Local fashion models will take to the runways Saturday, Oct. 10, during the JaxFuse festival to show off the collections of established and emerging North Florida designers, accompanied by music and full production.
JaxFuse is a celebration of the creative economy held at the link in Nocatee; it will be conducted on three days over two consecutive weekends. Fashion is the focus of the first installment.
The high-energy fashion showcase on Oct. 10 will feature several designers, 50 models and fashion professionals with collections built around three themes: Sustainability, Space and Fusion.
A full lightning production and music by a professional DJ, as well as cocktails and appetizers will add to the ambience.
Between shows, the designers, stylists, photographers and models will be onsite to mingle.
As in years past, the event will kick off at 5 p.m. with a focus on sustainability or upcycling. Attendees will learn about The Giving Closet Project and designers who create fashions from sustainable materials.
Sierra Pollard, Ph.D., will be the show’s emcee.
This year, the designers will have booths at the event.
Designers and boutiques expected to participate in this year’s event are:
The evening will conclude with Best Model and Best Designer awards.
Information on tickets, sponsorships, vendor applications and more can be found at jaxfuse.com. Tickets are also accessible via the link app, app.thelink.zone, as well as Eventbrite.
The link is located at 425 Town Plaza Ave., Ponte Vedra (in Nocatee Town Center).
Meet some designers, boutique owners, sponsors for this year’s show
Here’s a look at some of this year’s participants:
Bartram Trail Fashion Academy
Fashion professional Vanessa Ochaita is helping tomorrow’s designers to learn all aspects of the industry as the instructor of Bartram Trail Fashion Academy.
The four-year program at Bartram Trail High School helps students develop foundational skills in sewing, textiles, sketching, pattern making, draping, sustainable fashion, marketing, merchandise, portfolio development and more.
At the end of the year, the academy conducts its annual fashion show where students showcase their skills and designs.
Ochaita earned her bachelor’s degree in fashion design in 2006 and went to work for international companies where she gained experience in pre-production, production, textiles and design.
In 2016, she was hired to help open Miami Fashion Institute for Miami Dade College as the lab manager. There, she taught students to develop sketching techniques, pattern making techniques, portfolio development and more.
After two-and-a-half years, she moved to Jacksonville and subsequently became the fashion academy instructor at Bartram Trail. The coming academic year will mark her sixth as a teacher at the academy.
“I'm still as excited as I was on day one of teaching,” she said, “and I love sharing my knowledge and passion for fashion with all my students.”
Her students’ work will be featured at this year’s JaxFuse. The students were challenged to design a dress that best interprets the St. Johns County character pillars: Respect, Trustworthiness, Responsibility, Fairness, Caring and Citizenship. Together, these pillars help to form a foundation of a healthy society as well as a healthy class environment.
The students were divided into groups and instructed to create unique, original designs inspired by the couture fashion shows of Amsterdam-based Viktor Horsting and Rolf Snoeren.
Learn more about Bartram Trail Fashion Academy at https://cte.stjohns.k12.fl.us/academies/bths-design.
Bella Design
At just 10 years old, twin sisters Batoul and Selena Meda of Bella Design are already making their mark as young fashion designers, models and entrepreneurs.
Holding the titles of Pre-Teen Universal Global North America and Little Miss Universal Global International (both 2026), the sisters created the Bella Design collection to share their passion for fashion and bring their creative sketches and ideas to life.
Beyond the runway, they are committed to giving back through their platforms, Fashion for Purpose — “Designing Confidence. Creating Kindness. Inspiring Change”; and Little Books, Big Dreams — “Read Today. Dream Tomorrow.”
Through volunteering, donations and community events, they hope to inspire others to use their talents to help those in need.
For JaxFuse Fashion Day 2026, Bella Design will debut a collection inspired by the wonder of outer space, drawing inspiration from stars, planets, galaxies and the universe. Through imaginative details, textures and shimmering elements, the young designers hope to bring their vision of the cosmos to life on the runway while inspiring other children to dream big, create with purpose and make a difference.
The Giving Closet Project
Jennifer Smith is the founder and CEO of The Giving Closet Project (GCP), a nonprofit she launched in 2016 after witnessing firsthand how unmet basic needs affected students’ confidence, attendance and ability to succeed in school. What began as a grassroots effort to provide clothing and essentials to students in need has grown into a transformative nonprofit serving communities across Northeast and South Florida.
Before founding GCP, Smith spent 15 years as a highly effective educator with extensive experience in leadership, curriculum development, student advocacy and mentoring new teachers. Today, she brings that same passion to her work as a nonprofit leader and social entrepreneur, guiding GCP’s strategic growth, program development, fundraising and community partnerships.
