The beauty and architecture of our fair city is nearly unmatched throughout the country. So with such a historic aesthetic right at our fingertips, it’s no surprise that the St. Augustine fashion world is ablaze. For the sixth season, St. Augustine Fashion Week is back in the Ancient City, showing off the talents of local designers and exploring international trends. St. Augustine’s most glamorous week kicks off on March 1 with a Student Design Showcase and continues through the week with VIP Preview Party, a Boutique Day, and the runway shows.
But all this doesn’t just happen. There are many creative minds behind the magic, bringing you the best and newest trends. So in order for you to get acquainted with what’s coming up in March, we’re going to introduce you to the designers (in no particular order) that are making St. Augustine Fashion Week the must-attend event that it is.
START NOW
Sway DiFeo
This line merges fashion with art for some outlandishly delightful looks that help showcase the charity work of the new arts-focused nonprofit, STArt Now. “This year,” says Sway, “we are looking to focus on the non-profit StArt Now with a collection inspired by the artists and musicians we serve.”
DEBORAH M
Marshagay Raymond
Marshagay Raymond is a graduate of the University of Technology in Jamaica where she pursued her first love, fashion design. She graduated with honors and holds a BA degree in Apparel Production and Management. Her brand, Deborah”M” is inspired by her late grandmother, Deborah Maxwell. Her tagline, “Be Bold, Be Creative, Be Different. Expression through fashion.” depicts what her brand is all about.
CORVEGA
Natalie Harris
Corvega was born out of the necessity to create. What started as a hobby, has flourished into a side hustle. Each piece is made by hand and undergoes an extensive creative process. Corvega is made to make women smile and feel their most beautiful.
FULANI
Souadou Barry
This season, in addition to Fulani SS20 Accessories and Shoes Collection, Souadou is excited to show the first ready to wear Fulani SS20 Collection. “This collection is very dear to my heart as it is a tribute to my mother who was such an elegant women,” says Souadou. “It’s a contemporary twist on a traditional dress she loved to wear. I’ll use traditional techniques in a modern way, for today’s working women.”
EARTH MONTH BOUTIQUE
Juliana Koutouzakis, Panache
Earth Month Boutique is a pop-up shop at Panache, an Aveda Salon in Saint Augustine Beach during the month of April. The boutique offers clothing, art and accessories from sustainable brands and local crafters including the featured collection from in-house designer Juliana Koutouzakis. Last season, Panache raised over $4,000 with Earth Month Boutique for The Matanzas and St. Johns Riverkeepers and all profits will continue to benefit local environmental organizations.
MAGNIFIQUE
Victoria Henley
The Magnifique Collection, created and curated by America’s Next Top Model alum, Victoria Henley, is designed to make women elegant and powerful-sassy, yet sophisticated. Magnifique is an all-inclusive collection, also offering pieces for men, children, full figure, and petites, supporting the notion that all shapes and sizes should be both included and embraced. The Collection draws inspiration from empowered women in the mediums of music, literature, & art, including Frida Khalo, Gloria Steinem, and Dolly Parton, to name just a few.
BLUE DOLPHIN COURT
STAFW Season 5 Student Design Winner, Lauren Donalson
“This year, my collection is perfect for the sunny summers of Saint Augustine,” says Lauren. “Inspired by the summer fashions of the 40s to the 60s, my line showcases great pieces for the beach, and sunny days spent outdoors. I worked in bright, fun colors and color blocking that would allow for interchangeable and convertible pieces that would work in many ways in a wardrobe. Versatility and Wearable through the summer were first in mind with this collection.”
MAHINA SWIMWEAR
Darren Mongcupa
“My love for fashion began at a young age growing up in the islands,” says Darren. “I am usually wearing a bikini and then the creative process of designing bikinis came to fruition.” Mahina Swimwear focuses entirely on women empowerment and self-love. Darren’s mission is to amplify women’s confidence in themselves while wearing a bikini.
KIERRA KROCHET
Kierra Wilson
Kierra Krochet is a brand that promotes self expression, confidence, and a little bit of sassy attitude for the women who want to strut their stuff. Crochet is an art that is not lost, but something the designer wishes embrace and share with the world.
NOELANI THE LABEL
Kyla Cote
“I drew inspiration from retro swimwear shapes and plan to mix vintage and modern styles,” says Kyla, “bend the rules of swimwear, and create unique pieces that can be worn as tops and bodysuits. My previous collection, I focused on learning the fundamentals of sewing swimwear. I now feel confident enough to produce a collection as an emerging designer.”
You’ll also get to see…
- Bartram Trail Fashion Academy Student Design Competition
- Bartram Trail Fashion Academy Senior Design Collections
- Elle Paris Fashions
Learn more about St. Augustine Fashion Week by visiting www.stafashionweek.com or checking out our guide to St. Augustine Fashion Week Season 6. All images via St. Augustine Fashion Week.