingram of Miami Mun Rays & models

Sharon Tatem translates art into fashion

By Rachel Galvin

On Aug, 25, Sharon Tatem showcased her newest collection on the Palm Beach Swim week runway, including silky lycra hoodies, leggings, tops, dresses, bikinis and more, all awash with artistic design.

Once only an artist, Tatem began her detour into fashion with a silk scarf collection. That was 2014.

On the runway Friday, she showed off pieces from six different fashion collections. She has 45 new designs in all. Each piece becomes a canvas, showcasing one of Tatem's prints.

Tatem has created over 400 oil paintings shown in 50 galleries and at numerous charity events over the last 35 years.

Find more on Tatem at www.sharontatem.com.
Photos by Rachel Galvin, ©2017

Designer Sharon Tatem is all smiles at end of show.