The Metropolitan area in Charlotte is a great place to hang out, but not just for the food, but also for the shopping at lotus boutique. Be sure to come out for a spectacular night of fashion on Thursday, June 16 at 7 p.m. The show will be held in the breezeway right next to Dresslers restaurant.

From the Mexican Riviera to the Sahara Desert, the lotus Summer Collection 2011 will be arriving in style on the runway. Vitaminwater will also be showcasing seven local designers competing in the Vitaminwater bottle inspired fashion show challenge. Each designer will create an outfit inspired by the one of the seven new flavors of Vitaminwater’s line of beverages, Vitaminwater zero. How exciting! I love the fact that the inspiration for the designs will be centered around a drink. That just goes to show that creative types can get ideas from anything.

The local designers involved include Stamatina Vassilaras, who will be working with vitaminwater zero- glow, Franklin Headen with vitaminwater zero- xxx, Tara Davis with vitaminwater- energy, Caleb Clark with vitaminwater-drive, Erika Diamond with vitaminwater -power-c, Hannlei Taylor with vitaminwater zero-rhythm, and Cigi Guzman with vitaminwater zero- squeezed. I can hardly wait to see what they all come up with.

Wanna be there too? You should and you can. Tickets to both shows are free! There is, however a recommended $10 door donation to benefit Dress for Success.  Send your RSVP TODAY to info@lotuslook.com for seats. (Seating is limited.)

T. Strong is a TV personality, personal stylist and fashion journalist who contributes commentary on Creative Loafing’s Klepto blog in addition to writing for several other national media organizations. To learn more visit www.StyleMayvin.com or follow “therealtstrong” on Twitter.