Last night we got the amazing opportunity to be a part of Phoenix Fashion Week’s Emerging Designer Announcement this year. The event was nothing short of perfection from the music, to the Phoenix fashion week staff who coordinated the whole event, to the designers who showcased some truly amazing pieces. We had such a blast covering this event and cannot wait to see who the winner is in October. These designers poured their heart and souls into all their collections, which has not gone unnoticed. Congratulations to all the designers we cannot wait to see what the future holds for all of you!
Atiz
Atiz – Photo Courtesy of Almanza Photography
Atiz – Photo Courtesy of Almanza Photography
Atiz – Photo Courtesy of Almanza Photography
Atiz – Photo Courtesy of Almanza Photography
This particular collection is influenced by empowered woman and how the clothes woman wear allow them to take on a different persona. The brand name itself means “at ease,” which is exactly how any woman should feel when her body is adorned in this collection’s pieces. The motto for this line is “ Eastern traditions, Western innovations, Global sophistication,” which is Atizs’ way of blending eastern traditions with western to create a modern yet comfortable look. Atiz’s model wore a gold Clutch Jewelry hair piece which beautifully complimented the sheen of the royal blue blazer.
Blackberry Maverick
Blackberry Maverick – Photo courtesy of Almaza Photography
Blackberry Maverick – Photo courtesy of Almaza Photography
Blackberry Maverick – Photo courtesy of Almaza Photography
This amazing duo reminded me of no one other than Betsey Johnson. From their “out there” designs to the way they described their brand it was nothing short of amazing. Who doesn’t want to be able to wear something that has a mix of old time vintage and newly retro? These pieces are truly unique and sure to catch everyone’s attention when they see you strutting your stuff down the street.
Charmosa Swimwear
Charmosa Swimwear – Photo courtesy of Almaza Photography
Charmosa Swimwear – Photo courtesy of Almaza Photography
This Brazilian based brand always encourages woman to embrace their curves while still feeling confident and covered in what they are wearing. The colors are very bright and sure to bring in many compliments. This collection incorporates hand painted designs that allow you to feel “Unique as you are.”
State 48
State 48 – Photo Courtesy of Almaza Photography
State 48 – Photo Courtesy of Almaza Photography
State 48 – Photo Courtesy of Almaza Photography
State 48 – Photo Courtesy of Almaza Photography
Who wouldn’t want to represent their hometown in such a cool and innovative way? This trio designs comfy streetwear that has a personal touch yet is still fashionable. You can pick any colors to place on the t-shirt for all those Sundevils, Lumberjacks, or Wildcats fans. But of course we hope you choose only Sundevil colors. LOL! State 48 sent out one of their classic red, white & blue t-shirts down the runway with a couple of leather Clutch Summer Wraps by Clutch Jewelry.
Hues of Ego
Hues of Ego – Photo Courtesy of Almanza Photography
Hues of Ego – Photo Courtesy of Almanza Photography
Hues of Ego – Photo Courtesy of Almanza Photography
Hues of Ego – Photo Courtesy of Almanza Photography
Hues of Ego – Photo Courtesy of Almanza Photography
Based out of Scottsdale Arizona, these pieces allow woman to get in touch with their alter ego. The pieces depict a simple and sexy style, which is a must to anyone dealing with the 100+ degrees. The collection is light and airy and can be dressed up or down based on the occasion. All of the pieces have an innocence about them yet are very mature and a must have for any working woman.
Kismit
Kismit – Photo Courtesy of Almanza Photography
Kismit – Photo Courtesy of Almanza Photography
Kismit – Photo Courtesy of Almanza Photography
Kismit – Photo Courtesy of Almanza Photography
Kismit and Jacqueline Nicole– Photo Courtesy of Almanza Photography
This Scottsdale based designer, designs for the edgy crowd by placing studs and pops of color in every piece. In the runway look last night Kismit collaborated with Verbenas’ jewelry and used a rose colored stone placed on a gold chain. It’s amazing how adding a simple necklace and a leather Tom Horn Collection Clutch made this runway look a red carpet moment instantaneously. The collection is a true testament to the saying “less is more,” in more than one way.
Woman’s Touch Apparel
Woman’s Touch Apparel – Photo Courtesy of Almanza Photography
Woman’s Touch Apparel – Photo Courtesy of Almanza Photography
Woman’s Touch Apparel – Photo Courtesy of Almanza Photography
This brand allows woman no matter what shape or size to know they have a voice. Jenesis says that her mom was her true inspiration for this line and that she wants woman all over to not be afraid to speak up. Her clothes show how much she cares about this cause. You can tell that she put her heart and soul into designing along with into each piece and each collection. Look out for her new line dropping on June twenty-eighth, this girl is truly unstoppable!