Under Smith’s leadership, The Giving Closet Project has provided clothing and essential resources to more than 25,000 children, teens and families experiencing homelessness and financial hardship through partnerships with two major school districts and more than 60 social service agencies.
As GCP enters its second decade of service, Smith is focused on expanding its impact and building sustainable solutions to address clothing insecurity and other non-academic barriers facing young people.
HL Liriano Custom Clothier
Born in a small town in the Dominican Republic, Henry M. Liriano was introduced to the art of sewing by his mother at the age of 10. What began as an early introduction blossomed into a lifelong journey, carrying him through middle school, high school and college, where he worked as a tailor to support his education.
Upon graduation in 2005, Liriano relocated to the United States and continued his growth in tailoring. After living in Milwaukee and New York City, he settled in Jacksonville. Along the way, he refined his expertise by working with renowned fashion leaders such as Nordstrom and Ralph Lauren, experiences that sharpened the precision and style that define his work today.
In 2022, Liriano founded HL Liriano Custom Clothier, which helps his customers to create wardrobes that reflect who they are, what they do and where they are going.
As a personal tailor, Liriano works one-on-one with professionals, executives, entrepreneurs, business owners and individuals who recognize that the way they dress can shape how others perceive them — and how they feel about themselves.
His mission is simple: to empower others through intentional clothing that builds confidence, communicates professionalism and fits their lifestyles.
HL Liriano Custom Clothier specializes in fully custom-made clothing for men and women, designed specifically around each one’s measurements, body type, personal style, career and lifestyle. From the first consultation to fabric selection, design details, measurements, fitting and final adjustments, every garment receives personalized attention.
Serving Ponte Vedra Beach, Ponte Vedra, Nocatee, Jacksonville, St. Johns County and surrounding areas, HL Liriano Custom Clothier offers — in the comfort of your home or office — a very personalized alternative to traditional retail shopping.
For further information, go to www.hlliriano.com
Kobzarina Atelier
Arina Kobzar is a fashion designer and founder of Kobzarina Atelier. With years of experience in garment construction, alterations and custom fashion design, she specializes in creating perfectly fitted garments with attention to detail and craftsmanship.
Her work includes bridal gowns, evening dresses, corsetry and custom fashion pieces. Kobzar combines European tailoring techniques with modern fashion aesthetics to create elegant and structured designs.
Through her work, she focuses on quality, precision and helping clients feel confident in their garments.
Her designs have been presented at Jacksonville Fashion Week and various fashion events.
Limitless Wolf Co.
Greg Rogers and Shawn Abrams are Jacksonville-based entrepreneurs and co-founders of Limitless Wolf Co. Rogers brings a background in technology, business development and digital innovation through his work with Skylyfe Inc., while Abrams brings a strong creative background in fashion, branding, design and community engagement.
Their combined strengths in technology and creativity led them to build Limitless Wolf Co. as a lifestyle brand focused on fashion, footwear, innovation and self-expression. Together, they are developing a connected ecosystem around the philosophy of Working On Limitless Freedom, encouraging people to challenge limitations, embrace individuality and keep evolving.
Limitless Wolf Co. is a sustainable footwear company that is reimagining how people think about footwear. The brand is focused on creating a more connected and circular approach to fashion through modular footwear, apparel, technology and community-driven experiences.
Limitless Wolf Co. is developing the Wolf Ones footwear platform alongside the Wolf App, which connects fashion, rewards, community engagement and product lifecycle experiences.
Skylyfe Inc. is a Jacksonville-based creative and technology company that supports brand development, digital products, media and innovative business concepts. Skylyfe Inc. works alongside Limitless Wolf Co. to help bring its creative vision, technology and community initiatives to life.
At JaxFuse 2026, Limitless Wolf Co. will debut a new collection of statement apparel created for the Wolf App’s XP Marketplace, blending streetwear, sportswear, luxury-inspired graphics, bold animal prints, wolf-inspired camouflage, metallic accents, claw motifs and signature Limitless Wolf imagery.
The collection is built around fearless self-expression, using bold colorways and distinctive silhouettes to create pieces that feel energetic, elevated and unmistakably Limitless Wolf.
For further information, go to limitlesswolf.com.
The Wolf App is available for download on both the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.
Models and Crowns by Yanina LLC
Yanina Paz is a pageant professional, model, mentor and businesswoman with more than 30 years of experience in the modeling and pageant industries.
Originally from Peru, Paz began her professional modeling career at age 17 and has since earned numerous pageant titles, including Ms. Belleza Latina International 2007, Mrs. Peru USA 2022 and Mrs. World Suprain International 2023.
