Brave Wings Fashion Show benefits Ryan House

The Brave Wings Fashion Show (BWFS) was born when fashion community socialites and designers, Mabel Cortez of Mabella Chic line and Jenesis Laforcarde of Woman’s Touch Apparel brand joined forces a couple of years ago. BWFS sets itself apart from other runway shows in the valley, as it not only provides the premium platform for designers to showcase their talent, more importantly it does so while giving back to the community.

For its 2^nd annual fashion show held on Saturday, June 28^th, 2014 at The Venue Scottsdale, hosts Oscar De Las Salas and Irma Deihl announced that BWFS chose to benefit the Ryan House organization.  Highly dependent on community partnerships and donations, Ryan House provides a comfortable environment and the very best pediatric palliative care for children with life-threatening conditions. It is a place of compassion where children can truly be themselves while lovingly cared for by experienced professional nursing staff thereby allowing parents to get a much-needed short break. 

Immediate consensus from the crowd of industry experts, buyers, media and local spectators indicated that this is one of, if not the best fashion show production of its scale in the valley.  Aside from the impressive designer line-up, what did it take to make such a successful show? Forty beautiful towering models; an international recording artist ~ Yasmeen is in MTV UK rising star to watch in 2014; a glamorous location with dramatic high ceilings and elegant crystal chandeliers ~ The Venue was a perfect setting; a team of hardworking volunteers ~ check in at front of house ran smoothly and behind-the-scenes’ organized chaos was managed orderly; an army of make up artists ~ amazing face transformations from one mood to another, nice job by Aveda pros; an accomplished lead hair stylist and image consultant ~ Lauren Bates was no less than phenomenal as she created 7 different looks to project each designer’s vision for their collection. Read more about Lauren Bates here and leave a comment to receive a FREE Lauren Bates Hair gift certificate.

Right on schedule the lights dimmed queuing the VIPs and guests to take their seat as photographers get behind their lenses. Here's my take and a few looks from each collection:

(1) Kicking it off with her new Heroine Collection is Jenesis Laforcarde designer of Woman’s Touch Apparel. Her-o-ine, as in a woman noted for courage and daring action. What an entrance! The choreographed presentation was bold and fiercely screaming woman empowerment. Loved it!

(2) Breazy Brand’s Silver Linings Collection by Breanna Rose Skoon, was a mix of fun, flirty and edgy cuts in black, white and metallic hues. Perfect for a youthful trend.

(3) Laura Tanzer wowed the audience with her beautiful, classy and cohesive signature line. From the front row, I can almost feel the luxurious fabrics and comfortable fit of her designs, true to her vision of a modern sophisticated woman.  Must buy!

(4) Mabella Chic by Mabel Cortez presented her Forever Collection to end the first half of the show.  The combination of glittery garments in gold, aqua blue and bright white exuded confidence and independence, a genuine reflection of her brand. Think goddess beauty!

(5) SJ Couture by Jeanne Hankerson selected the finest from her previous collections and showcased a parade of the “perfect wedding dress” to open the second half of the show. The combination of exquisite details and effortless elegance had me gushing over one look after another. She hit all the right notes in each bridal gown making it difficult to pick a favorite. Jeanne is definitely a designer to watch!

(6) AliS Fashion Design by Lana Gerimovich displayed a variety of bespoke evening dresses.  If you dare to be different, and RTW is not for you, her boutique is a true one-stop shop offering services to women, men and children from custom made outfits to alterations.

(7) The finale is definitely worth waiting for with Michelle Hebert’s stunning avant-garde gowns in collaboration with Clutch Jewelry by talented artist, Stacy Eden.  The audience was in awe, ‘oohs’ and ‘aahs’ roared around me, and wishing for a slow motion catwalk for more time to admire Hebert's magical creations and Eden's beautiful statement crowns. I found myself narrating to my seat mate about these 2 designers. Needless to say, I am a huge fan!

That was an AH-mazing fashion show! Congratulations to Mabel and Jenesis, and to all who supported this event. 

Giving is always fashionable!  And I'd love to see more BFWS productions to benefit local charity organizations! 

Photo credits:
Desert Rh1no Photography
Steven Fellheimer Photography

Get your FASH on, keep styling and make a fashion scene. Visit and LIKE “Chasing Sheila” on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram and stay attuned to chic stories and happenings.

XOXO,

Sheila