By: Tyler Butler
Derived from the outcry of what designers need most, buyers, Phoenix Fashion Week has continued to build momentum over the past nine years. Through its Business of Fashion boot camp to its support of causes, Phoenix Fashion Week is giving back to the community through knowledge and mentoring.
Charity for this organization not only means supporting philanthropic opportunities it means that they have a sincere focus on grooming and developing the necessary skills and opportunities for emerging designers to launch and successfully grow their own business endeavors.
This event has developed into a mix between the established and the ingénue. Providing the Valley with an opportunity to have VIP access and a real experience with professional designers such as Yas Couture, a Dubai based designer who dresses celebrities such as Carrie Underwood, Gwen Stefani and Mel B.; Rocky Gathecole, who outfits stars such as Jennifer Lopez, Nicki Minaj and Paris Hilton; and Charmosa Swimwear, which you can catch on the 2017 Sports Illustrated swimwear cover. Better yet, this event has cultivated a program for up and coming fashion super stars both in the design realm and in the modeling profession.
Through its three-month emerging designer boot camp, Phoenix Fashion Week has created a program to help those working their way up in the industry. The goal is the same for both designers and models: producing successful, thriving businesses and professionals who will elevate Arizona’s profile in the fashion industry. One model success story is on the September 2017 cover of Glamour magazine: Phoenix Fashion Week Model of the Year Cierra Blankenship.
The next frontier for this organization is a keen focus on national recognition through media and also via opportunities for the brands developed locally to be sold at prominent national retailers such as Nordstrom’s and Neiman Marcus. The executive director of Phoenix Fashion Week, Brian Hill, said guests this year will get to purchase curated items direct from its runways through the Phoenix Fashion Week mobile app. This, he said, satisfies its mission of bridging designers and buyers.
The three-day event, held October 5-7, will offer 26 high-energy runway shows. Hosted by Talking Stick Resort, the first night will showcase a Fashionably Pink Show in support of Don’t Be a Chump! Check for a Lump! This is one fashion extravaganza that the most stylish in Arizona won’t want to miss.