Phoenix Fashion Week

The 7th Annual Phoenix Fashion Week, held at Talking Stick Resort in Scottsdale, Arizona, demonstrated their goal of “bridging designers and buyers” in many ways.

The event started on Wednesday, October 5th, with the “Fashionably Pink” show, which benefits the Susan G. Komen foundation. The event was held at the Music Instrument Museum in Phoenix. This show celebrates the survivors, as well as offering the fashion community a chance to participate in the fight against breast cancer.


Phoenix Fashion Week continued Thursday night at Talking Stick Resort. Guests arrived on a red carpet, with an opportunity to be photographed. Various booths featuring local boutiques, such as Savvy Boutique, Bilby & Moss and Remix Watches, were set up to give guests an opportunity to shop before the shows.


Featured looks from Collins College also gave guests an opportunity to connect to upcoming talent in Arizona. This was the first year the Style Villa was open to the public, which offered great exposure for the local brands.

The Thursday designer runway show featured local designers such as Velvet Boutique, Te Boutique and Bilby & Moss, as well as out of state brands like Retro Brand and Veronica Brett. Guests were treated to a variety of looks from T-shirts and jeans to swimwear.


After a quick intermission where guests could enjoy complimentary Pop Chips and Vitamin Water Zero, the emerging designer show began. This show debuted designers Deeds of Love, Dejamone and Sebastian Millon.


Friday night’s shows continued with SJ Couture, Evan Golf, Carroll Shelby Collection, Blaque Market, Alana Hale and Black Russian Label. These shows featured a variety of aesthetics from Carroll Shelby’s American Classic looks to Alana Hale’s fashion forward fringed looks to Evan Golf’s modern men’s and women’s looks.


The emerging designers Blue Bird Denim, INDI Apparel, and Mabella Chic dominated the
runway, allowing fashionistas to fall in love with new up and coming brands.


Saturday night wrapped up Phoenix Fashion Week. The excitement surrounding the announcement of the Outstanding Designer, Emerging Designer winner and Vitamin Water Zero’s “Model of the Year” could be felt in the air!


The designer shows featured Stop Staring Clothing, Joy Li, Mariska, Michelle Jonas and Blaque Label, who was announced as Outstanding Designer of Phoenix Fashion Week 2011. Blaque label showed sparkly dresses and feathered skirts for night, as well as lightweight sheer dresses for daytime looks.


The emerging designers were next. Hourglass Apparel, Joli Richard, Jones Select and Sylvia Bours all showcased unique looks! Ultimately, Blue Bird Denim was selected as Emerging Designer for their looks featuring high-waisted white denim with cropped tops, and fruity colors.


The emerging designer contest was not only based on the show however. Each label had to complete a business plan, follow up with clients, and most importantly sell merchandise, before ever even getting a
bid to Phoenix Fashion Week.

The winner of Vitamin Water Zero’s “Model of the Year” was announced at the official after party. Out of 40 Emerging Models, who have all gone through a two month process to be able to walk in Phoenix Fashion Week, Alexis Hamilton was named the winner!

Previous Phoenix Fashion Week model, Kelly Mittendorf, who is the new face of Prada, was also present Saturday night to cheer on the emerging designers and models.


Phoenix Fashion Week was an amazing experience and Arizona State Fashion Journalism Club was thrilled to be a part of it.

Lindsay Viker