by Keila Perez
This year’s Funkshion Fashion Week Miami Beach kicked off the evening of Thursday November 5th at the Setai Hotel. Miami International University of Art and Design fashion students presented their unique designs made completely out of McDonald’s packaging goods. This one-of-a-kind collection, showcasing pieces that used coffee cups, burger wrappers and fry boxes as their main material of creation, was part of The Fashion Group International of South Florida Awards night, which featured a special award in recognition of local Miami fashion designer Rene Ruiz, who is part of the notable alumni of the school.
The up-and-coming fashion designers made use of more than 4,600 McDonald’s sandwich wrappers, 1,770 fry boxes, 1,100 straws, 600 to-go bags, 500 sandwich boxes, 200 drink cups, 500 ketchup holders, and 100 McFlurry cups to bring their magnificent designs to life, and after several weeks of preparation, their McDCouture was ready to hit the runway.
The 20 looks that completed the McDCouture collection took over the runway, demonstrating that creativity is the most important element when designing apparel. Skirts, ponchos, evening gowns and even a wedding dress left the crowd of fashionistas that were present at The Setai, hungry for more than burgers and fries.
Fashion Group International of South Florida presented a Community Service Award to Cabrera/Bentancourt organization, owners of 20 McDonald’s restaurants in South Florida, Prior to the start of the McDCouture Fashion Show. They share in the global commitment of McDonald’s to be a good neighbor and a valued partner within the community by supporting and helping charitable organizations, schools, youth programs and most recently fashion education programs. Receiving the award, the Cabrera and Bentancourt families agreed on the fact that giving back is an essential part of the way they work every day.
Attendees were encouraged to publish photos all around social media and to use the hashtag #McDCouture. After the fashion show, all of the pieces will be on display at the Miami International University of Art and Design.
ABOUT MCDONALD’S IN FLORIDA
McDonald’s and its franchisees are an integral part of Florida’s communities and local economies, with over 830 restaurants throughout the state employing 45,000 Floridians. Collectively, McDonald’s in Florida pays nearly $380 million in taxes through job creation and the purchase of goods and services from other local businesses, while returning 45¢ of every dollar earned to local Florida economies.
ABOUT FUNKSHION Fashion Week Miami Beach
FUNKSHION productions specialize in fashion show and fashion presentation concepts, production and execution. FUNKSHION has gained notoriety working with the world’s most notable brands and providing an intelligent, innovative and creative way for designers to showcase their collections to media, celebrities, international buyers, and style makers. FUNKSHION has worked with famed fashion houses including Lanvin, Chloe, Yves Saint Laurent, Versace, Missoni, BCBG Max Azria, Diesel, Tommy Hilfiger, Moschino, Nicole Miller, La Perla and many more.
PHOTO GALLERY
(Click on thumbnails to enlarge pictures)
