The phrase ‘Real Women’ became popular after the Sundance Film Festival made its debut of the independent film “Real Women Have Curves” in 2002, introducing a new era of women who embrace life.
Since 2010 the words, ‘Real Women’ have been associated with women that are role models because of their support and contributions to their communities, giving us a new meaning to these words.
Behind Top Real Women in Fashion
In our efforts to highlight fashion, Miami Fashion Spotlight teamed up with the house of ‘PETIT POIS,’ by Viviana G to pay tribute to 13 “Real Women” who have passion for fashion in an exclusive “All White” event on July 25th at Villa Azur Restaurant & Lounge, located in South Beach.
These amazing women include: philanthropists, businesswomen, journalists, reality stars, artists, photographers, designers, publicists, models, and entrepreneurs, and have been honored as ‘Real Women’ due to their grace, courage, and valued contributions–they always stand up, they are true to themselves, and all of them love fashion!
Let’s begin by defining how these 13 ‘Real Women’ became the ‘Top Real Women in Fashion,’ through a fashion designer’s vision and our fashion blog’s inspiration.
1- Silvana Camargo, TV Host, Silvana
This Bolivia native is a renowned host of “Noticiero Telediario” of Telemundo Channel 43 and director of Conestilotv.com. Camargo has been a model and beauty queen since she was very young, winning “Miss Latina SW Florida, Miss Latina International Bolivia, and Miss Latina USA 2010-2011. She founded “The Silvana Save a Child Foundation,” which operates cultural events to entertain children in hospitals. Recently, this beautiful “Real Woman” was awarded in her country with “Premio Joven Bolivia” for being a Bolivian citizen who exalts internationally.
2- Natalia Cruz, Anchor Reporter
This three-time EMMY award winner and energetic mother of four is a successful anchor/reporter. Born in Colombia, Cruz always had a passion for written works. In 2001 she was hired by New York Telemundo affiliate WNJU as a reporter for “Noticero 47.” With only one month on the job, this “Real Woman” covered the World Trade center terrorist attacks, being one of the first reporters on the scene at Ground Zero. Today, she often sits in as news anchor for shows on Univision, such as “Primer Impacto,” “Primer Impacto Extra,” “Despierta America,” “Noticiero Univision Fin de Semana,” and “Desayuno Alegre.” She also inspires women with her fabulous style at Miami’s red carpet events.
3- Adriana de Moura, Actress & Art Dealer
Best known for her role on the cast of Bravo TV show “The Real Housewives of Miami,” De Moura is also a “Real Woman” who organized an exhibit in Rome gathering 600 guests with extensive press coverage last year. Her best art is the kind she shares with her son Alexandre, her “pride and joy.” She performed a piano duet with him at the Frost School of Music at the University of Miami in 2010. She is best known for being on the cast of “Real Housewives of Miami,” “Brazilian Bombshell,” as well as her glamorous and romantic style at the red carpet events. She is filming a feature motion picture named “Apollyon” to be hitting theaters this Fall.
4-Linda Ebersberger, Businesswoman
This licensed interior designer has owned her own business for over 15 years. Ebersberger is proud to be the mom of a talented daughter who is also in the fashion industry, with Hugo Boss. Recently, this “Real Woman” was diagnosed with breast cancer– an experience that made her “A SURVIVOR,” giving her great courage to help other women battling this disease. She was drawn to the clothing business by the brand PETIT POISby Viviana G—now she owns her own boutique and runs two businesses, in addition to working some trade shows.
5- Jennifer Heegard, President of JEJE Consulting
Graduated from the University of Miami with a degree in Political Science, and Latin American and Caribbean Relations, Heegaard began her career in the fashion and public relations industry at Saks Fifth Avenue, Bal Harbour as the Marketing Director. In 2007 the talented Colombian native founded a public relations and fashion company with a partner. After 2 years, this “Real Woman” embarked on a new journey by founding JEJE Consulting–leading her to work with high profile clients such as The Adrienne Arsht Center, ACNUR (The UN Refugee Agency) Zoo Miami, Unique Hotel Solutions, Deyland Ecuador, La Orquesta Filarmonica de Bogota, The Colombian Consulate, The Ritz-Carlton, South Beach, Trio on The Bay, BeLive and many more. In addition, she supports many non-profit organizations in the community and currently sits on the Board of Directors for Dress for Success Miami.
