Fashion Designers Take Their Talents to South Beach

When Miami Fashion Week kicks off on March 20th, it will be celebrating its 15th anniversary of runway shows that feature up-and-coming designers looking to get a foothold in the U.S. market. While fashion fanatics may turn to designs that grace runways in New York, Paris and Milan for tried and true inspiration, Miami sets itself apart by giving buyers an opportunity to eye new talent. Recognized as the largest international fashion event in the U.S., and ranked fifth on the world fashion calendar, the four-day event is the brainchild of Beth Sobol, who got her start in the fashion industry as a model at age 19.  The idea came when she produced an event in Ecuador that featured designers from 12 Latin American countries. Many told Sobol that they were hoping to bring their designs to Miami.  When Sobol returned home, she began working to launch what would become Miami Fashion Week. READ: Stars and Models Collide at New York Fashion Week These days, the event features designers from all around the globe and those presenting their collections this year include Peru’s Itala Testino, Raafia Husain from Pakistan, Heather Jones from Trinidad & Tobago, SEEN by Sumayyah Al Suwaidi-UAE, Dusko Orascanin-Bosnia & Herzegovina, Mike Sylla for Baïfall Dream-Africa, and Dolcevita Cashmere by Veronica Zorzi-Italy. Carlos Miele is set to receive the International Designer of the Year award on opening night while Rosa Clará will take home the award for International Bridal Designer of the Year. Other designers attending the show include Fadila Kihel-Algeria, Spain’s Rosalinda Quesada Silva, Ecuador’s Carolina Lopez, Mathilde D’Apuzzo-Venezuela, Chile’s Claudia Anicy Manuguian, Canada’s Davmani by Marie Fortin, Italian designers Damiano Marini, Marco Calamassi for Luxus Italy, Azzurre F.A. Fashion, MacchiaJ, and that's not even the whole list!  In other words, there’s something for everyone. WATCH: Designer Michael Kors on His Latest Collection What can those attending the Miami shows expect? Lots of color, says Sobol, pointing to the mix of Latin, Middle Eastern and European pieces that give Miami Fashion Week its unique perspective.If you’re in the area be sure to check it out for yourself. We got a sneak peak at some of the pieces that will be debuted at Miami Fashion Week when Sobol stopped by FOX Business to talk to Gerri Willis.You can catch The Willis Report's “In Fashion” segments on Fridays at 5:00p.m. ET.