Vogue-Esquire Fashion Tour

BY FRANK DROUZAS, Staff Writer

ST. PETERSBURG — Get ready for an evening of elegance and trend-setting fashions as the Vogue-Esquire Models of Chicago Fashion Tour will make a stop at the Palladium Theater Sun., Nov. 15 at 3 p.m.

Spotlighting rich colors for fall and innovative cuts and styles, the 57th annual tour features men and women models of color that will be showcasing the fashions of dozens of internationally renowned brands and designers such as Dana Buchman, Ellen Tracy, Valentino, Giorgio Armani and Michael Kors.

Segments include Red Carpet Look (late evening attire), Outerwear, Corporate Dress and Color Glamour. This event will focus on stylish fashions for everyday people, rather than some of the excessively flashy ensembles of the Ebony magazine fashion tours of years past.

Local promoter and entertainment entrepreneur Karl Black was instrumental in getting the noted fashion show, currently on a 40-city tour, to make an appearance in St. Pete. Since moving to the area about 25 years ago, Black has worked to bring nationally known entertainers and comedians to St. Pete. He would like to see more outlets for African-American culture in St. Pete—namely for the younger people—and plans to bring even more events to the area that cover a broad spectrum.

“There definitely needs to be some culture for these youth other than hip hop,” said Black, who believes there is no shortage of talent in St. Pete for all sorts of cultural events in the African-American community, but often the resources are lacking to take things to the next level. He hopes locals come out to the fashion show and take in what would be a new experience for many.

A portion of the event’s proceeds will help support the Women Empowering Women Foundation.

Tickets are available at the Palladium box office, 253 5th Ave N., Designers Consigner, Designer’s Exchange, Reader’s Choice Books and Gifts and Annie’s Beauty Supply in St. Pete. Doors open at 2 p.m., show starts at 3 p.m. For more information call 727-822-3590.

Visit www.mypalladium.org to purchase tickets online.