Phoenix Fashion Week 2016 concluded on Saturday night with the couture designers. I, for one, was super excited for the show because my favorite emerging designers from the 2016 season were showing their collections (spoiler alert: they didn’t disappoint!). I was also excited to see what international designer collections the Phoenix Fashion Week team was bringing to the runway, especially when I saw some familiar names on the line up sheet. The evening showcased many strong collections that had me daydreaming of a formal gala or red carpet event where I could wear these gorgeous gowns.
Photo courtesy of Almanza Photography
Highlights
Below are a few of my favorite moments from the Saturday night showcase:
Cosmogyral
Photo courtesy of Almanza Photography
Photos courtesy of Almanza Photography
The collection from Cosmogyral was like something out of a beautiful fashion dream. The pale pinks, lilacs, and whites created an ethereal runway show that had the audience absolutely transfixed. I loved the simple styling that allowed the garments to stand forward and highlighted the LA designer’s talent and vision. My favorite piece has to be the beautiful pink overcoat with dramatic sleeves in the top picture. If that doesn’t say fashion goddess, then I don’t know what does!
Mowa by Emily Smith
Photo courtesy of Almanza Photography
Photos courtesy of Almanza Photography
Mowa by Emily Smith is probably one of the most complete, cohesive shows I’ve ever seen at Phoenix Fashion Week. Of course, the animal prints carried through the collection, but my favorite parts of the ensembles were the high necklines and interesting cutouts that made each piece stand out of the ordinary. I have a feeling we haven’t seen the last of this designer, and I for one, am certainly excited to see where her line continues to evolve from here.
Barbara Bultman
Photo courtesy of Almanza Photography
Photos courtesy of Almanza Photography
It’s no secret that Barbara Bultman has been my favorite emerging designer since Shop Garment District, and Saturday night, she again proved why she was incredibly worthy of the Couture Designer of the Year title. Her cool-girl aesthetic made a big statement with edgy hair and makeup completing each look. I’m still drooling over her opening look of a leather bodice paired with black wide leg pants, highlighted in the second photo of the collage.
I also cannot get enough of her leather accessories! The fringe necklaces and statement earrings are something that could stand on their own with a t-shirt and jeans, but look EXTRA amazing with Bultman’s edgy designs. I really enjoyed seeing the designer experiment with different shapes, patterns, and textures throughout the collection, and cannot wait to see where she carries this vision in the future.
Rachad Itani Couture
Photo courtesy of Almanza Photography
Photos courtesy of Almanza Photography
Lebanese designer Rachad Itani Couture was possibly one of my favorite shows I’ve ever seen at Phoenix Fashion Week. Every look that went down the runway was somehow prettier than the next. The sparkles hit the light beautifully and created the perfect balance of feminine and fashion-forward. I loved the color-palette of the show, particularly the pale pink dresses. Those sitting next to me in the front row said they’ve never seen me smile so much at a fashion show, and that’s really saying something!
Yas Couture by Elie Madi
Photo courtesy of Almanza Photography
Photos courtesy of Almanza Photography
Yas Couture was my perfect ending to Phoenix Fashion Week 2016. We’ve seen stunning garments from this designer at past fashion week events, but the collection shown on Saturday night was, in my opinion, one of his best yet. I particularly loved the white beaded dresses that showed incredible movement as the models walked down the runway. The crystal bodysuits were another highlight that showed the designer understands modern glamour and how to walk the line between sexy and sophisticated. Each look by Elie Madi was absolute perfection and I couldn’t have been happier with the show overall.
Model of the Year
Photo courtesy of Almanza Photography
And, of course, we have to give a huge congratulations to Phoenix Fashion Week Top 40 Models Isaiah and Cierra for winning the title of Model of the Year and a contract with The Agency Arizona! Go out and kill it guys!
Well, that’s a wrap! Phoenix Fashion Week 2016 has officially come to a close. I, personally, felt like this season’s emerging designers were some of the best we’ve seen come through Phoenix Fashion Week to date, and I’m sure we will continue to see more from each of them in the future.
I really hope you enjoyed my fashion highlight reel. Going to these events is always such a special time of year for me because I am surrounded by people who are just as passionate about growing the Arizona fashion scene as I am. I appreciate the Phoenix Fashion Week team for working around the clock to bring us the biggest fashion event in Arizona and for continuing to improve the event one year after the next.
What did you think of Phoenix Fashion Week 2016?
Join the conversation by using #CitSxPHXFW
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