The evening’s cool air settled as guests and participants filed in on the red carpet, snapped a flash or two and then sauntered into the venue. Anticipation danced through the air for the unveiling of what was to come as the night curtain arose.

The Jewelry & Accessories Marketplace entrance hall featured several vendors representing jewelry, handbags, shoes and accessorizing fabric pieces. Still, having strolled and winded along each table, there were two collections which outshone their neighbors. Organically elegant and exclusive jewelry, by sisters Claudia and Catalina, has transcended their mutual studies in art design and love and appreciation for fashion into eyecatching and special jeweled designs. Their uniquely made jewels originate from the natural state of polymer clay and from there transform into pieces of art to be adorned and admired on the wearer. Strategically situated across from Cleo & Cat, I found Glaja Maynedesigner handbags where each one of a kind bag has a story of its own to tell. Born along the Jamaican waters and bred in tropical Miami, these fantastical detailed bags take up to as little as a day to make, which is surprising once having gazed upon their beauty and seen each element of design.

Opening night flittered about while attendees situated accordingly and soon enough began with an enlivening introduction of the Sabrina Barnett Collection“Empowering Women” International Launch. Women of all faces and ages strutted with pride down the runway in freedom rock t-shirts coated with words of strength for women. The uninhibited and emboldened urban rock style collection fashioned alluring pieces of black, leopard print, white, leather and denim with each look making its own expressive statement.

The evening brought on the Miami Style Showcase featuring the ECO Sustainable Collection from noted DASH Design and Architecture High school which, although few in numbers, signed the night with their unconventional mark. A grayed tone translated through the collection with seniors Jeanine Cottone and Eduarda Pereria radiating through with their shapely forms and editorial possibility from a muted palette.

As each night came to life and succeeded the last, there was no telling what looks may glide across the eye…

The Dominican Republic Showcase splashed about with Cinthia Avelino setting a “Once Upon a Time” storyline to follow, garments that enhanced the imagination and playing card suits to come to life. It was almost like stepping into Alice in Wonderland’s looking glass with structural shapes and adorned diamonds and clubs. Not too long after Damaris Rubio created a stunning entrance with seven models signature in number, wearing sexy thigh revealing body suits and extensive draped sleeves in a plate of springing hues with white leading the stage. Feminine and flirtatious, her looks seem to shape a dress code for springtime Miami that wants to be noted and adopted. Lightweight silks and chiffons blew through the cooling air and set a reminder that comfort was always a foundation for the beauty shone.

As each night came to life and succeeded the last, there was no telling what looks may glide across the eye, and after a little glimpse backstage, I was prepared to be awed and inspired by the Emerging East Designers Showcase. Little did I know, my camera would soon cease to stop flashing and gasps would continue after each new look taking stage on the runway.Michael Cinco brought a fairytale life to the night with love, imagination and dreams. Detailed and beautifully-made, each piece held its own in its dream state realm of heaven.

Soon after, I was spun around in the bleacher seats with Furne One for Amato Couture, who is from Dubai. Certainly the winds which blew from Dubai came to create a story for us to fall in love with. Energy well calculated with familiar sounds that made the head bob up and down preceded a tale that told so well from beginning to end without a moment’s rest to place down one’s camera. Jewel tones wrapped the runway creating intensity and an unavoidable blinding light through the carefully placed jeweled stones on each dress. In short, it was whimsical and breathtaking.

The weekend whizzed by and soon enough closing night had arrived with special guest designer Agatha Ruiz de la Prada capturing all the attention. She showcased an altered view of what our eye is trained to see, delivering bright colors and simple concepts, like a key hole, padlock and key, through fashion. Cleverly fantastic, the garments broke rules not to be followed, and created a stir with the audience fostering a response almost after each look. De la Prada was the perfect close to the four day events.

Miami Fashion Week communicated zest with a refreshing dose into the eyes overseas. Inspired and impressed there was not a moment to be missed these days, as you never knew what would season the night under the runway’s bright lights. Undoubtedly, it will be interesting to see what sails over next year as Miami Fashion Week proves to spin you round, deliver and resound throughout.