Phoenix Fashion Week 2016 continued on Friday night with the Contemporary Designers. The shows highlighted several designers from around the world including South Africa, Switzerland, Kuwait, as well as designers based right here in Arizona. For me, the best part of the event was seeing the variety of fashion on the runway. Although not every look that went down the runway fit my personal aesthetic, I did appreciate the fact that the Phoenix Fashion Week team brought together so many different designers in one arena.
Luxery by Xandra | Photo courtesy of Almanza Photography
Highlights
The best, the brightest, the shining stars… that’s what I’m focused on for Phoenix Fashion Week 2016. Friday night showcased a lot of talent and ambition but, for me personally, these were the shows I could have watched on repeat all night long.
Laura Tanzer
Photo courtesy of Almanza Photography
Photos courtesy of Almanza Photography
Laura Tanzer, winner of Phoenix Fashion Week 2016’s Contemporary Designer of the Year, put on an impressive display of high quality, perfectly tailored clothing for the modern woman. After returning back to the Phoenix Fashion Week runway after 2015’s season, Laura strengthened her mission of being a sustainable fashion company that makes clothing to last (Read more about that on H-Y-M-N.com).
I appreciated Laura’s fresh aesthetic that combined modern lines, graphic patterns, and simple styling. Laura Tanzer had a strong following of fans and clients voting for her online and cheering her on at the show, and after seeing this collection it is easy to see why. I know I would personally wear several pieces from the collection, and am excited to see what the designer puts together for her Evine Live debut.
Brothers Tailors
Photo courtesy of Almanza Photography
Photos courtesy of Almanza Photography
Brothers Tailors put on an impressive display of what the modern man’s wardrobe should look like. The company offers several different options for men including ready to wear, custom and bespoke clothing, and their Friday night fashion show proved that they are experts in their field.
The fit was spot on, the patterns were modern, and the attention to the little details like the inside jacket lining, the buttons, and the tie and pocket square set the looks apart from the sea of sameness that can be men’s fashion. The audience loved the playful demeanor of the male models, and I loved knowing I now have a place in town to send all my friends who text me for fashion advice.
Resty
Photo courtesy of Almanza Photography
Photos courtesy of Almanza Photography
Photos courtesy of Almanza Photography
Resty, a designer all the way from Kuwait, put on a gorgeous display of gowns that would make any girl wearing them feel like a princess (and he even gave them crowns to match! Swoon). The glitz and glamour was the perfect way to end Friday night’s shows, and the crowd was buzzing with excitement when each model came out. A few young girls sitting behind me even starting comparing each model to their favorite Disney princesses.
I loved the way the designer incorporated contemporary fashion trends like off the shoulder, crop tops and skirts into his formal evening wear, and particularly liked his use of bold embellishing in unexpected ways.
All in all, it was a beautiful show that got me just that much more excited for Couture night on Saturday! Be sure to follow @suburbscouture on Instagram, Snapchat, and Twitter for live event coverage.
Join the conversation! Tell me what you thought of the shows by using #CitSxPHXFW.
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