Friday night we headed out to the Musical Instrument Museum in Phoenix for the 4th annual MIM Rocks Fashion show by Phoenix Fashion Week. The top 5 stylists in Arizona paired up with designers and local boutiques to show the audience the best trends for spring.
Typically, all stylists’ work is done behind the scenes- pulling looks, choosing accessories, coordinating hair and makeup, and, of course, deciding the right model for each look. However, Phoenix Fashion Week really wanted to spotlight the work of these super-talented individuals. With behind-the-scenes videos before every show, guests were given a chance to learn about the stylist’s inspiration for the show, and how they decided which looks would walk down the runway. We loved learning a little bit more about the hidden world of fashion runway shows.
Phoenix Fashion Week director, Brian Hill, started the show by telling the crowd why the MIM is such an important location for the show. Music can inspire the whole runway show for a designer or stylist. It has the power to transform the show from models walking in a straight line to a real production, full of fantasy, power and mystery. The crowd got to witness the power of music first hand when local singer, Estefy, belted out two amazing songs. This girl was young and fierce. We absolutely loved her vibe.
Clothes Minded opened the show (Remember our story from their grand opening?). Stylist Rochelle York was inspired by bright colors and lots of movement for spring. Statement necklaces and fun wedges completed the looks. The overall vibe was girly and flirty – great looks for spring picnics or effortless date night looks.
Divaz boutique, styled by Yekatherina Bruner, was up next. Yekatherina was inspired by French deserts like sorbets and macaroons. She chose a soft color palette with bold shapes. Our favorite look of the night was the white jumper in the first photo of the story. An exposed back takes this look from sophisticated to sexy. It’s powerful, yet sensual – a combination we love.
Next up were the boys. Amir Saebi of Amir’s La Voute was without a doubt our favorite show of the night. His male models looked dapper, yet approachable and fun. He was the only stylist to really take any big risks, and step outside the box.
One particularly amazing look was this denim on denim look. First off, we can’t even get over the Chanel suspenders. And this boom box bag…. we’ve officially been transported to the ’90’s. This is just one great example of Amir choosing not to play it safe. Fantstic job.
Envy by Khanh, an emerging designer from Phoenix Fashion Week 2012 (see photos from his runway show here), took the runway next. Stylist Fawn Cheng added major sophistication to the show with beautiful black hats. However, we were hoping to see a little more variety in the accessories. Fawn Cheng has been one of our favorite Arizona stylists for quite some time, and we would have loved to see more from her. She definitely played it safe with shoes and jewelry. And in a show all about stylists, we would have love to see unexpected twists.
Next up was one of our Phoenix Fashion Week favorites, Bri Seeley, the winner of the 2012 emerging designer competition (see photos of the winning collection here). We spoke with Bri before the show and she told us how much she loved stylist Brian Swan’s pairings. “He’s putting my clothes together in ways I never would have thought of,” she told us.
Our favorite looks were the maxi dresses (we just can’t get enough of the movement they create). However, we would have loved to see some chunky accessories paired with these looks. Bri Seeley‘s clothes can obviously stand on their own but, again, because it’s a show all about stylists, we couldn’t help but want just a little bit more
Overall, we had an absolutely amazing time at MIM Rocks Fashion. The Phoenix Fashion Week team did a terrific job bringing together the worlds of music and fashion. And, of course, we can’t forget the stylists and musicians who made the night extra special.
Now, show the stylists how much you REALLY love them. Vote for your favorite on the Phoenix Fashion Week‘s Facebook page: Facebook.com/PhxFashionWeek (You know who we’re voting for, but try your best not to be biased)
