Phoenix’s most prominent influencers, entrepreneurs and fashion connoisseurs all gathered in one central location last night for Phoenix Fashion Week’s 2015 Emerging Designer Challenge. Up-and-coming Downtown Scottsdale music venue, Livewire hosted the fashion show and pop-up marketplace with the capacity to sustain those new to the fashion scene and those “seasoned” Phoenix Fashion Week attendees.
Thirteen tends to be the lucky number every year for the Emerging Designer Challenge and it is always exciting to witness who will be participating, where they are from and what cultural and social influences impact their genre of design. Interestingly enough, there were some familiar faces up on the stage who were ready to get back into boot camp mode and compete for the earned title, “Designer of the Year.”
The Phoenix Fashion Week program is 4 months long and includes a variety of challenges, benchmarks and significant financial commitment but 4 out of the thirteen designers believe with great risk comes great reward. A couple of the designers feel as if they are at a point in their career where they now have a fresh perspective of the challenge after experiencing the industry entirely on their own. For instance, returning high- fashion designer, Michelle Hébert stated, “ I am participating again because I am now in a different place with a bit more clarity and although I’ve been through it once before, this time around there are bigger opportunities, mentors and challenges.” Zac McDonald of Medium Apparel shared a similar story with specific brand-driven goals in mind. “I really want to open people’s eyes more to streetwear. Every day the lines between streetwear and menswear are getting more and more blurred, streetwear is growing up.”
Tucson resident, Laura Tanzer or Laura Tanzer Designs has had her fair share of fashion week experiences in the past but this is her first time showcasing her designs at Phoenix Fashion Week. With a solid wholesale initiative in place and a hardworking team beside her, Laura aims to make new connections across the fashion industry spectrum while simultaneously building her client base.
Last year’s golden girl, Natasha Duran of Hues of Ego is ready to get back into competition mode after being so close to the finish line in fall 2014. This time around she looks forward to focusing on developing as a brand, business and designer now that she has surpassed the start-up phase and is well on her way to becoming an established designer.
Brazilian swimwear designer Neide Hall of Charmosa Swimwear gladly took the opportunity to jump back into the program with a goal of securing 5 Arizona boutiques as distributors this year. She is excited to announce that Triangles Swimwear will be selling her designs starting next week which is a significant milestone for the brand. “I want to cultivate my boutique and make it a great success. Now that I have my own private manufacturing team in Brazil, I have the capacity to produce much more than ever before. I’m very confident in my new supply approach and the direction that Charmosa Swimwear is heading,” said Neide.
The show was composed of singular looks by each of the thirteen participating designers.
Photo courtesy of Almanza Photography
Photo courtesy of Almanza Photography
Photo courtesy of Almanza Photography
Photo courtesy of Almanza Photography
Photo courtesy of Almanza Photography
Photo courtesy of Almanza Photography
Photo courtesy of Almanza Photography
Photo courtesy of Almanza Photography
Photo courtesy of Almanza Photography
Photo courtesy of Almanza Photography
Throughout the duration of the show, it wasn’t difficult to determine my favorite designs of the evening.
Photo courtesy of Almanza Photography
I raved about Hues of Ego at Phoenix Fashion Week last year and I am certainly going to do it again. There is just something about mixing polyester organza with faux leather to create an urban high-fashion look. The black dress that Natasha sent down the runway was a favorite although, I was looking forward to seeing something new and contemporary from her collection. Hopefully her second debut at PHXFW this fall will be as captivating as the first time around.
Photo courtesy of Almanza Photography
Michelle Hébert sent one of her classic “angelic” looks down the runway and rightfully roused oohs and ahh’s from the crowd. Her return to PHXFW program was a pleasant surprise and her progression through the fashion industry seems to be artistically driven, which makes her a unique candidate in the running. This beautiful white backless gown was by far my favorite design of the evening.
Photo courtesy of Almanza Photography
New York City designer, Michele Walden Mcphee of Michi Knitwear produced a two piece garment with a Morocco inspired flare. It was apparent that the outfit was made thoughtfully by hand and portrayed the perfect balance of sex appeal and elegance. Michele’s type of design is unlike anything I have seen in the PHXFW program and it’s refreshing to see such originality and innovation on the runway.
The production of this year’s Emerging Designer Challenge was close to seamless and brought in an even larger crowd than previous years. My preferred designers of the evening appeared to have the most experience and consistency within their singular design.
I look forward to seeing what this year’s fall PHXFW has in store after 4 months of consistent training, growth and development.
Get your tickets for Phoenix Fashion Week 2015 now.
