September is fashion month in several parts of the world including New York, London, and Milan but Tampa has it's own take with Tampa Bay Fashion Week, returning September 18-21. An annual event that celebrates Tampa Bay's style featuring Spring and Summer 2020 Collections by local and international designers. Introducing three of the local talents you can expect to see showcased at this year's Fashion Week Tampa Bay. We sat down with Alicia Calero, Harrison Boliere and Essence Flowers and asked them about the event and their personal designs.
Alicia Calero
Born and raised in Tampa, Alicia Calero developed a unique and signature style at a very young age. By the time she graduated high school, she had already envisioned and created several collections of women's clothing. Although her dreams remained, she focused on her family as well as raising her children during her early adult years. Now she returns to her passion by launching her inaugural collection of elegant, modern styles for professional women; Hoping to inspire empowerment to the women who wear her garments.
What does showing at Tampa Bay fashion week mean to you?
"Showing at Tampa Bay Fashion Week will be my first introduction as a designer. I attended the show for the first time, two years ago and dreamed of one day having my line featured on that stage. A lot of hard work has gone into the preparation of my first collection and I'm excited to share it with the Tampa fashion community."
How would you describe your new collection in one sentence?
"My collection is designed to represent strong, confident women."
Harrison Boliere
It all began in 2015 when two designers realized their skill sets were in demand. They decided to circulate an ad about their services and the inquiries poured in. Since then, they created one-of-a-kind pieces for various clients while they assisted other designers with garment production development. Founders Bazsha Harrison and Adjianie Boliere saw great potential while assisting others in achieving their dreams, they both decided to begin their own line of fashion and Harrison Boliere was born. We sat down and asked more about their design.
What does showing at Tampa Bay Fashion Week mean to you?
"It means an opportunity to showcase our vision to our community. A first chance to make a mark, to show who we are and what we represent."
How would you describe your new collection in one sentence?
"Our new collection is Rock Glam, plus modern excessive luxury with neon colors. AKA a fun time!"
Essence Flowers
A fashion design and style enthusiast based in the Tampa Bay area, Essence Flowers has made a name for herself. She's been a wardrobe designer for NFL teams the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Miami Dolphins to her debut at New York Fashion Week as well as creating wedding gowns for brides. Essence further pursued her passion by graduating from the International Academy of Design and Technology. She's also received elite recognition while in attendance. Her life revolves around fashion and her designs are nothing but, outstanding.
What does showing at Tampa Bay Fashion Week mean to you?
"I get to show my talents as a designer and show our local fashion community that anything is possible when you put your mind to it."
How do you describe your new collection in one sentence?
"It's inspiring and uplifting to women of all ages, but also fashion-forward and extravagant."
There is a full schedule of events for Fashion Week Tampa Bay from Wednesday through Saturday. Tickets are on sale now for the individual events.
Sign up free on 813area and to stay up to date on fashion events and shopping in Tampa or join our fashion community for articles on other style news.
