Guests include international designers & brands Kimaya McPherson, Atelier D’Ocon, Fly Supply, PSA and Dope Tavio brand creator Octavio Aquilar
MIAMI, FL (April 5, 2022)- International event stylist and The Real Housewives of Miami star Guerdy Abraira will co-host the inaugural St. Thomas University Fashion & Food Showcase to be held 7pm-10pm, on Thursday, May 5, 2022 at St. Thomas University Gus Machado College of Business.
The St. Thomas University Fashion & Food Showcase is the marquee event to benefit students of the university’s Gus Machado College of Business Fashion Merchandising and Culinary Arts programs. The 3-hour event will provide students the behind-the-scenes practical experience needed in these exciting industries while promoting global awareness of the important programs.
“I experienced first-hand the importance of this type of education which helped me grow so much, personally and professionally,” explained Abraira. “It feels great to come full circle in my professional journey since graduating from STU in 2000, and am proud to now be a mentor and ambassador for the newest generation of fashion experts while also helping to shine a spotlight on this amazing institution.”
Octavio Aquilar former Project Runway contestant and creator of the renowned Dope Tavio brand, and the nation’s hottest designers and brands including Kimaya McPherson, Atelier D’Ocon, Fly Supply, and PSA will join in the opening reception and festivities as their fashions parade the catwalk donned by male and female models of the prestigious ONCE Models Management.
Dope Tavio’s one-of-a-kind fashion pieces are highly sought-after by international music artists including pop music icon Janet Jackson, Erykah Badu, Garbage, and Kelela.
The expressive and evolving styles of Fly Supply Clothing, the international hip-hop fashion brand by Rick Maxwell, Garrett Brown, Reginald Bourdeau and Kevin Pamphile has been worn by celebrities and athletes including: Ocho Cinco, Rihanna, 50 Cent, Diddy, Dywane Wade, Udonis Haslem, Rick Ross, Ludacris, Lamar Jackson, and Patrick Mahomes.
“Being a part of this prestigious event is not only fulfilling but almost necessary,” stated Reginald Bourdeau, Fly Supply director of sales and marketing. “Our brand encourages people to express themselves without limits and to embrace new trends with confidence. Inspiring the next generation is something we all at Fly Supply take pride in and wish we had when we were up and coming.”
Makeup will be provided by renowned fashion make-up artist Widlinn “Wiggy” Pierre, and her company Makeup By Wiggy.
The premier event, created and managed by St. Thomas University Fashion Merchandising Program Director, Professor Ashlee Rzyczycki, is quickly creating a buzz throughout the Miami fashion scene and gaining support from national sponsors.
“It has been an incredible experience to collaborate with community partners and my colleagues at St. Thomas to put together this event,” stated Professor Rzyczycki. “I am eternally grateful for everyone who has supported this to make the event a reality to support our deserving students.”
Lucchese Bootmaker, the 139-year-old Texas-based legendary bootmaker immediately secured an opportunity to sponsor the inaugural event.
“Lucchese is proud to support the fashion merchandizing program in its inaugural Fashion & Food Showcase. As an American lifestyle brand, we seek to support new talent in the fashion industry and are eager to see growth in young designers,” stated Doug Kindy, Lucchese Bootmaker president.
The theme of this year’s Fashion & Food Showcase encompasses the four elements: Earth, Air, Fire, and Water. Specifically chosen because they are the natural elements that sustain life:
- Earth provides grounding, nourishment, and manifestation.
- Air involves action, energy, and communication.
- Fire involves detoxification, transformation, visionary, and inspiration.
- Water involves relaxation, playfulness, and emotion.
All four elements will be artistically represented to create an immersive culinary and fashion experience.
Tickets for the exclusive event are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Information on the limited sponsorship opportunities can be found at this website or by contacting Dr. Danny M. Yanez at dyanez@stu.edu or calling 305.628.6536.
Media interested in covering the St. Thomas University Fashion & Food Showcase must apply for credentials by by contacting Donna Jannine at St. Thomas University Media Relations via email at djannine@stu.edu or calling 786.390.4688.