Paz has served as a judge for more than 20 national and international pageants and has spent more than 15 years coordinating, coaching and preparing contestants for competition and fashion shows.
She has worked with more than 300 girls and women, helping them develop confidence, stage presence, runway technique, etiquette and public speaking skills.
She says training and preparing young women for pageants remains one of her greatest passions, along with all aspects of modeling and personal development.
Paz previously served as president of the Peruvian Civic Association of New Jersey. She also served for 15 years as pageant coordinator for the organization’s Miss Peru USA program and has organized, coordinated and coached contestants for additional national and international pageants. She recently served as Miss Peru World USA national director.
Professionally, Paz brings more than two decades of experience in human resources, payroll, finance and administration.
She is the founder of Models and Crowns by Yanina LLC. Together with her husband, she co-owns Paz Music Academy in Kearny, New Jersey, and Paz Music & Arts Academy of St. Johns in St. Augustine.
Through the St. Johns academy, she continues her passion for modeling and mentorship by offering modeling and pageant preparation alongside the academy’s music and arts programs.
Paz, her husband Roberto and their three children reside in Ponte Vedra.
Learn more about Models and Crowns by Yanina LLC at https://www.facebook.com/modelsandcrownsbyyanina.
Radiant Skin & Laser
Radiant Skin & Laser is a luxury medical spa in Nocatee and a sponsor for this year’s JaxFuse event. It specializes in personalized skin and laser treatments.
Radiant Skin & Laser offers advanced aesthetic services including HydraFacials, microneedling, chemical peels, IPL, laser skin resurfacing and laser hair removal. It also provides specialized hair restoration treatments and professional medical grade skincare.
With a focus on personalized treatment plans, advanced technology and a relaxing boutique experience, Radiant Skin & Laser helps clients address concerns such as sun damage, pigmentation, acne, uneven texture, signs of aging, unwanted hair and hair thinning.
For further information, go to https://www.radiantskinandlaserfl.com.
Sessions Modeling & Photography Studio
Founded in Jacksonville in 1986, Sessions Modeling & Photography Studio is dedicated to developing careers and inspiring models of all ages to achieve their goals.
Sessions experts provide the training and knowledge to navigate the industry safely and successfully — from pageantry training, high fashion runway, magazines, print, commercials and essential business skills necessary to compete in the industry.
The studio offers group and private sessions and workshops as well as photoshoots to build a high-quality portfolio with Sessions Photography Studio’s magazine published, award winning, fashion photographer.
Celebrating 40 years of quality and excellence,
Sessions Modeling, Pageantry & Photography Studio is celebrating 40 years of quality and excellence. It is a sponsor for this year’s JaxFuse event.
For more information, go to https://www.sessionsmodeling.com.
To The Moon Party Designs
Jess Chard has strong opinions about color and a soft spot for an oversized detail. As founder of To The Moon Party Designs, she creates custom balloon installations and event designs across Northeast Florida, pairing a considered eye with a healthy appetite for excess.
Before building To The Moon, Chard worked as a transplant nurse at Mayo Clinic. Precision stayed with her. The palette got louder.
Today, her portfolio includes work for The PGA Tour, Publix and Dune House, alongside school galas, community celebrations and private parties. Every design starts with the people, the space and a point of view worth bringing to life.
To The Moon’s invitation? Take Me to Your Party.
Uniquely Claudia Boutique
Claudia Maya is an entrepreneur and style curator and the founder of Uniquely Claudia, a highly personalized women’s boutique with a showroom located in St. Augustine.
Transitioning from a successful corporate career as a marketing communication executive, Maya leveraged her expertise in brand strategy to create a retail experience rooted in authentic connection and feminine empowerment.
Known for her carefully curated collections and warm, individualized styling approach, she is dedicated to helping women celebrate their personal style, individuality and confidence.
Maya created Uniquely Claudia Boutique with a distinct point of view: fashion should celebrate individuality while making every woman feel confident, elegant and uniquely herself. Each piece is thoughtfully selected for its quality, beauty and versatility, blending timeless style with a fresh interpretation of the season’s trends.
Maya reimagines these trends through a timeless lens, choosing pieces that feel current today but remain beautiful and wearable well beyond the season.
At JaxFuse Fashion Day 2026, Uniquely Claudia will present The Autumn Affair by Uniquely Claudia, a celebration of rich textures, feminine silhouettes and the season’s most beautiful trends.
The collection features fall leather, fawn — the animal print of the year — and elegant satin sets, all interpreted in the signature Uniquely Claudia way: feminine, sophisticated and timeless.
Uniquely Claudia Boutique is located at 150 Registry Blvd., Suite 106, St. Augustine. Learn more at https://www.uniquelyclaudia.com.
