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 

Mane 1-on-1 with Lauren Bates

Special offer: Leave a comment at the end of this blog to receive a FREE Lauren Bates Hair gift certificate.

Such a pleasure to meet Scottsdale-based Lauren Bates, a talented hair stylist and image consultant, behind most major runway shows in AZ.  Her success is powered by her creative artistry and her passion to help clients project their inner beauty.

Putting Lauren in the spotlight is a long list of accomplishments and collaborative projects with several big names in fashion and entertainment industry, such as Gretchen Rossi, former Real Housewives of Orange County star; Michael Costello, Project Runway designer who has dressed Beyonce, Celine Dion, etc.; Jordan Wessel, Miss Arizona USA 2014; and Academy Country Music Awards, to name a few.  Most recently she has been appointed to join the Oribe team to assist backstage at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week SS15 in New York this coming September.

To no surprise, Lauren remains refreshingly humble and down to earth. I am lucky to be able to shadow and chat with her during her fashion show behind the scenes stints with Brave Wings Fashion Show and Summer of Fashion (photo credits Desert Rh1no Photography).  

Prepare to be surprised about her secrets, favorites and helpful hair care tips.

Model: Brittany Brown
Make-up: Jessica Fierro
Hair: Lauren Bates
Headpiece: Karla Medina

CS: How did you get started in the art of hair styling?

LB: My hair stylist of many years encouraged me to seek out beauty schools my senior year of high school, I had been accepted to every college I applied to but didn't feel I belonged.  Once I visited the beauty school, it immediately felt so right.  On my first day of [beauty] college in 2007, I knew I made the right decision!  I was born for this!

CS: How old were you when you realized that this is what you would like to do when you grow up and how did you know?

LB: I was a competitive dancer since the age of 3.  We were required to take make-up classes in order to get ourselves ready for the competitions.  I fell in love with make-up and originally went to beauty school to pursue a make up artist career but fell in love with hair!

CS: If you were not a hairstylist today, what field would your career be in?

LB: If I were not a hairstylist today I would have pursued a career in wardrobe styling or clothing design.  I am SO obsessed with following every fashion week! I work on editorial photo shoots at least once a week and I am not only styling hair but coming up with wardrobe.  I've found that I prefer styling a look from head to toe; I feel that if the same creative mind does the complete look then the goal of the shoot is more easily interpreted!

CS: If you could style one person who would it be? And why?

LB: In this current moment, I would love to do Kylie Jenner's hair!  I truly believe that she is carving the direction of where fashion in general is headed.  I would love to pick her brain on the inspiration behind her hair right now.

CS: What is your favorite - cutting hair, coloring hair or styling hair (i.e. up do’s, bridals, events, etc.)?

LB: My favorite part of hair dressing ALWAYS changes; I would have to say that today it is styling.  However, a few months ago I completed the intense and famous Vidal Sassoon Cutting Academy!  Ever since, I have been obsessed with evaluating everyone’s face shape and deciding what combination of cutting would suit [them] best!

CS: What would you advice us who are always wanting to have gorgeous hair?

LB: I have a close friend that has helped develop some major hair care brands such as Bumble and Bumble, Oribe and Living Proof.  He meets with master chemists very often and just recently shared something so interesting with me.  My friend was asking this master chemist about sulfates and the chemist replied, "Would you like to know what the worst ingredient for hair is?" He responded yes and the chemist told him, "Water! The most harsh thing that hair goes through is the dehydration of H2O whether it is done with a blow drier or just air dried."  So my secret is, STOP washing your hair so much! :)

CS: What is your favorite product and why?

LB: My favorite product without a doubt is Dry Texturizing Spray by Oribe!!!  It is Oribe's version of a "dry shampoo" but it really is so much more!  It adds an insane amount of volume without doing any backcombing!  Dry is always my base of any up-do or even an every day style!

CS: What is your favorite hair equipment and why?

LB: Hmm, my favorite hair equipment...All of my favorite tools are made by different companies.  Blow Dryer: Paul Mitchell because it is lightweight, quiet and lasts forever.  Round Brushes: Touché because of the dense bristles and perfect grip.  Flat Iron: Croc for its smoothing factor.  Curling Irons: Enzo and Hot Tools because of their huge range of options, quality and longevity. Styling Products: Oribe I can't even begin to explain how amazing these products are, try it once and you'll be hooked!

CS: Since this is a fashion event, describe to us your fashion style.

LB: My fashion style...I feel like I have two sides to my style.  Half of me loves structured contemporary pieces in strictly black or white that work with angles, but then I have days of loving the loose boho/free people style; and some days is a mix of the two!  I love combining soft and hard in the same look, meaning structure and flow or shine and matte in the same look!

More on Lauren’s personal preferences ~ she is obsessed with Green Tea and always hated coffee; can be a morning or night person, always available; still trying to figure out who her favorite super hero is, but has too many to list fashion icons! And finally, not publicly known fact a second ago is.... Lauren loves to research aliens!

Like I said, Lauren is such a doll!  Mark my word ~ this sweet gal is primed to achieve more successes!

