Thursday night “Project Runway” favorite and Tampa’s own Ben Chmura was at Nieman Marcus’ Spring kickoff party talking fashion. Unfortunately, he didn’t show anything from his collection, but he did share his must-haves for the upcoming Spring season (which according to our trusty groundhog, should be here any minute). They include animal prints, short shorts, denim leggings, ethnic prints and Lucite jewelry.

“If I had to pick my top trend, it would be ethnic prints,” said Chmura, as lines of fans waited patiently to meet him. “They’re hip and make a bold statement, and women from 20-year-olds to 50-year-old year olds can wear it.”

And the hem line for Spring? As high as you’ve ever seen. And shorts? the shorter the better. Time to get those gams to the gym.

Also on hand was chic home-designer Jay Strongwater, who is as talented as he is nice. He showed some amazing pieces from his “Hot House Collection,” which features flowers at their most lush. We’re talking B-E-A-U-T-I-F-U-L pieces for the home including a dazzling 63,000 crystal and gem stone chandelier priced at $40,000, a fireplace screen, $15,000, and things I can afford like picture frames for around $85. And yes, Strongwater’s pieces were selling very well.

Waiters and waitresses dressed in black walked around all evening offering wine, salmon bites, bruschetta, chicken and other wonderful foods, while patrons shopped to their hearts content and enjoyed a Spring fashion show. Mixer DC prepared some awesome pink and blue martinis, while Cakes Plus indulged patrons with the most sinful and beautiful desserts imaginable. And the folks at theflipbookpeople.com, a mobile flipbook studio that transforms a seven-second video into a pocket-sized book in a few minutes, treated everyone to free flipbooks. Too much fun!!!!

We also met local boy band 10th Concession (check them out below, they’re adorable) that rocked the crowd, despite being set-up in front of the handbag display.

If you missed it, check out the fashion, food and fun below.

Local boy band 10th Concession rocks the house.

The beautiful Nancy Vaughn, Ben Chmura, and hubby, Robert Pappadeas-Chmura

The uber-talented and gracious home designer Jay Strongwater

The fabulous Germaine Gibbs, model and owner of AWA Spa in Tampa, wows the crowd in Spring’s must-have denim leggings, leather shorts and colorful animal prints

A delectably sinful dessert spread from the folks at Cakes Plus—Yummy!!!!

Sales associate Victoria Piloseno - in front of some of Strongwater’s pieces - told us all about Strongwater and his collection

DC - yes, that’s his name - mixes up some mean blue and pink martinis during the festivities

I couldn’t resist showing off this picture of Vaughn, me, and fashionista Sara Minton just because were stylin’ and proflin’...