FASHION WITH A PASSION
The Guayabera Lady to showcase her collection at the Hispanic Women of Distinction Luncheon August 15th

When:
Friday, August 15,2008
11:30 AM - 2:00 PM
Where:

Signature Grand
6900 Sr-84, Davie FL

The 7th annual Hispanic Women of Distinction charity luncheon set for August 15th at the Signature Grand in Davie, Florida is more than an exciting way to spend an afternoon honoring 12 Latinas who have contributed to the south Florida communities. It will also be an explosion of fashion, flair and culture as the runway becomes a kaleidoscope of color, texture and designs by fashion designers who have channeled their own cultural experiences into retailing.

Berta Bravo, known as The Guayabera Lady is fashion-forward, web-savvy and a brand-conscious designer. She knows today's Latina consumer trends in America are greater than ever and the influence these styles are having on the street and in shopping malls. Accessories worn by the models for the fashion show will be provided by Mariofe Designs, a unique handbag and accessory boutique in south Florida.

Berta has been in the clothing industry literally a lifetime. Her grandfather opened a clothing store for her father and mother in Sancti Spirtus, Cuba. When she arrived in the U.S. in 1966 from Cuba with her parents, they became flea market peddlers, selling door to door until 1980 when they opened their first store in Miami. After her father's passing and mother's retirement, she felt a passion to continue what they had started. In July of 2003, The Guayabera Lady was established with an old tradition in a new concept for all the generations of a family. The Guayabera has taken a new twist with Berta Bravo. Now it is worn by men, women and children to formal events such as weddings or society galas, or a casual affair with jeans and flip-flops or even can be worn on "dress-down Fridays. The Guaybera Lady carries a vast selection of cotton and linen blends to make it as easy as wash and wear or as elegant as a black tie affair, a wedding dress or a child's birthday party.

"I am so excited to have created a line that has truly inspired my culture - showing its color, its passion and its greatness - and one that captures my personal style", said Bravo. The attractive and personable grandmother states with humor, "I am the Vera Wang with hips!" Experts agree the Latina body is different in waist and hip structure with a fix problem around the waist area. Berta's fashions and body conscious silhouettes are a predominant theme in all her designs.

HISTORY of the GUAYABERA: The Guayabera Shirt has been symbol of elegance and distinction in the Caribbean and in Latin American countries for over 200 years. Presidents, famous people and distinguished gentlemen were among the few that could have this fine piece of clothing in their wardrobe. It's origin remains unknown, but as stated in a Miami Herald in 1993 and again in 2004; one of the places of origin is Berta's home-town (Sancti-Spiritus,Cuba).It is said that in the 1800's the wife of a Spaniard made some for farmers with bigger side pockets to facilitate the picking of the guayabas nearby the vicinity of the Yayabo river, which is how the name Guayabera originated.

"This year's fashion show will be something completely different than what has been presented in years passed. Models strutting the runway this year wearing The Guayabera Lady fashions will include elected male and female Hispanic-American leaders, former Hispanic Women of Distinction winners and Latina Pageant title holders," said Elaine Vasquez, producer of the luncheon. "It is our desire to showcase the rich contributions and culture of our diverse Hispanic community in south Florida."

The production of the Runway Fashion Show will be choreographed and directed by Zola Keller Fashion Events, a legendary name in retailing who has been teaming up with the Hispanic Women of Distinction Luncheon since it's founding in 2001. "Retailers are benefiting from a surge of Latina influence with colors, embellishments, reds, lace and beading finding a place in the closets of stylish women everywhere," Keller added. "We know from research that the female consumer is highly aware of trends and styles and likes to shop for fashion."

The Hispanic Women of Distinction Luncheon is presented by Bank of America, and co-sponsored by General Motors. Latina Style Magazine, The Nielsen Company, Sawgrass Mills & Calamert Ventures. The cocktail party, luncheon, silent auction and raffles will benefit the March of Dimes and ASPIRA of Florida. Twelve Latinas will be recognized and a 2008 Latina Pioneer will be announced.

This year's honorees are:

• Maria Ivelisse Castro
• Mayte Padron Cordones
• Maria Lina Diaz, M.D.
• Viviana A. Coriat
• Vivian de las Cuevas-Diaz
• Marlene Dijols
• Lissette Egues
• Wilma Robles de Melendez, PhD
• Marlene Figueroa Ross
• Celina Saucedo
• Dora Vilk-Shapiro, DMD, P.A.
• Aleida Ors Waldman
• The 2008 Latina Pioneer Award - Congresswoman ILEANA ROS-LEHTINEN

Tickets for the luncheon are $75 per person. Sponsorships are available and commemorative program advertising. Visit www.wedoevents.net for updates or call (954) 527-0627.