This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at USFSP chapter.

The St Pete Fashion Show, held on Saturday September 20th was a great success. It was the fourth annual show for the St Pete Art and Fashion Week and it raised funds and awareness for the Warehouse Art District located in downtown Saint Petersburg, Florida.

Various local designers were featured and showcased colorful garments, bold prints, flowy dresses and pieces that could be worn daily. All of these designers, found locally in the Tampa Bay area, paired their designs with up-dos and some with wonderfully crafted headpieces, made by Francesca Greenwood. Greenwood created the pieces for Curb Gear Designs (http://www.curb-gear.com) as the ones seen below.

Greenwood collaborated closely with the designer to make headpieces fit for each garment. The final result? Artistic and eloquent designs that completed each piece showcased by the models. Even though it was Greenwood’s first year participating at the fashion show, the final result was just wonderful.

There were many “firsts” at the show. Another favorite designer was Desiree Noisette with her line Cerulean Blu, showcasing swim and resort wear. (http://www.ceruleanblu.com)

Noisette’s line graced the runway for the first time ever at the St Pete Fashion Show.

“We have done collaborations with local designers but this is the first year for just our line.” Noisette said.

Bright bold colors inspired by the St. Pete lifestyle, water and art were admired by commentators, photographers and attendees. “The fabrics travel well, are flowy, soft and wrinkle free!” Noisette added.

Yet another first was Jennifer Maxwell, originally a guest of the event, Maxell ended up becoming one of the hairstylists at the show. “I told them to give me a blow-dryer and a flat iron and I would get to work,” Maxwell said.

Maxwell, a hairstylist and also a designer for her own line: Xgirlfriends apparel has 25 years of experience in the field including active participation at the New York Fashion Show. When asked if she wanted to come back next year as a hairstylist or potentially a designer, a quick yes was given.

The work of the hairstylists, make-up artists, designers, organizers, photographers and such was rounded and projected well through the models. Many models had lots of years of experience and others graced the runway for the first time.

One of the models that captivated the audience with her beauty and “fierce” (Tyra Banks’ voice) walk was Johanna Shaw. Shaw modeled pieces by Cerulean Blu, Be-Bops Custom Swimwear and Purabell House of Fashion.

Shaw was only informed on Monday the 15th, just five days before the fashion show, that she would be modeling for it. Even though preparations were done in crunch time, her appearance was a success. Shaw has had previous experience in the runway, with one of the most recent ones at a charity fashion show: Martinis and Bikinis in Birchwood.

“Unlike most fashion runway shows, the designs are actually things that could be incorporated in your everyday style. Color-blocking was one trend that was constantly show throughout out the night, such as red and black along with fuchsia and yellow. Another common trend was line and floral prints these were found in dresses and bottoms. The St. Pete Art and Fashion Runway show was overall amazing and I definitely can see myself and other college students wearing some of these designs.” Tamiracle Williams, HCUSFSP contributor said

Another one of contriutors, Cynthya Walker emphasized the ambiance given by the show “Exquisite is the only word that describes the St. Petersburg Art and Fashion Show. It’s not something I would typically attend on my own, but I’m so glad I got the chance to because it was a one of a kind event. The people I met at the show were so friendly and so passionate about art and fashion. It was really amazing to see so many people support the same thing. The fashion show itself was beyond compare. The models had a unique characteristic about each of them, whether it was their natural appearance, their walk, their poses, or the personality that strut down the runway alongside them. The designs that were worn on the runway were absolutely ingenious and they were clothes that even I would wear! I really loved the venue setup too, it released a casual but fashionable vibe because of the incorporated art. It was an astonishing experience overall and I will definitely be going to next year’s fashion week.”

Us, the ladies from Her Campus USFSP: Kelly, Thalie, Alana, Tamiracle, Kressida and Cynthya, can all agree with one thing: our first participation at the St. Pete Fashion Show will hopefully not be our last. Everyone, from photographers, to models, designers and other attendees were friendly and welcoming. We were able to see the behind-the-scenes: models getting glammed up with hair and make up, practicing their walks and the designers putting their final touches on their garments.

Not only was it an entertaining event, it was an event able to emphasize Saint Petersburg on the map: For its talent with art and design. The art events of “Disconnected” and “Art Inspired” and concluding fashion show, gave attendees the sense of what our city is capable of having.

We want to thank Dona Crowley for being part and hosting this event and the contribution of every single person involved.

For more stories related to the St. Pete Art and Fashion Week check out:

http://www.hercampus.com/school/usfsp/st-petersburg-art-and-fashion-week…

http://www.hercampus.com/school/usfsp/day-two-st-pete-art-and-fashion-we…

http://www.hercampus.com/school/usfsp/art-inspired-st-petersburg-art-and…

For photographs taken by Her Campus USFSP:

https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.776061115783970.1073741827.148…

https://www.flickr.com/photos/127997425N03/sets/72157647471063629/

Designer Line Up

Curb Gear

Helen Gerro

Cerulean Blu Swim & Resort Wear Boutique