Naples Fashion Week (NFW) returned this year in the Spring with renewed energy, elegance, and local flair. The week-long celebration, running from late March to early April was more than just runway shows—it was a cultural phenomenon curated by visionary founder Roberta Beranek, and brought to life through the vibrant work of the NFW Collective.
The Visionary Behind the Runway
Roberta (Berta) Beranek, a former real‑estate developer with over 17 years of experience, acquired Naples Fashion Week in late 2024 and rebranded its creative operations under the NFW Collective name. Her mission: to transform Naples into a cultural fashion hub by fusing luxury, artistry, and community. As CEO and creative director, Beranek spearheads each season, balancing high‑end international designers with burgeoning local talent.
A New Fashion Hub: NFW Collective
Central to the event’s expansion is the NFW Collective, a chic showroom and event space at 375 5th Ave S. Suite 203. Opened in October 2024, the Collective acts as a year‑round incubator for rotating pop‑ups, runway rehearsals, business event entertainment, and intimate gatherings. It’s a creative nerve center—from luxury showcases to community workshops—all managed under Beranek’s hands‑on leadership.
Highlights of Naples Fashion Week 2025:
1. Kick‑off At The Perry Hotel
The week launched with a gala event at The Perry Hotel. A fusion of flamenco dancers, live DJ sets, and artistic performances, this evening spotlighted Colombian designer Shirley Mieles, blending cultural heritage with runway drama.
2. Private Runways at the NFW Collective & Sought-After Members Club
In more intimate showcases, NFW hosted curated presentation of emerging designers at both the Collective and private members club The Maddox. VIP and Ultra VIP guests networked directly with creators, gaining rare insight into the craftsmanship behind the collections.
3. “Fashion & Ferraris” at Ferrari of Naples
The iconic finale featured a dramatic 120‑foot runway flanked by luxury cars. International designers such as Bolivian talent Rosita Hurtado and avant‑garde name Carlos Merchan showcased cutting‑edge evening wear, crafted for those who defy convention.
Fashion with Purpose
Naples Fashion Week is also deeply committed to philanthropy. A portion of NFW ticket sales benefitted Beverly’s Angels, a transformative charity supporting the ALICE population locally—Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed individuals who work incredibly hard, yet still struggle to make ends meet.
Educational panels hosted at the NFW Collective also focus on sustainability, entrepreneurship, and digital innovation in fashion—underscoring Beranek’s investment in local creative ecosystems.
Putting Naples on the Map as a Global Fashion Destination
Beranek hopes to put Naples on the fashion map globally, growing the show year-on-year, and showcasing all that Naples has to offer.
Keep an eye out for information for NFW 2026 ticket options—from Ultra VIP to single-show access. Visit the official site at https://www.naplesfashionweek.com for pricing details and early-bird specials.
Follow The Naples Fashion Week Collective on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/nfwcollective to be made aware of upcoming events, sample sales, pop-ups, philanthropic initiatives, and their VIP Society.
Naples Fashion Week reflects Beranek’s dedication to making Naples not just a destination, but a creative community. Through it all, there is great promise to elevate style, spark innovation, and cultivate the next generation of fashion entrepreneurs under Florida’s sunshine.
Beranek hopes to put Naples on the fashion map globally, growing the show year-on-year, and showcasing all that Naples has to offer; making Naples not just a destination, but a creative community, as well.