Remember to leave a comment to receive a FREE Lauren Bates Hair gift certificate.

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

Philippine Fashion Week - Holiday 2014

Like other major fashion capitals of the world, Philippine Fashion Week’s 5-day event hits the runway twice a year for Spring/Summer Collection in October and Holiday Collection in May.

Born 17 years ago at Glorietta Activity Area in Ayala Center, Philippine Fashion Week (PhFW) was mostly participated by commercial retail brands in its younger years. As it gained popularity with local emerging designers, Joey A. Espino Jr. and Audie J.A. Espino, brothers and both PhFW Executive Producers and Directors, decided to migrate their fashion ramp to its current home at the SMX Convention Center & SM Mall of Asia (MOA).

And for the PhFWHoliday 2014 line up:

The much-anticipated launch of Shoe Mart (SM) Department store’s latest brand, SM Woman, on May 29 at PhFW Holiday 2014 did not disappoint. This premier collection is very much on point, as they showcased 6 different trends:  

Neoprene – fresh and chic effortless luxe that can go from desk to dusk very easily.

New Age Digital – randomly positioned colorful geometrics for a hint of edginess. 

Windowpane Checks – a classic effect of simple black and white graphics. 

Floral – bold blooming print is never out of season in a tropical country.

Industrial Graphics – strong marble patterns feminized in lightweight fabric.

And the Resort – eye-catching bold patterns perfect for cruising or beach lounging. 

Overall, SM Woman exudes sophistication, confirming that it is a one-stop shop for any occasion, not to mention affordability with prices ranging from PhP799 to just over a thousand. My only disappointment is SM’s choice of foreign models for their poster promotion, glad to see that they opted for local models to walk the ramp.

Celebrating its 125^th Anniversary Archive Tour at the MOA main atrium, Lee Denims presented its limited capsule collection on May 30 at the PhFW Holiday 2014 fashion show with high beat dance performance in between sets.  Hosted by Bianca Gonzalez, the show started with the Lee 101+ anniversary collection that offered looks for every lifestyle and denim enthusiast.  The models donned different shades, forms and designs including noticeable details like double layer and flap pockets, embroidered signature labels, and unique S-branding on the rear.  

Meanwhile, the Lee Stretch Deluxe targeted to embrace and flatter a woman’s curve with super versatile jeans engineered for stretch, comfort and recovery yet, precise in fit. No doubt that denim will continue to be a staple in our closets for who knows how many more decades.

Fifty of the country’s top couturiers were crammed into one day of back to back fashion shows to unveil their collections on May 31 at the PhFW Holiday 2014. For many valley locals, 2 of them would be familiar from these designers’ previous Estilo Filipino affair held at Mekong Plaza, Mesa AZ:

Richard Papa who set the tone with leather and sheer panels in striking crimson hues... 

And Edgar San Diego who brought in true holiday spirit with amplified sleeves and dramatic floral headdresses.... 

Here are my personal faves:

I have been following Happy Andrada's young signature style.  Her "Incantation" A/W'15 collection is no different as she tapped into the aboriginal cultures and gave it a modern twist.  I love the way she played with the texture, solid and stripe earth tones of the "t'nalak" fabric without sacrificing the tailoring of these original Benguet cloth. The skeletal headdress gave this native RTW exhibit some drama on the ramp.

Inspired by Pacudos of the Mangyan tribe, Ditta Sandico debuted her "Camisa" A/W'15 collection, redefining the traditional Barong for the contemporary Filipina.  The black and white checkered-like pattern and pop of colors modernized each look and gave a fresh appeal to the audience. 

Jaki Penalosa, also showcased Philippine grown and locally made materials like silk, pina and abaca fibers.  Her choice of colors, sheer fabric and feminine cut brought youthful sophistication to the versatile hand-woven, used-to-be-oldies' textiles. 

Chasing Sheila claims NO ownership to Philippine Fashion Week photos. Images on this post are copyright to its owners.  Photo credits Philippine Fashion Week. 

For two years in a row, Arizona’s Phoenix Fashion Week, (PHXFW…not be confused with PhFW) has brought in Philippine Haute Couture by Furne One and Rocky Gathercole for its event finales. Let’s hope to see more of our creative “kababayan” designers grace the fashion stage in Phoenix.

On a related topic – Are you an aspiring model? Come and get discovered if you are female, 5’8” or taller with a slender build or male 5’10” or taller with slender to athletic build. PHXFW is seeking 34 men and women to compete for the title of “Model of the Year 2014,” to be featured in PHXFW this fall.  The Male and Female “Model of the Year” winners will each receive a modeling contract from The Agency Arizona. Come to Studio 3D at 1625 E. Jefferson St., Phoenix AZ 85034 at 10 a.m. on Saturday, June 21^st. Don’t miss this opportunity…see you there!

Get your FASH on, keep styling and make a fashion scene.  Visit and LIKE Chasing Sheila on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest.

Happy Philippine Independence Day!!!

XOXO,
Sheila