The white tent was set up, the runway installed, and the red carpet rolled out this weekend for Funkshion Miami Beach Fashion Week, which celebrated its 25th season. We attended the runway shows of Nikolaki (by Project Runway alum Nick Verreos and David Paul), and Nicolas Felizola on Thursday, and the Red Dress Fashion Show, and Gustavo Cadile on Friday.
Note to self: when attending Funkshion events, never arrive on time; get there one to two hours after the scheduled time, and you'll still be early. We know this is Miami, but come on. Even Miami Cubans are more reliable.
Thursday's affair was a private event sponsored by Vanidades, so plenty of famous Latin stars were in attendance. Friday's main show, put together by the American Heart Association, featured a crop of local "celebrities" walking down the runway - we use the term loosely since fellow journalists or news anchors and a former Real Housewife aren't quite the epitome of fame. Closing the show on Friday were the worth-the-wait designs by Gustavo Cadile.
Since most of the looks that walked down the white runway were evening wear or bridal gowns, we can't show you our picks for most wearable pieces or most fashion-forward, but we can round up the prettiest dresses that will make you want to chaperon a high school prom.
10. Nikolaki, Golden Goddess
The plunging neckline and the soft gold tone of the dress create a simple, yet sophisticated appeal. Though the dress appears to only fit well on the skinny-minis of the world, it does give the model a fuller look.
9. American Heart Association, Nicolas Felizola, Red Bombshell
Karent Sierra, a former Real Housewife of Miami, is better known for showing off her pearly whites. But she showed that she's all for supporting a healthy heart too, when she opened the show wearing this beautiful number. A lace top and a straight, silk skirt is always a solid combination, but making the dress sleeveless and the lace reach up like a collar is what sets this dress apart.
8. Nikolaki, The Black Mermaid
The most striking part of this ensemble is how well the hair and accessories bring out the beauty of the gown. Without the model's hair pulled back or the chandelier earrings calling attention to the neckline, that part of the dress would have been lost with the pom-pom-style bottom.
7. American Heart Association, Little Red Dress
The dress is actually floor length, but the style is a classic one, so it's a perfect replacement for that little black dress. You can never go wrong with red, and this dress is extremely flattering for all body shapes.
6. Gustavo Cadile, Bow Down
The dress might appear to be overcrowded with all the sparkles and fabric layers, but that bow! It literally ties the whole thing together. The bow is a perfect youthful touch to an otherwise mature gown.
5. American Heart Association, Gustavo Cadile, The Red Queen
The moment this dress appeared on the runway, every head turned and followed the model all the way down and back. Cadile blends a standard dress shape with a tulle finish, creating an explosion of fabulousness.
4. Gustavo Cadile, Short & Sweet
Though this dress is incredibly short, the details stand out, and thus is worth the mention. (Plus, isn't it just pretty to look at?) The extra poof in the skirt, paired with the tight waist and the detailing around the bust, make this dress reminiscent of a young princess - you know, since some little girls just want to be princesses, now they can dress like one.
3. Nicolas Felizola, Black & White
Even though summer is technically gone according to the calendar, it is still perfectly acceptable to wear soft flowing dresses here in Miami. The material for this dress is so light and breezy that we can't help but picture someone wearing it at an outdoor cocktail party. And the pattern, with the designer's logo imprinted on it, has a sneaky touch to it.
2. Nicolas Felizola, Va-Va-Voom
This dress just screams sex: the low, revealing cut, the red lace atop a beige foundation, and the thigh-high slit. The gown (and the model) might be oozing sex appeal, but it's still perfectly classy and elegant. There's something about the lace that adds a hint of a Spanish feel. Note: best when worn with fake boobs.
1. Gustavo Cadile, I Do
Doesn't this dress just make you want to propose to yourself so you have an excuse to wear this gorgeous gown? The crystals, the lace, the sweet lilac ribbon, and the loveable poof - we love everything about this dress. The extra layering on the top half gives the allure of a bustier figure, while the wide skirt calls the perfect amount of attention to a blushing bride.
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