Flashing lights, selfies and energetic photographers. These were just a few things visitors of the 2014 Tampa Bay Fashion Show saw. This year, the event was held at the Hilton Hotel in Downtown Tampa.
Prior to the show, guests mingled with vendors from all over the country. Complimentary food and drinks were given to guests to sample, while jewelry and apparel was available for purchase.
Upon entering the ballroom, guests saw eighteen chandeliers lining the ceiling. Pink and purple lighting showered the room with a royal glow, and hundreds of chairs engulfed the floor surrounding the white catwalk.
Hosts Jorge and Anjie got the audience dancing before the show began. Lights slowly dimmed, the music started booming, and every guest’s eyes turned to the front of the runway.
Starting off the show was the collection “Rhonda Shear Intimates” by Rhonda Shear. She took undergarments to a whole new level, as her collection was nothing short of glitz and glam.
Ten collections were shown on the runway, with each displaying their own personalities and colors schemes. The crowd was wowed by the finite detail that went into each garment.
Photographers stood the entire show, flashing their cameras at each model from many angles.
One of the main beneficiaries of this year’s show was an organization called “Becca’s Closet.” The organization was created by a young girl named Rebecca Kirtman. “Becca’s Closet” gives dresses to underprivileged girls who otherwise wouldn’t be able to afford one.
Kirtman’s parents spoke during the show. Tears welled up in the eyes of many audience members when they learned Kirtman had passed away in 2003.
Becca’s mother and father still carry on her legacy with her organization of Becca’s Closet. More than 100,000 dresses have been donated throughout the years.