Lillienne Lang – Photo Courtesy of Almanza Photography
Lillienne Lang – Photo Courtesy of Almanza Photography
Lillienne Lang – Photo Courtesy of Almanza Photography
Lillienne Lang – Photo Courtesy of Almanza Photography
Lillienne reminded us of a modern day Coco Chanel with her personal tomboy chic look and the timelessness of her brand’s style. She describes her collection as luxury yet, unconventional which is what sets her apart from other high-end designers. Her design from last night was adorned with a sleek golden crown by Clutch Jewelry. Humanitarianism is a passion of Lillienne’s and she plans on donating a portion of her sales to various world causes as her name flourishes in the industry.
Schuylark – Photo Courtesy of Almanza Photography
Schuylark – Photo Courtesy of Almanza Photography
Schuylark – Photo Courtesy of Almanza Photography
Schuylark – Photo Courtesy of Almanza Photography
Based out of one of the largest fashion capitals in the world, New York City, Michelle Biondolillo created her fashion line with “style without compromise” in mind. We talked to Michelle about her collection and the concept of slow fashion that mentions in her brand philosophy. She is an extremely down to earth person and endorses making small runs and using organic materials within her design process. Michelle sent a fun striped blazer down the runway with a pleated black mini skirt. One of Clutch Jewelry’s signature handcrafted ring necklaces was used to accessorize the look.
Rayan – Photo courtesy of Almanza Photography
Rayan – Photo courtesy of Almanza Photography
Rayan – Photo courtesy of Almanza Photography
Rayan – Photo courtesy of Almanza Photography
This gorgeous sister- designer- duo really caught our attention with their captivating idea behind their designs. They emphasize formality and conservativeness in their fashionable pieces. Coming from a Muslim background, their purpose is to design for women who want to look modest and stunning simultaneously. One of their signature pieces is a long-sleeve peplum gown that comes in a variety of colors.
Jacqueline Nicole – Photo Courtesy of Almanza Photography
Jacqueline Nicole – Photo Courtesy of Almanza Photography
Jacqueline exuded confidence and excitement as she introduced her clothing line for the “modern social maven.” She expressed a fresh sense of youth and edginess in the inspiration for her designs. She looks to her friends as muses who are modern career- women that work hard by day and socialize by night. After seeing Jacqueline’s leather skirt presented on the runway this evening, we could easily envision ourselves wearing her designs. Jacqueline collaborated with Olga M. Designs by tying in peacock feather earrings to match with the emerald green leather skirt.
Point & Hue – Photo courtesy of Almanza Photography
Point & Hue – Photo courtesy of Almanza Photography
This particular collection is influenced by urban environments such as New York City, Milan, and Tokyo. We were humbled by Julia Perry’s sweet personality and her aspirations for her line. Her goal as a designer is to bring out confidence and personality in each woman that she is dressing. We can definitely see a classic Marc Jacobs influence in her collection and that was apparent in the dress she sent down the runway this evening.
Adoire by Saba – Photo courtesy of Almanza Photography
Adoire by Saba – Photo courtesy of Almanza Photography
Adoire by Saba – Photo courtesy of Almanza Photography
Adoire by Saba was one of the many designers this evening that is inspired by cultural background. You can expect to see globally inspired prints, rich colors, and delicate embroideries in her collection. She differentiates herself as a designer by bringing a South Asian influence to America and making her designs modern and conventional. Saba’s model wore a glamorous an olive green maxi dress with a striking gold Clutch Claw Cuff by Clutch Jewelry.
Misha Mendicino Designs – Photo Courtesy of Almanza Photography
Misha Mendicino Designs – Photo Courtesy of Almanza Photography
Misha Mendicino Designs – Photo Courtesy of Almanza Photography
Misha’s collection definitely takes the cake on the most “boho-chic” line of the evening. Misha aims for comfortability, while branding her label as resort wear with a sexy twist. She thrives off international travel and adventurism and likes to incorporate her favorite animal in her designs, the elephant. One of her major personal goals is to promote conservation efforts for wildlife in countries like Africa.
It was a wonderful opportunity being able to attend this year’s Emerging Designer Challenge hosted by Phoenix Fashion Week. The event was coordinated perfectly and the Phoenix Fashion Week team did a great job at picking this year’s eclectic group of emerging designers. Couture in the Suburbs can’t wait to see what the designers have in store! Stay tuned to the blog for future updates on these aspiring designers.
Want to go to Phoenix Fashion Week 2014? Save 15% on Tickets when you use code EDUCATE here.
Story by: Skyler Scott & Aubrey Long
Photos by: James Almanza of Almanza Photography
Photos are not to be used without permission of Couture in the Suburbs and Almanza Photography.
