Fun Funkshion, Rock the Roc in fine style

BY MADELEINE MARR
mmarr@MiamiHerald.com
Last week saw a perfect storm for stylistas. Two chic events -- Funkshion and Rock fashion ``weeks'' -- coincided at two different venues, Wednesday through Saturday, just a mile apart. Tough in stilettos, but hey.
Both had one big thing in common -- neither takes itself too seriously. Think Bryant Park Lite: Where else could you see Dennis Rodman in a dress on one runway and Pam Anderson in her old Baywatch bathing suit on another?
Funkshion Fashion Week Miami, as it is officially known, is a showcase for both established (e.g., Nicole Miller, Puma, Custo Barcelona) and emerging labels (Texas' Rio Soul and Abi Ferrin). The spring/ summer collection shows were held at both the Setai and Bass Museum of Art.
Rock Fashion Week is, as it sounds, a little more hardcore, spotlighting some well regarded designers -- like Russell Simmons as well as Bullets 4 Peace jewelry, made from actual casings -- and those starting to move on up (local houses KRELwear, Ra Mona La Rue by Arianne, Lorie Lester). Appropriately, the shows were held at the Eden Roc -- hold the ``k'' -- Renaissance Miami Beach Hotel.
To see all there was on offer over the four-day period would have been next to impossible, but we did the best we logistically could. Highlights:
Pam Anderson is always entertaining, and the 42-year-old former Baywatch star didn't disappoint her old and new fans when she kicked off Funkshion Wednesday night at the Setai.
The actress turned magician's assistant showed the love to her main man, Richie Rich, whose new line, A*muse, is reportedly inspired by Pammy, his muse (get it?). In other words, no animals were harmed during the making of these PETA-friendly clothes.
Later Anderson slipped into C.J.'s old lifeguard suit and we must say, the woman can still work the curves. What we didn't understand: What was the deal with the police tape around the thighs?
Over at the Eden Roc, Rock kicked off in a flamboyant way, with The Pink Dress Collection, benefiting Susan G. Komen for the Cure.
Though straight-up, elegant gowns by Giorgio Armani, Guess by Marciano, Lilly Pulitzer, Luca Luca and Nicole Miller elicited oohs, it was Kayce Armstrong (Art of Shade) who snapped up all the attention. The local designer sent Rodman out in a custom number that was part tutu, part trucker, part woolly mammoth and part plumber (due to, um, saggy pants -- you could see his crack).
His face painted in gold glitter, the former NBA superstar lapped up his ovation, then took a seat for the next show -- Russell Simmon's ARGYLECULTURE. With the funky line of vests, light sweaters and cruisewear, the hip-hop mogul apparently wants us all to get back into preppy mode. Woohoo, the '80s are cool again!
The next night, more good was being done over at the Setai, where Market America's Loren Ridinger hosted the American Heart Association's Red Dress Fashion Show. All the models accessorized with Go Red lipstick, from the local socialite's new beauty line, Motives, whose proceeds go to the cause. This was a full-on fashionable affair -- no tutus or fur, just glam to the max.
Overall, a nice mix.
Let's do it again next year -- as long as they keep it all under the same roof. Taxi!
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