Phoenix Fashion Week 2014 at Talking Stick Resort continued Friday night. The weather was gorgeous, the runway lights shined bright and the crowd was ready for another night of fabulous fashion.

Unfortunately, the event got off to a slow start with the Emerging Designer portion of the show. Luckily, returning Emerging Designers Winners Bri Seeley and Dolcessa brought the audience back to life with collections that were even more impressive than their previous showcases at Phoenix Fashion Week. Filipino designer Artis Pico closed the night on a high note, leaving the audience begging for more.

Emerging Designers

Blackberry Maverick with Fuchsin Ave

We have to say this show fell short of fabulous for us. From the moment the opening video began, we were unimpressed. The designs lacked any sort of taste or refinement. On top of this, they were poorly constructed and didn’t fit any of the models. The fashion went past costume and into a land of make believe that may exist in the designer’s mind but lacked any sort of resignation with the audience.

We aren’t sure what could have improved this show aside from it not being included as a part of Phoenix Fashion Week. We love the designers’ spunky attitudes, but would recommend they stow their sewing kits and find a new hobby.

Atiz with Olga M Designs

This designer featured a few good pieces, but was overall not incredibly memorable. There were a few pieces we liked, such as the mint cropped jacket, the sequins coat and the tan dress but the whole show was random and lacked focus.

We strongly encourage this designer to pick one theme and stick to it religiously. (For an example, see Tylor Leigh from the previous night!)

Kismit with Tom Horn and Verbena Jewelry

We feel very, very conflicted on this show.

On one hand, we loved the designs. They were modern, edgy and interesting.
But the fabrics ruined the looks. The plastic leather was better suited for Forever 21 than for a high fashion designer brand. And the fabric was terribly unflattering, even for the models.

If Kismit had done the collection in high quality fabrics, we would be singing her praises and casting our vote for Designer of the Year. Even more than that, we would be betting money on when these designs would hit Mercedes Benz Fashion Week in New York.

The sheer paneling on the pants was genius, the seat belt details were sexy, and the asymmetry and cutouts seen throughout the collection were the definition of modern.

However, we don’t think the designer is completely to blame for her poor choice in fabrics. With all the guidance and expertise from the Phoenix Fashion Week team through the Designer Boot Camp Program, someone along the line should have suggested using different materials to showcase the innovative designs in their best light. We understand there is a desire to be affordable and may even seem necessary to get off the ground, but brands like Jason Wu and The Row didn’t get where they are today by choosing cheap fabrics. Stop thinking boutiques, and start thinking Bergdorfs, dear Kismit.

Schuylark

Stay. With. The. Stripes.
They are the money, they are the taste, they are the brand.

We absolutely adored the jacket that we first saw from Schuylark back at the Emerging Designer Announcement, and also adored the vest and pants shown on the runway at Talking Stick. We weren’t as thrilled with the other patterns in the collections. The polka dots and abstract swirls are juvenile and outdated and don’t match the silhouettes shown in the collection.

If Schuylark can build a brand around that jacket and the girl who picks it off the rack, we think they could have something interesting and marketable.

Established Designers

Bri Seeley with Clutch Jewelry

2012 Emerging Designer Winner Bri Seeley returned to the Phoenix Fashion Week runway and we couldn’t have been more impressed. Stepping outside of her pastels and off white color palette to experiment with darker shades of wine red and black paid off. We loved seeing Seeley’s signature designs in shades of fall and felt it made the clothes look overall more expensive and chic. The styling of the show, which the designer did herself, was also spot on and perfectly illustrated the target customer.

We couldn’t get enough of the new black brocade fabric which gave more texture to the pieces. Our favorite look of the night was the little bolero jacket and shorts. We caught up with the designer afterwards and she told us that the fur was real mink (vintage, of course) which makes the whole ensemble even more luxurious. Even though it was one of the most expensive pieces in her collection, Seeley told us she sold one the very first night she showcased the collection in LA.

We couldn’t be more proud of this designer and how far she has come since Phoenix Fashion Week 2012. What we are especially proud of is her Inspirational Woman Project.”The Inspirational Woman Project is the beginning of a movement. It will launch as a coffee table book with 100 interviews with amazing, phenomenal women celebrating and exploring what it means to be a woman.” To learn more and to support Bri Seeley in her new venture, check out her Kickstarter Campaign here.

Dolcessa with Clutch Crowns

2013 Emerging Designer of the Year, Dolcessa, took the stage next. Continuing her journey as a Sports Illustrated Swimwear designer Katya impressed the crowd with her unique shapes and use of  new textures and embellishments. We have always been a fan of Dolcessa’s coverups and loved the way the show was styled, using the cover ups to create  gorgeous movement when the models walked.

The models looked seriously fierce in the well constructed swim suits, and the model’s playful demeanor on the runway reminded us of a Victoria Secret fashion show. Clutch Crowns, recently seen on the Michael Costello fashion show at Mercedes Benz Fashion Week, accessorized the looks and elevated the styles from gorgeous swim suits to true runway ensembles.

“I think we gave Victoria Secret a run for their money,” Clutch Crown designer Stacy Eden told us after the show. We couldn’t agree more. Congratulations ladies on the fabulous runway show.

Aris Pico

Filipino designer Aris Pico closed out Friday night’s show with an impressive runway collection of gowns with interesting silhouettes and surprising details. We particularly loved the designs that pushed the envelope with shape, such as the baby blue wide collar dress.  The sheer elements added additional drama to the gowns and gave everything a hint of sexiness while the swirl patterns kept the looks playful and whimsical.

The crowd absolutely adored this show, cheering more and more for each look. We appreciated the variety of techniques showcased in the designs from the textures like broken mirrors and pearls to the drama created with layers of tulle.

We are excited and ready for another night of fabulous fashion on Saturday night. Stay tuned for photos and our thoughts of the shows fashionistas.

And of course, thank you to the companies that help us look our very best for the cameras. Make sure to check out Saskia Salon and Divaz Grand Central Boutique for your beauty and fashion needs.