It’s no easy task putting together a good runway show. There’s so many small elements that can really make or break you… of course there’s the fashion, but there’s also the styling, hair & makeup, choosing the right model, the music… I’m sure it can all be pretty overwhelming. HOWEVER, if you are going to put on a runway show showcase in front of a huge audience, you need to do a good job.
Friday night at Day 2 of Phoenix Fashion Week 2015 at Talking Stick Resort, there were some people who nailed it, and there were some who missed it by a mile.
Photo courtesy of Almanza Photography
Emerging Designers
Arae
Arae killed the show on Friday night. This designer’s shibori silk pieces are a work of art, and when paired with Beltshazaar jewelry are pure fashion gold. I pegged Arae as an early favorite back at Shop Garment District, and to this day cannot get enough of her effortless style and cool girl charm. And I’m not the only one who feels that way. Arae was recently picked up by Free People to sell her line of tie dyed winter accessories! Rachel, I know you are going to do big, big things in fashion. Continue to pay attention to your craftsmanship and quality, and I have absolutely no doubt in my mind that you will be a mega star.
Photo courtesy of Almanza Photography
Photos courtesy of Almanza Photography
Photos courtesy of Almanza Photography
Cute Like Mad
The Cute Like Mad show was one of those unfortunate cases where the styling ruined the show for me. Although I was not crazy about her main print or fabrics, the potential I saw in some a few pieces like her short black dress was ruined by the out of date styling.
Designers, I will literally scream this until I am blue in the face… do not let your styling ruin your show. Any accessories you use should enhance your look, not distract from it. Please for the love of all things holy in fashion, look at Vogue.com to see how the big names show their looks. They are not adding tacky hats or cheap metal pieces to their looks. They are keeping the garment front and center to highlight the collection they have been working so incredibly hard on.
Photo courtesy of Almanza Photography
Laura Tanzer
For me, the Laura Tanzer show was overall, pretty safe. However, she had 1 design (showcased in two color options) that really stood out to me. Her striped pants and origami top were stunning. They were modern, well-crafted, and still easy to wear. I would love to see the designer branch out into more of these modern pieces, while staying true to mission of providing sophisticated clothing for an older clientele.
Photo courtesy of Almanza Photography
Lousy Rich
This is not a fashion brand, this is a dreaming fashionista who is clinging to the dream of becoming a designer. I honestly cannot see her realizing that vision, and encourage this spirited young woman to explore other avenues for a career in fashion.
Photo courtesy of Almanza Photography
Michi Knitwear
This is a line I have never understood and still don’t. All I know is, the models didn’t feel sexy in these looks, and no one I know would wear them. I hope there is someone out there who appreciates the craftsmanship of these dresses, but it’s probably not going to be anyone in my age bracket.
Photo courtesy of Almanza Photography
Evening Wear Designer of the Year: Arae
Photo courtesy of Almanza Photography
Arae clearly had to be the winner for Friday’s “Evening Wear” category of designers (although I would consider these designers Ready to Wear designers, not evening wear). If she hadn’t won, I think I might have actually jumped on to stage and had a Kanye moment.
I can’t say enough how much I adore Rachel Levine and her beautiful collection. Keep your eyes on this one darlings. She’s going to go far. Follow her on Instagram @arae.usa.
Established Designers
Dolcessa
Dolcessa brought the energy back to the crowd with her vivacious models and upbeat tempo. We periscoped the show and people around the world were LOVING it. This designer continually gets it right and knows how to showcase her swimwear in a way that always feels runway ready. This Phoenix Fashion Week alum is one I always look forward to seeing, and I am so thrilled for all the success she’s had since her runway debut in 2013 (see our announcement post about her coming to Phoenix here).
Photo courtesy of Almanza Photography
Photo courtesy of Almanza Photography
Yen
The Yen fashion show was absolutely stunning but looked very familiar. As I chatted to other media next to me, we realized these were the exact same dresses we saw last year from Yen. With all the incredibly fashion in the world, and all the potential from this designer, I was extremely disappointed not to see some new fashion. And, for the record, last year’s show had more variety and interesting designs (See the story here).
This one’s not on the designer, it’s on the team at Phoenix Fashion Week who needs to focus more on fashion than on who is sitting in the front row at the show.
Photo courtesy of Almanza Photography
Photos courtesy of Almanza Photography
Photos courtesy of Almanza Photography
Yas Couture
Yas Couture closed out the show with some stunning beaded gowns. My favorite part about the show… the capes. Capes on capes on capes. I think we need more capes in everyday fashion… Imagine the entrance you could make! Every piece in the collection was well-made and show stopping. A refreshing sight for my eyes after the emerging designer shows earlier.
Photo courtesy of Almanza Photography
Photos courtesy of Almanza Photography
Photo courtesy of Almanza Photography
Photo courtesy of Almanza Photography
That wraps up another night of Phoenix Fashion Week fun! Be sure to tune in tomorrow for Satuday’s recap, and join us live by followingCouture in the Suburbs on Snapchat and Periscope – @SuburbsCouture.
P.S. Still need tickets to Saturday night’s shows? Shop here now.
Thank you to our incredible sponsors, Crush Boutique and The Sparkle Bar for helping the Couture in the Suburbs team look our very best this week!
Photos courtesy of Saidur Rob Photography
Please credit both Almanza Photography and Couture in the Suburbs when sharing photos from this post.
