Most people out there don’t associate Tucson, Arizona with couture fashion, but last night at Tucson Fashion Week would have silenced any doubters. With a fantastic line-up and professional presentation, it was a Tucson fashion event not to be missed.
Not only was there a great cast of local designers to rub elbows with, but attendees also got to mix and mingle with individuals like Bert Keeter from Project Runway, Susan Claassen, and none other than the incomparable Betsey Johnson. In rubbing elbows with some of these incredible people, I was able to snag an exclusive interview with Betsey herself at the beginning of the night, and here’s what she had to say:
Betsey Johnson with Couture in the Suburbs
What made you decide to come to Tucson Fashion Week this year?
“Actually, my best buddy Douglas, an artist in Tucson is friends with a Daniel Asia that’s professor…history something something. And then he’s connected with the museum, and I don’t know. He asked me like a year and a half ago and I said ‘Oh great, I’ll get to see Douglas! I’ll get back to Tucson.’ I was here once before, years ago.”
What do you think it is about your design that inspires all different kinds of people?
“That’s what takes 45 years of hard work! With all my product lines now, I mean jewelry, bags, shoes, they’re unlike my clothing. But, now I have dresses that fit real people. I mean me, I was cutting little tiny rock and roll things and punk things.
I think that, I don’t know, over all these years a lot of women, men (I get just as many guys who say ‘Love your work, Betsey I’m always paying for or unzipping my girlfriend’s dresses with you.’) have just connected to the brand.
Yeah it’s just been something through press and just keeping the funny, fun, girly, punky, pretty product pumping. And I kind of stuck with my true blue self through the time zones.”
What kind of advice would you give to someone interested in design or fashion industry?
“Well you have to know your shit. You gotta cut, you gotta sew. I never went to fashion design school, but I could always sew. I learned from my mother, her neighbor girlfriends. I think you just gotta put blinders on, kinda like those horses in central park, and just go full speed ahead. Don’t think too much and just kind of do, and make, and be nice.
I think at the end of the day, the good guys finish first, not last. And you have to work hard. I always tell [people] if I can make it, then it can be made… My main design idea was make it affordable, and comfortable, and feel like a dancing costume because that’s what I really wanted to be.”
Once Betsey was whisked away, it was time to head into the lobby to talk to some designers! In particular, I was able to chat with Bella Argentina designer Courtney Williams (who we’ve featured before. Check out the story here) about her collection of beautiful jewelry inspired by different steps and aspects of the Argentine Tango. One of her necklaces even features a key to an Argentinian dance hall. I also spoke with Nicole Ele about her classically edgy, scientifically inspired line, Alkamie.
Bella Argentina with Couture in the Suburbs
Nicole Ele of Alkamie with Couture in the Suburbs
But before long, it was almost showtime. This was honestly the first legitimate fashion show I have ever attended, and what a show it was! With eight fantastically different lines walking down the runway, and such an enthused crowd, it was not only a night to remember, but a major step forward for the Tucson fashion scene as a whole. Here’s a little peek at some of the looks seen at the show, and their inspired creators.
This collection had a definitively classic feel to it. The use of stark colors and bold lines in several pieces was balanced out with the richer colors and softer lines of others. This was definitely one of my favorite collections, and represented a superbly fashionable winter woman.
This design team had an intriguing approach, choosing to focus on casual, down-to-earth looks incorporating fabrics such as denim. It definitely seemed that a southwestern influence was present in these fresh, casual garments that one could easily imagine seeing on the street.
There was an intrigue to this designer’s work that is unique, and creates a feeling of youthful, mysterious beauty. Focusing on rich colors and sweeping lines, Oceane Kim’s work was definitely an attention-grabber.
Founded by University of Arizona student Alyssa Wasko, Donni Charm specializes in eye-catching scarves that complement any day-to-day outfit. With a fantastic array of styles and colors for the fall, anyone would be sure to be both more stylish and a little cozier as the temperatures dip.
It’s refreshing to see a designer focus on applying her creativity to producing couture fashion for normal women. Elizabeth Albert has done just that with her line of glamorous, slightly sassy fall line for plus sized women. Her use of fabrics and colors to accentuate these women’s natural curves was impressive, and a welcome change to the runway.
We really appreciated designer Laura Tanzer’s clean lines and complementary color groupings. She managed to take several different solid colors and create a line that not only has a distinct stamp, but that has a bit of an edgy classiness that is, without a doubt, both fun and practical.
Designer Cybil Waite’s line was very interesting in that it consisted of many different elements and pieces, including exciting colors and different types of garments. It consisted generally of shorter pieces like shorts and skirts, with more understated colors in fabrics that had a distinct sheen. Using these different ideas, Cybil’s line showed the marriage of pragmatism and fun.
Betsey never fails to bring a whimsical, punky presence to the runway and this was no exception. Her line was bright and bold, and infused with the same vivacity as the woman herself. Ideas that in anyone else’s hands would become a visual cacophony, are somehow brought together in a way that always inspires people of all different perspectives.
At the end of the day, Friday of TFW in and of itself was an experience difficult to rival. We want to say a huge thank you to the entire team of Tucson Fashion Week who not only coordinated such a fantastic event, but who also allowed us to be part of it. It was my pleasure to attend on behalf of Couture in the Suburbs, and even though it was a total thrill to meet Betsey Johnson and speak with her, all of the designers showed well, and we look forward to seeing the fashion scene in this great state continue to grow and mature.
Story and Photos: Jacob Lowery
