Fashion, forward!

Gen Art's Shop Miami clears the runway for South Florida's most-talented designers

By Joanie Cox
City Link Metromix

While summer sales at generic mall stores such as Banana Republic and Old Navy may be unbeatable walletwise, South Florida designers are competing to get their goods noticed in our suffocating economy. On Thursday, the Moore Building in Miami's Design District will be transformed into a one-stop shopping mecca for local fashion designers' latest creations during Gen Art's fourth Shop Miami event, which will feature more than 40 clothing and accessory designers from the area.

"Gen Art's goal as a whole for all artists, whether they are fashion designers or filmmakers, is to be a vehicle for career development," says Andrea Aberegg, regional event director for Gen Art Miami. "We've seen a growing pool of talent come on the scene in South Florida. We have seen an increase in the number of submissions and in support from the fashion community as well."

With more than 70 designer submissions this year, a selection committee composed of Gen Art's New York-based fashion department chose vendors with at least 25 items in their collections and style appeal relevant to Gen Art's discerning, hipster audience.

Miami's most well-known designers, such as Karelle Levy of Krelwear and Nazly Villamizar, are expected to attend. But fresh fashion labels are also popping up on the local runway radar. Following is background on six designers who will show off their current creations at Shop Miami with the hope of ending up in your closet.