Phoenix Fashion Week 2013 at Talking Stick Resort continued on Friday night with 8 more shows from emerging and established designers. A well dressed crowd took their seats and was ready to be amazed at what designers from around the world had to offer. We put on our party dresses (check out our instagram to see some pics @suburbscouture) and got ready for a night of fun.
Gents started the night with casual looks that included everything from blazers, to t-shirts and baseball caps. We were a little surprised to see that the female models were…well, pants less! Oh but don’t worry ladies. We got some eye candy during the finale walk when ALL the male models walked out shirtless while the ladies modeled the best look of the show, over sized tanks that said “Call my aGENT” (Get it?)
But, honestly, our favorite part of that whole show was seeing Google Glass on the runway. We love when fashion and technology cross paths and were super excited that Gents continued in DVF’s footsteps at Phoenix Fashion Week (if you have no idea what we’re talking about, check out this article.)
Next up, JHaus hit the runway with country-esque denim and casual every day wear. Compared to her debut at last year’s fashion week (see photos and recap here), which consisted of denim looks and elegant ball gowns, we saw the all American influence behind this year’s collection.
Going for the “girl next door” look, we saw a lot of button down work shirts, distressed jeans, and scuffed lace up boots. What we noticed about this collection was the wearability of each clothing item. You could take each look from the runway to the street with ease. According to the creative mind behind the collection, Jennifer Hausmann, that is the goal the brand was hoping to achieve.
Paulie Gibson also returned from Phoenix Fashion Week’s emerging designer contest last year. We have to admit, we weren’t the biggest fans of last year’s over the top collection (check out the photos here). Although he toned down the patterns (yes, this is toned down) and somewhat improved the shapes and fits of his garment, we still have trouble seeing how this collection fits into a typical man’s wardrobe. Maybe Paulie Gibson isn’t trying to be for the typical man, so instead of shaking our heads again this year, we’re going to chuckle a little and let the males make the decision. So boys, are you reaching for these items for your updated wardrobe?
(P.S. If you were there and noticed that the designer didn’t walk the finale with his collection, it’s because he missed his flight! I know we were curious, so we wanted to pass along that tidbit to any of you who were wondering)
One of our personal favorite designers, Bri Seeley left us saying “oh la la” with a collection that resembled what you would see on the catwalk in Paris. Seeley named this collection Silence “because the woman wearing the clothing could walk into any room and exude femininity and confidence without having to say a word.” What we loved the most about the show was the complimentary accessories. Everything from oversized Jackie O. sunglasses to Birkin look- alike handbags left us wanting more. Great job Bri! Phoenix is happy to welcome you back from LaLa land.
DPC by Dora Yim begun the emerging designer portion of the show. We particularly liked this collection because we understood the designers influence and knew exactly who her customer was. As women with busy lives, we also appreciated how Dora Yim added details to the collection to help women transition from the office to cocktail hour seamlessly. We particularly liked the dress with sleeves that moved from your shoulders to your upper arm depending on what type of occasion you need to dress for. Great job Dora.
Herbert Victoria continued the show. If anyone could take the cake for most eclectic outstanding prints it would be this designer right here. The tribal influence was apparent within each of his pieces. Between the geometric patterns, eye-catching stitching, statement jewelry from Melis Accessories and handbags from Beautiifash, we would not be surprised if the entire venue felt the energy radiating from this collection. If we had to sum it up in a singular word, “fierce” conveys it perfectly. (Cue the bongos!)
Proverbs by Efua then took the stage, starting with a video introducing her collection and speaking about her passion for ending human trafficking. It’s a very touching cause and one that we support wholeheartedly. That being said, we wished the designs lived up to how awesome the meaning of the brand is. The show was overall pretty safe and reserved… except for the hair, which was all over the models’ faces in the wind. We would love to see the taste level raised by this brand because we absolutely love supporting brands with a mission.
Last but not certainly not least, Stephanie Gentry left us with our violet “creative” auras glowing. Her collection took us to a “Midsummer Night’s Dream” fantasyland with sheer luminescent tops and flowy dresses. The show started out somewhat dark and edgy given the set mood but quickly transformed into a dream. Gentry’s overall collection can be best described as “luxury fashion for the woman who wants to take the world by storm” and now we realize the power behind the storm due to this breath-taking collection.
One really special moment from the night was when the Cabana Inspire Fashion Design Contest winner was announced. Last year, our good friend Ashley Cooper designed a great shirt that kick started her business of doing super fun prints. This year, Emery Guzman won the competition which means a $1,000 scholarship for her! Congrats Emery! We hope that this helps you get started your business started just like it did for Ashley Cooper.
That wraps up another night of Phoenix Fashion Week at Talking Stick Resort! We are enjoying ourselves so much that thankfully enough, this major event is not over yet. We eagerly anticipate what Saturday has to offer.
Don’t forget to check back for more fun, or recap the Fashionably Pink show and Phoenix Fashion Week Night 2 now.
Story: Skyler Scott and Lindsay Viker
Photos: James Almanza of Almanza Photography
(James, you continue to give us amazing photos and we couldn’t be more grateful! XoXo)
