Luxe Fashion Fest 2.0: The Super Bowl of Style
- By: Julianne Elise Beffa
Fashion Meets Football…
Luxe Fashion Fest 2.0 wasn’t just a runway show—it was a full-blown cultural eruption, igniting the city of Tampa with a mix of high fashion, heavyweight talent, and next-level glam. Hosted by none other than two-time Super Bowl champ (and recent Loop Mag cover star) Marquez Valdes-Scantling (MVS), this ultra-exclusive, invite-only affair transformed the Tampa Museum of Art into a wonderland of couture, creativity, and pure cool.
Didn’t score an invite? No worries—we’ve got you. From the front row drama to the backstage magic, this is your all-access pass to the most unmissable fashion event of the year. Warning: FOMO levels are dangerously high.
When Fashion Met Football—and Set the City on Fire
From the moment the red carpet unfurled, it was obvious: this wasn’t your average night of fashion. Picture the Met Gala colliding with Monday Night Football—and sprinkle in some star power for good measure. Greeting guests on the red carpet were icons like Miss Teen USA Kaliegh Garris, culture queen YesJulz, and sports-media dynamo Julia Adams of Overtime Sports.
Inside, the energy was electric. Hosted by motivational powerhouse Shaquem Griffin and vibrant sports broadcaster Abby Labar, the night pulsed with high-octane charm. But the real plot twist? The models weren’t just from fashion agencies—they were NFL royalty.
Yep, you read that right. Giants safety Dane Belton and Bucs breakout Christian Izien took to the runway with the swagger of seasoned style pros. USF’s Chas Nimrod and Wyatt Sullivan owned the catwalk, sending the hometown crowd into full-throttle cheers. It was sports-meets-style in the most unexpected—and utterly fabulous—way.
And the audience? A who’s who of the NFL elite. From Rashee Rice to Skyy Moore, Ihmir Smith-Marsette to Jordan Whitehead, it felt like the Pro Bowl got a couture upgrade. Colts star Kwity Paye even made a cameo—not to walk, but to cheer on his stunning girlfriend Mahalia Swink, who devoured the runway with pure supermodel energy.
Designers Who Delivered Drama
Let’s talk looks—because this wasn’t just a vibe, it was a moment. Each designer brought their A-game, delivering fashion with edge, elegance, and editorial heat.
SIK Selection, the signature line by MVS himself, came in hot with bold streetwear dripping in graphic power and unapologetic attitude. The Incorporated served high-art fashion that blurred the line between sculpture and style. Penelope P2 NYC and AlphaStyle oozed modern sophistication with a streetwise twist, while Speedys Revenge added raw texture and rebel energy that fashion editors dream of.
The ultimate standout? Yousefi. The effortlessly cool collection struck a perfect balance between laid-back and luxury—each piece Instagram-ready and runway-approved. We’re talking obsession unlocked, bookmarked, and mood-boarded for eternity.
And then? Mic drop. Marquez Valdes-Scantling himself closed the show with a custom cut-and-sew line that blended elevated denim, vibrant color, and sleek tailoring. With each piece, he proved he’s not just catching touchdowns—he’s catching eyeballs and cementing his place as a fashion force to watch.
From Runway Heat to Cocktail Chic
But wait—there’s more. Luxe Fashion Fest wasn’t content with just dazzling on the runway. This was a full 360-degree immersion into the world of luxury and style. We’re talking VIP brand activations, signature cocktails, and even a custom-branded vending machine (because why not?). Every corner of the Tampa Museum of Art was transformed into a fashion fantasy.
The soundtrack? Unmatched. Breez Kennedy amped it up with a high-voltage DJ set that had the crowd moving and posing. Add in curated bites, flowing cocktails, and glam-ready photo ops courtesy of The Lounge Booth, and this became the ultimate nightlife-meets-style crossover.
The drinks? Pure indulgence. With pours from Patrón, Grey Goose, D’USSÉ Cognac, Molson Coors, and Eternal Water, every toast felt like a celebration of luxury living. From high-end hors d’oeuvres to every perfectly clinked glass, this was sensory overload—in the best possible way.
Fashion With a Purpose
And while the flash was fierce, Luxe Fashion Fest 2.0 had a deeper heartbeat. The event raised awareness and funds for The Humble Beginnings Foundation, Valdes-Scantling’s nonprofit dedicated to uplifting underserved communities and creating opportunities for the next generation.
This wasn’t just style for style’s sake—it was fashion with soul. When runway meets real-world impact? That’s the kind of legacy that resonates long after the final walk.
Tampa, the New Capital of Cool
As the last look strutted into the spotlight and the crowd roared, one thing was crystal clear: Tampa is having a moment. Luxe Fashion Fest 2.0 wasn’t just an event—it was a movement. A bold, radiant declaration that this city isn’t just playing catch-up—it’s leading the charge.
Whether you came for the fashion, fangirled over the football stars, or floated between beats and bubbly, you felt it: something special happened here. It was a style revolution soaked in sequins, swagger, and shared purpose.
So here’s to more runways with heart, more nights that slay, and more Tampa-made magic under the stars.
And Marquez? We’ll see you at the next show.
Photos by: Brian James, Caleb Kiesel, and The Lounge Booth.
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