Fashion Week to hit runways of downtown Delray Beach

From casual beachwear to high-end evening wear, Delray Beach Fashion Week will have an outfit for all occasions.
This year's event takes center stage across downtown Delray from Jan. 16 to Jan. 23, and preparations have kicked into high gear.
Laura Simon, one of the organizers busy making phone calls and setting up appointments and schedules, has booked 60 models and 20 hair stylists and makeup artists. And she has lined up hundreds of outfits to be displayed.
"It takes a community to put it on," said Simon, executive director of the city's Downtown Development Authority.
Models on runways will show off what local designers are selling as the must-have items for 2016. They'll showcase all types of looks and accessories from 35 downtown shops and 25 salons.
This will mark Fashion Week's fourth year, and Jule Guaglardi, who owns boutique Roxy Lulu in Pineapple Grove, said it keeps improving each time.
"Each year we do it, we get better," said Guaglardi, who has helped with the event since its inception. "We are starting to turn it into a high-caliber event that can compete with other major cities' events."
The Downtown Development Authority and local business owners created the event as a way to bring attention to Delray's boutiques, salons and designers.
It started in 2013 as a one-night fashion show that placed the spotlight on the downtown shopping scene through music, models and a catwalk. Since then, the event has turned into a week of styling expos, stiletto shopping and shows highlighting trends.
Guaglardi said more designers are signing up to participate each year. She said folks who attend Fashion Week realize that Delray has more to offer than bars, restaurants and the beach.
"Fashion week has helped people find us," she said. "We are a shopping destination."
Events take place inside stores and on runways set up in various sections of downtown.
Most events are free to the public. Fashionistas who want upfront runway seating can pay for a ticketed seat, with the cost of the ticket benefiting a local charity.
The week kicks off Jan. 16 in front of the Colony Hotel, 525 E. Atlantic Ave., with a runway fashion show "Havana Nights," which will feature resort wear for men, women and children.
Before the models strut their way down the catwalk, flamenco dancers will take the stage at 7 p.m.
A reserved seat costs $20, which includes admission to the after party at popular bar and lounge Honey. It benefits the Achievement Centers for Children and Families, which promotes school readiness and other programs for low-income families.
Other runway themes that have ticketed options include a Jan. 18 "Evening with Great Gatsby" evening wear show, a Jan. 19 "Timeless Fashion Show and Luncheon" and a Jan. 21 "Seasons for a Reason" hairstyling show.

The two-hour finale "Surf and Swim" show at Worthing Park, at East Atlantic and Southeast Second avenues, will be free. It is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. on Jan. 23.Read more at:formal dresses uk | cocktail dresses uk