Press Releases

The Art Institute of Tampa’s Fashion Marketing & Management Students Shine on the Runway at the GFWC Tampa Woman’s Club Fashion Show

A host of Tampa celebrities, journalists and government officials gathered at the Vinoy Renaissance St. Petersburg Resort & Golf Club on Saturday, April 16 to walk the runway. Bachelor of Arts in Fashion Marketing &Management students from The Art Institute of Tampa, a branch of Miami International University of Art & Design, styled and fit models, pulled merchandise and coordinated the line-up in the GFWC Tampa Woman’s Club “Fashionollia 68” fashion show. 

Ai Tampa students, Jennifer Maldonado and Aaliyah Norman worked together as stage managers to make sure the dressers were on top of clothing changes and the models were in order and on time. Katherine Lethers managed the male models. Lethers graduated in March 2016 and is a former assistant manager at Men’s Wearhouse. Paige Tendler and Tania’ja Terry, who are also Fashion Marketing & Management students, supervised the ‘juniorettes’ from the Women’s Club.

The student’s  work and Ai Tampa received rave reviews. “If your child is interested in a career in fashion, this is the school to send them to,” said Joann Guagliardo, owner of First Impressions.

The high-profile event featured WFLA News channel 8’s Gayle Guyardo and Leigh Spann, Fox 13’s Walter Allen, Tampa City Council members, Guido Maniscalco and Lisa Montelione, and Commissioner  Sandy Murman, all of whom modeled the fashions.

Students had an opportunity to impress and connect with local retailers including: Kit’s Well-Dressed, Chico’s , JMcLaughlin and Men’s Wearhouse.