Shop Garment District Runway Side Lines

Let me open with… It is always a pleasure to work with Phoenix Fashion Week. Brian, Abbei, Lauren, Melissa, Christina, and many more. You are a team of true professionals. Congratulations, last night was a blast!

It was my first time to attend Phoenix Fashion Week’s Shop Garment District event. In addition to offering exclusive clientele access to designer clothing, the affair also showcased a preview of Spring 2014 looks by the 12 Emerging Designers as well as served as a platform for the Top 40 Model of the Year finalists’ Runway Challenge.

The competitions did not disappoint the literally, jam-packed crowd in Studio 3D, as the contenders arrived at their best. The models confidently strutted down the ramp and struck a pose or 2, rocking the designers’ upcoming collection. Needless to say, fashionistas and papparazis are wowed!

I will let the stills and videos do the talking. Here’s a view of last night’s fashion show from the side lines…front row that is =)

Dolcessa

Click here for Dolcessa video

Doux Belle

Click here for Doux Belle video

d.p.c.

Click here for d.p.c. video

Gentry

Click here for Gentry video

Herbert Victoria

Click here for Herbert Victoria video

Ja'ire International Couture

Click here for Ja'ire video

LINDEN

Click here for LINDEN video

Loin Cloth LA

 Click here for Loin Cloth LA video

Medium Apparel

Click here for Medium Apparel video

Michelle Hebert

Click here for Michelle Hebert video

Proverbs by Efua

Click here for Proverbs by Efua video

Trang Nguyen

Click here for Trang Nguyen video

There you have it!  Meet the designers behind these wonderful creations in my previous blog - Revealed! Phoenix Fashion Week Candidates for Designer of the Year 2013.  We'll find out the winner on the 9th Annual Phoenix Fashion Week, to be held at Talking Stick Resort on October 1st - 5th 2013.  Also at the same affair, the 2013 Male and Female Models of the Year will be announced.

See you then! Get your tickets! Get your FASH-on and happy styling!

XOXO,

Sheila

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-eY3E8zdfJE

Buyers Market

July and August are not only the busiest time for Back to School supplies, it is also hectic for fashion retailers looking to find the hottest trend for the following year’s Spring Collection.

Procuring for small businesses is quite different from large department stores approach.  Boutiques have more flexible schedule often placing their commodity orders in smaller quantities closer to the season that they are purchasing for thus towards the end of the season’s buying calendar which is when items are marked down.

Typically, huge department stores get the first pick of next season’s hot trend as they tend to adhere to strict buying schedule driven by the scale of order thus requiring a longer lead-time.

This means that the clothes that will make you and I look good in Spring 2014, have already been designed and is well in production for the big stores!

It is important for the merchandisers to keep their eyes and fashion sense open for future innovations and new inspirations as they frequent runway events, trade shows and conventions, like Magic, in order to stay ahead of the curve.   As a huge fashion mecca, Magic is a great platform that bridges designers and retailers… we’ve all seen Prabal Gurung-Target and Lagerfield-H&M collaborations.

Speaking of which, one of Magic’s Breakthrough Designer in 2012 was Marian “Happy” Villanueva Andrada, who is only in her early 20’s. She also won the 2012 Miami Beach International Fashion Week Designer of the Year award. Happy is an all-around Filipina designer with creations boasting complicated architecture and geometric prints and shapes, ranging from bridal and evening gowns, to costume and avante-garde cocktail wears, to RTW and corporate wear. Staying true to her culture, Happy uses traditional earth friendly fabrics like “jusi” or Pineapple fibers, bamboo, as well as water lilies. Her client roster includes local celebrity figures as well as global runways and several international glossy magazines.

If you are not impressed yet, Happy is also an accomplished stylist and a successful entrepreneur.  In partnership with her sister Viva, Happy owns a concept gallery in Quezon City called F*Art (yes, you read it right!), a catchy name that stands for Fashion and Art.  F*Art is a haven for fashionistas and artists, with clothes and accessories boutique on the 1^st floor, and an art gallery on the 2^nd floor. Furthermore, services like piercing, tattoo and hair art styling can also be arranged by appointment.  F*Art is definitely another must shop destination for next year’s Philippine trip!

While the real Magic will holds it’s convention in Las Vegas this month, come join the “Shop Garment District” event at Studio 3D, 1625 E. Jefferson St., Phoenix AZ 85034 on Friday, August 9^th, 2013, 7:00 p.m. for a local mini Magic-like experience. Register here for free access.  I will be covering the event, hope to see you there!

Dare to be different, get your FASH on and happy styling!

You may also follow @ChasingSheila on twitter, instagram and pinterest


XOXO,

Sheila

No7 Model of the Year Finalists

Less than a month after revealing the 2013 Emerging Designers, Phoenix Fashion Week (PHFW) declared its top 40 finalists for the Model of the Year contest on July 11^th, 2013 at The Mint in Scottsdale, AZ.  The model search and announcement party are sponsored by No7, UK’s leading cosmetic and skincare brand.

Hopefuls will compete in several challenges leading up to Phoenix Fashion Week on October 1^st – 5^th, 2013. This year’s competition is a little different from the past where instead of one, there will be 2 winners selected - Male and Female Models of the Year. Each will receive a modeling contract with The Agency Arizona.

