Over 700 Guests to Attend the 'Flourish' Fashion and Food Showcase in Miami

Miami to Host 'Flourish' Fashion & Food Showcase 2025

On April 3, 2025, Miami Gardens will shine a spotlight on gastronomy and haute couture at St. Thomas University's highly anticipated fourth annual 'Flourish' Fashion and Food Showcase. With over 700 guests including food enthusiasts and style aficionados expected to attend, this event promises to be an exceptional blend of cultural and culinary experiences.

The showcase will take place from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. in the courtyard of the Gus Machado College of Business, where attendees will indulge in an array of creative cuisine curated by renowned regional chefs. This year, participating culinary powerhouses include celebrity chef Richard Ingraham, as well as the likes of Chef Kenny Tang and establishments such as Lorna's Caribbean American Grille and Texas Roadhouse. Guests can look forward to a tantalizing selection of tapas-style dishes, including gourmet bites prepared by students from STU's Culinary Arts, Tourism, and Hospitality Management program.

Adding a twist to the event's culinary offerings, the showcase will unveil 'McDCouture,' an innovative fashion line using repurposed McDonald's packaging, developed by creative student designers. This unique initiative aims to promote sustainability within the fashion industry, reflecting the growing movement towards environmentally conscious practices. Noteworthy names who will showcase collections include Cuban-American designer Yas González and Project Runway Season 17 winner, Jhoan Sebastian Grey.

The event is set to be hosted by Sasha Perea, Commissioner of Fashion, Arts and Events for Washington D.C., who will guide guests through the evening's festivities, while DJ Manuela Vibes sets the musical backdrop. A vibrant runway show featuring professional models from The Walk Collective will highlight the creative visions of top Florida designers.

In addition to fashion and food, the 'Flourish' showcase serves a significant cause. Proceeds from the event directly benefit students, funding overseas training and experiential learning opportunities for those studying Fashion Merchandising and Design, as well as offering scholarships for students in the Culinary Arts program. Nearly 100 students will gain invaluable real-world experience by organizing and managing this prestigious event.

Regular tickets are priced at $50, while VIP passes are available for $100, providing enhanced access including an open bar and premium seating. As an extension of the university’s outreach, this occasion is anticipated to engage over 700 attendees, alongside a network of 7,660 students and nearly 31,573 alumni, creating a platform for connection and community-building.

St. Thomas University prides itself on being a premier institution committed to student success and ethical leadership. With an impressive expansion plan underway and a dedication to nurturing talent across diverse fields, this showcase aligns with its mission to foster academic excellence enriched by cultural and artistic expression.

For those interested in attending, tickets can be obtained from the official event page, with media representatives granted complimentary access. As STU’s flagship spring event, the 'Flourish' showcase exemplifies the growth and resilience of the university's fashion and culinary programs amid the evolving landscape of higher education.

Event Details

When: April 3, 2025, from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Where: Gus Machado College of Business courtyard, St. Thomas University, 16401 NW 37th Ave., Miami Gardens, FL 33054.
Why: To support Fashion Merchandising and Design students through experiential learning while promoting local culinary artistry and creativity in fashion.

As Miami prepares for this grand occasion, anticipation is building, and the community is excited to witness the intersection of food and fashion in a celebration of creativity and collaboration.