6- Athina Klioumi de Marturet, Model & Actress
This Berlin native “Real Woman” has worked as a top model for international brands such as: L’Oreal, Cutty Sark, Old Parr, and Angel Sanchez. Athina won the “Most Beautiful Face In The World” award at the International Latin Model Competition. She has performed in several films and video clips. Klioumi works as ambassador of the Miami Symphony Orchestra, helping young musicians and artists through her fundraising events.
7- Diana Laura, Actress & Model
Born in Puerto Rico, Diana Laura pursued her passion at “Stella Adler Acing Studio” in NYC. She has graced the covers of renowned magazines and newspapers such as: “Vanidades,” “Cosmopolitan,” “Latinox,” “Sun Sentinal,” “Miami Herald,” “Inside Celebrities,” etc. Her latest projects include a variety of shows, movies, and mini-series, gaining respect from industry insiders such as: Michael Bay, Steven Bauer, John Leussenhop, Sam Patrick Hill, and others. She is a fashionable star that grows brighter every day.
8- Jeanette Lehr, Actress
Graduated in Social Communication, this Venezuelan actress has had an artistic career for over 30 years in theater, TV, and film. In 2002, she came to Miami connecting immediately with the industry; acting in Spanish soap operas such as: “Amor Descarado,” “Anita No Te Rajes,”and “La Viuda de Blanco,” among others. This talented “Real Woman” has been honored for numerous awards such as: “Sin Limite” award for best actress; special mention in “Carteles Magazine” as best actress; “Ace” award, and “Antoni de Oro” award. She has been invited twice as judge of Emmy International award. Recently, Lehr was featured as one of the best looks at Latin Billboard’s red carpet.
9- Debi Pittman Wilkey, Photojournalist
Pittman’s career as Emmy-winning Television producer, award-winning community newspaper editor, Magazine editor, celebrity features writer and reporter has taken this “Real Woman” image from St. Louis to Los Angeles, Chicago, San Francisco, and New York City. She loves documenting the fashion business; taking amazing images of Rock Media Fashion Week, Miami International Bridal Week, and Miami Beach International Fashion Week, among others.
10- Lisa Pliner, Iconic Footwear Designer
This Miami native ‘Real Woman’ was formally trained at the Parsons School of Design in Paris, launching her signature collection in the Fall of 2010 with great success. Working side-by-side with her husband, Donald, Lisa polished her expertise in the fashion realm incorporating her unique style into each shoe she designed.
11- Kimberly Shenker-Bacardi, Philanthropist
Originally from New York and raised in South Florida, Bacardi earned a master’s degree in Mental Health and Counseling Psychology, as well as a Master’s in Social Work from Barry University. Her mother, a graduate of F.I.T. and owner of several boutiques, instilled in her two things; a love of fashion and a passion for helping others.
Now, Bacardi works with ‘Food for the Poor’ and the ‘Florida Marlin’s Village’ in Haiti. After visits to different regions in Haiti, this amazing “Real Woman” made a vow to continue to help and not forget these people. She still serves on committees and as a board member of 27 different groups, all of whom share her vision for service to those in need.
12- Beth Sobol, Founder & President of Miami Fashion Week
Born in Atlanta and raised in South Florida, this “Real Woman” is recognized as one of the world’s premier fashion show producers. She has contributed to launching the careers of the world’s top emerging designers through Miami Fashion Week, which she founded in 1999.
MFW is an organization that has been recognized as the most prestigious international fashion events in the USA, leading Sobol to be awarded by the most renowned magazines, Miami Chamber of Commerce, and World Trade Center Miami, in addition to five keys to the city of Miami Beach from two past mayors.
13- Alison Thompson, Philanthropist
Thompson works as a full-time humanitarian volunteer. This Australian born “Real Woman” is fondly known in Sri Lanka as “Angel of Galle,” where she ran a field hospital and internally Displaced Persons Camp. In January 2010, along with actor Sean Penn, she helped with the earthquake aftermath in Haiti. She also founded ‘We Advance,’ an organization that involves gender-based violence in Haiti. Thompson inspires women all over the world with her philanthropic heart and her fashionable style.
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