While Phoenix isn’t globally known as a fashion capital, the
local style scene is definitely something to consider. Without the help of
internationally known magazines and style icons, Phoenix’s main fashion
expression comes from its local bloggers and followers.
Indie Stitch creator Dustin Hoyman started out in the
marketing field and always had a taste for fashion and a passion for art. But
it wasn’t until his first run at Phoenix Fashion week nearly four years ago
that he really jumped into the local fashion scene.
“I kind of tripped and fell into it,” Hoyman said. “I just
fell in love with it, fell in love with the people and just really wanted to
support it.”
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| Photo courtesy of Hoyman |
Born and raised in Phoenix, Hoyman’s love of the city is
what fueled him to bring awareness to all the local art. He saw the potential the valley had to really become a
staple in the fashion world on a larger scale.
“I really want to bring fashion into Phoenix,” Hoyman said. “Nobody
gives Phoenix any credit…we have a uniqueness to us and it’s always growing and
getting better.”
Indie Stitch came about in the last few years from Hoyman’s
innate desire to bring attention to Phoenix fashion even though as Hoyman said
he isn’t as into the fashion specifically as he is into the whole scene.
Thuy An Bui, a contributing blogger for Indie Stitch, said the
blog is all about support for local art, whether it’s fashion trends or events
and it’s the devotion of the bloggers that has made it such a well-known aspect
of Phoenix fashion and style.
“Phoenix really has something but we haven’t done as much in
the past to promote it on a wider scale.” Bui said. “With Indie Stitch we want
people to see that we have a real fashion scene here and there’s more to
Phoenix than what people expect.”
Hoyman said he wanted to bring in contributors to his site
to really expose them to the industry and bring more and more notoriety to
their ideas and writing. He said Indie Stitch was and is about connections.
“Everybody wants to support each other…It’s more based on
community than competition,” Hoyman said. “Most people want to help build this
community and push it forward.”
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| Photo courtesy of Scottsdale Fashionista |
Indie Stitch has proven itself to be a real outlet for the
local fashion community and continues to grow and bring attention to the
Phoenix style scene.
Vanja Veric
