Phoenix Fashion Week 2016 kicked off this past week with a fabulous Launch Party at Livewire in Scottsdale. The fashionable crowd buzzed with anticipation to see the newest faces of Phoenix Fashion Week. As people drifted around sipping cocktails, browsing the pop up shops and mingling with other fashion enthusiasts, I drank in the excitement of a new season of emerging fashion here in Arizona.

Photo Courtesy of Steve Yap Photography

This will be my 6th year attending all the events Phoenix Fashion Week has to offer, and I like to consider myself somewhat of a pro at this. However, I am always surprised at how different the designers and models evolve to be from our first look at the launch party to their final runway show in October.

I absolutely love sharing my thoughts and opinions of the shows with you here on Couture in the Suburbs, and hope you’ll share your opinions with me throughout the season as well. Please tag, comment, and share away to help Phoenix grow the fashion scene through honest and open discussion.

Now, shall we begin?

Meet the Top 12 Emerging Designers:

Seeing only one look from a designer’s collection makes it hard to make a judgement call on what the rest of the season will look like. However, there were definitely a few promising ensembles that walked the runway at the launch party.

My early favorites from the event? Aconav, Amanda Casarez, Dineézhoon, Emily Smith Designs, and Isy B Design. Only time will tell if these designers continue to impress me, or if I will fall in love with one of the other emerging brands.

Aconav | Photo courtesy of Steve Yap Photography

Congrats to Aconav to winning the audience poll for the ensemble they were most likely to buy that evening! 

Amanda Casarez | Photo courtesy of Steve Yap Photography

Barbara Bultman | Photo courtesy of Steve Yap Photography

Cosmogyral | Photo courtesy of Steve Yap Photography

Dineézhoon | Photo courtesy of Steve Yap Photography

Emily Smith Designs | Photo Courtesy of Steve Yap Photography

Forgiven Love | Photo courtesy of Steve Yap Photography

Isy B Design | Photo courtesy of Steve Yap Photography

Laura Tanzer | Photo courtesy of Steve Yap Photography

MXN | Photo courtesy of Steve Yap Photography

Ricci JvR | Photo courtesy of Steve Yap Photography

Shelby Healy | Photo courtesy of Steve Yap Photography

After seeing the first looks, do you have any early favorites? Tweet me @SuburbsCouture and use #CitSxPHXFW.

Meet the Top 3 Emerging Accessory Designers:

The 2016 season also features 3 emerging accessory designers including Shanks Shoeware, Rhinestones and Relics, and my personal favorite, Monica Mauro designs.

These designers will work with the top 12 emerging designers to create complete looks for the runway in October.

Meet the Top 40 Models:

Another round of models has also been selected to bring the designers’ vision to life on the runway. I absolutely love seeing so many fresh, new faces this year!

I have to say, the models you see now will probably look very different come October as they approach the runway with a sense of confidence and poise. By completing each one of Phoenix Fashion Week’s challenges (The Headshot Challenge, The Runway Challenge, The Interview Challenge, and finally, The Social Media Challenge), these models get a real life understanding of what they can expect their career to look like if they win Model of the Year and get a contract with The Agency Arizona.

Challenge #1: Headshot Challenge

Starting the challenges off on a high note was the Headshot Challenge. I have to say, I thought this was one of the best rounds of headshots I’ve seen yet. I really enjoyed each of the photographers’ perspective, but appreciated the consistency from shot to shot. Great work Almanza Photography, Romen Cole, and Rizalde Sherwood.

Photo Courtesy of Steve Yap Photography

Congratulations Deividas and Cierra for winning the first challenge!

To see all the headshots in the contest, visit Phoenix Fashion Week’s Facebook Page here and tell us which ones you like best using #CitSxTop40Models.

After a great first event, I am excited to see what the rest of the 2016 season has in store. Stay tuned to see how these designers and models continue to grow and chase their dreams as we get closer and closer to the big runway event in October.

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