Scottsdale Fashion Week 2016 marks the first time the organization has put on a show since 2010. We were very curious to see what the event would be like now that the new owners, Steve Levine Entertainment, had taken over.
SLE is known best for their nightlife events, bringing various national acts and organizations to Arizona. This Vegas inspired aesthetic is quite different from what most would think of when you mention a fashion week, but we were willing to give it a shot and see what #SFW2016 would bring to the Arizona fashion scene.
Holt Swimwear | Photo courtesy of Almanza Photography
Thursday Night – Michael Costello
Michael Costello | Photo courtesy of Almanza Photography
Michael Costello‘s name is now synonymous with big name celebrities like Beyoncé and Gwen Stefani (just to name drop a few!). We’ve seen him a few times here in Arizona (stories HERE and HERE) and his shows never disappoint. The runway show put on at Mercedes Benz of Scottsdale was as sexy and daring as anyone could want, and the crowd ate it up.
Although the brightly-lit car dealership was an odd backdrop for the event, nothing can seem to dull the ray of light that is surrounding Costello and his designs at the moment. On the following Friday morning, the designer chose a more intimate setting with a brunch of Dakota in Old Town Scottsdale to talk more about his designs and what his journey to get to this point entailed.
Michael Costello | Photos courtesy of Almanza Photography
Michael Costello | Photos courtesy of Almanza Photography
Friday night – Swimwear & Athletic Wear
Dillard’s Swim, Monica Hansen Swimwear, Athleta, Under Armour, Sun Kitten Swimwear, & HOLT Swimwear
Dillard’s | Photo Courtesy of Almanza Photography
Friday night’s show at the W Scottsdale did not have quite the cachet of Thursday night’s show. Scottsdale Fashion Week had previously released a statement saying they wanted the brands they showed to be accessible and recognizable to the public. Their goal was for you to see the runway show on Friday night, then come and shop the looks on Saturday afternoon at their trunk show.
It seems like a good idea, but unfortunately the execution was almost too accessible and left the crowd bored and wanting more. A few of the shows were unnecessarily scandalous, and made me personally feel like I was at a strip show in Vegas instead of at a fashion week in Scottsdale.
Monica Hansen | Athleta | Under Armour | Sun Kitten Swimwear | Photos courtesy of Almanza Photography
The only saving grace of the event was the finale show, Holt Swimwear. Although I am not sure their designs could really be practical for swimming with the amount of crystals and lace on the pieces, it was at least a well-produced show and kept me entertained.
Holt Swimwear | Photos courtesy of Almanza Photography
The highlight of Friday night was without a doubt the entertainment before and in between the fashion shows. With a daring fire spinner, stylish trumpet player, and well-known artist Kelley James performing, the crowd got the flavor they were wanting that was lacking on the runway.
Saturday Night – Formal Wear
Fashion by Robert Black, Shahida Parides, Ted Baker, Suitsupply, GC for MK Collab, MNM Couture, Holt
Fashion by Robert Black | Photos courtesy of Almanza Photography
Saturday night’s fashion shows were, without a doubt, the highlight of Scottsdale Fashion Week for me.
Fashion by Robert Black produced a show that highlighted the Little Black Dress and its evolution from the 1920’s to the 1980’s. I loved the black wigs and how they created a consistency among the changing decades of fashion. Robert Black never fails to impress me, and I was quite thrilled by the concept for this show as it was relatable to pretty much every woman in the audience. Although the clothes were vintage, each look read as incredibly modern and able to fit into a woman’s existing wardrobe today.
Fashion by Robert Black | Photos courtesy of Almanza Photography
Shahida Parides was up next. This designer was one of my personal favorites from Tucson Fashion Week, so I was super excited to see her name on the line up. The designer’s use of print and draping is absolutely stunning. Each look was effortless and perfect for the Arizona summer. My personal favorites were the draped maxi dresses and harem pant jumpsuits. I can’t get enough of this designer, and am expecting to see big things from this line in the future.
Shahida Parides | Photos courtesy of Almanza Photography
The shows by Ted Baker and Suitsupply were each well done and tailored perfectly. Ted Baker perfectly represented a summer look for men that screamed Hamptons chic, while Suitsupply delivered the perfect work look. I love seeing well executed men’s fashion, and neither of these brands disappointed.
Ted Baker | Photos courtesy of Almanza Photography
Suitsupply | Photos courtesy of Almanza Photography
The only show I wasn’t crazy about was the Gretchen Christine for MK Collab. The styling looked like a mom trying to be cool, and the prints and cuts of the pieces were about 5 years out of trend. I know SFW probably loved having a “celeb” collaboration line, but in my opinion, it brought down the level of fashion in Saturday night’s shows. Put celebrities in the front row if you want them at your event… not on the runway.
GC for MK Collab | Photos courtesy of Almanza Photography
MNM Couture was a real treat for fashion lovers. Their red carpet ready designs were architectural, colorful, and unlike anything I had seen before. The finale dress worn by the stunning Brooke Villone was a personal favorite from the entire week of shows. I am definitely keeping an eye on this designer, and think it is only a matter of time before we see him on the big name celebrities.
MNM Couture | Photos courtesy of Almanza Photography
MNM Couture | Photo courtesy of Almanza Photography
Holt took the stage again, this time showing a range of formal gowns. The detail and beading on these pieces was fantastic. I thoroughly enjoyed each look Holt put on the runway during Scottsdale fashion week. This brand is the perfect balance of feminine, but sexy, and interesting, but not over the top. I would love to see more shows like this in Arizona if we truly want to raise the standard of fashion here.
Holt | Photos courtesy of Almanza Photography
Holt | Photos courtesy of Almanza Photography
Overall, Scottsdale Fashion Week was very entertaining. The nightlife aesthetic of Steve Levine Entertainment was definitely a huge factor in each event. Next year, I would like to see more emphasis placed on the fashion. I think the venue choices and production quality of the show could greatly enhance the event, and draw in more of the fashion crowd versus the Scottsdale nightlife crowd.
To truly raise the level of fashion in Arizona, we need events that are 100% focused on the fashion. Throw a fabulous after party if you want to engage the party crowd. Many times I feel like the party is the main focus, while the fashion show is a nice added bonus.
I am excited to see what Scottsdale Fashion Week 2017 has in store for us. Until then, follow them on Instagram @ScottsdaleFashionWeek.
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