It's nice to see familiar faces.  Congratulations and best of luck, ladies and gents! 

Victors of the 1^st Challenge – “Headshot” on PHFW Magazine covers are Sydney Rounsaville and Denis Danicic.

Meet some of the models…

Ariah

Lexi

Denis

Jessica S.

Nash

Sami

Whitney

Eric

Emily V.

Photos by Christopher Cashak

http://christophercashak.com/

Join Phoenix Fashion Week in October to find out who succeeds in the “RUNWAY” challenge!

For the meantime, see you next month at "Shop the Garment District," get your FASH on and happy styling!

XOXO,

Sheila

See all 40 official model headshots here. 

    

Revealed! Phoenix Fashion Week Candidates for Designer of the Year 2013

Building on their mission of Bridging Designers and Buyers, Phoenix Fashion Week hosted its 5^th Emerging Designer Challenge on Friday, June 13^th 2013 at the Toni & Guy Academy in Scottsdale AZ.

Greeted by familiar faces, local and out-of-towners alike, gathered at the red carpet with big smiles as the cameras flashed, there was a strong sense of passion in the room.  Entrepreneurs, fashionistas, stylists, papparazis… it was always fun reuniting with old friends…

and meeting new ones...

As Brian Hill, Executive Director of Phoenix Fashion Week, cordially interrupted the gathering, he invited us to shift to the other side of the room for the highlight of the evening.  It was my first time to attend a fashion event as a journalist/fashion blogger, and had to split up from my usual designers/stylists company. Ahh…there’s my assigned media/press seat. 

After an 8-city US tour, including New York, Chicago, St. Louis, Las Vegas, Salt Lake City, San Francisco, Los Angeles and Phoenix, the search is over and the much anticipated reveal of the 12 Emerging Designers was officially announced: 

Dolcessa – Katya Leoncia’s Dolcessa swimwear has been featured in Sports Illustrated a few times. It was 3-digit temperature outdoors, just as hot as this 2-piece Purple Rodeo swimsuit that Maureen Montagne rocked in the runway. 

Doux Belle – Describing her clothing line as Vintage Elegance for the Modern Woman, Rachel Wagner debuted her first piece - a black floor scraping bare back sequined gown. Christina Barron is a true Hollywood glam in this gown.

d.p.c. – Dora Yim’s brand appeals to my personal style. I love contemporary, classic, and the idea of timeless pieces like Aria Evans’ outfit.  This look is in my top 5, and I would buy that navy top and skirt off the runway.

Gentry – At first look, this ensemble by Stephanie Gentry has too much going on between the layers, ruffles, sheer bubble pants, etc.  But as Kimmy Vu approached the audience, the more I appreciated the strong architecture yet feminine curves of this outfit.  Another one in my top 5 picks.

Herbert Victoria – Named after the creator himself, this HV dress boasts custom design distinct from the rest in the runway, i.e. gray suits, black gowns, color-blocking and t-shirts.  This unique fusion of geometric patterns combined with exotic prints brings something new and stands out from ordinary.

Jaire – Designer, Nekia Hattley, hit the mark! Worn one off-shoulder, the romantic look of this black tieback long gown is captivating.  Alexis Hamilton, PHXFW Model of the Year 2011, exuded confidence as she sashayed while the dress flowed along.  

Linden – Full disclosure…I’ve worn Linden and previously worked with Jennifer Lynn (represented by Jenna Podraza), brand owner and designer.  I know the fit, high quality fabrication and comfort of her clothes, and this label is also on my top 5 picks.  The gray Kumiko Jacket and Trousers combination on Kirsten Garber is one of my most desired of her fashion line.

Loin Cloth – Los Angeles based tandem, Clary Jeffrey and Sam Mascaro couldn’t hide their cool California beach charisma even in the heat of Arizona. While I found the owners’ t-shirts more unique and interesting than what was worn by Gavin Tucker in the runway, I am curious about the rest of their off-duty/street wear.

Medium Apparel – Inspired by everyday life and their free spirited generation, Medium is born by Creative Director and Owner Zac McDonald (represented by Lonnie Weisgerber).  I like their branding and message “Life is Art, We are the Medium.” I am excited to see their creative spin on t-shirts and strategy to penetrate the much-saturated market.

Michelle Hebert – Dramatic, risqué and ambitious are only a few words to describe Michele’s elaborate (oh there’s another word…elaborate!) lace work.  Madisson Brown, PHXFW Model of the Year 2012, is the obvious and perfect choice to wear this gown.

Proverbs – Selected all the way from Dubai and also in my top 5, Proverbs by Efua Mensah-Brown projects a powerful message with her signature line aiming to make a difference.   Brittany Brown of America’s Next Top Model College Edition Cycle 19 displayed this simple yet confident “fashion with a cause” in ironically complicated world.

Trang Nguyen – Two-toned sleek and minimalist design with a punch of bright red pucker and handbag... very chic and feminine. Is it Trang’s charming personality or the idea of made to order clothes that put her in my top 5 picks? Am curious how Trang moves forward with her vision and sustainability of her line.

There you have it! I am thrilled for these 12 competitors and wish them all the best as they compete for the Designer of the Year 2013 with a cash prize of $10,000.  Each designer gets a chance to showcase its collection during the 9^th Annual Phoenix Fashion Week taking place October 1^st -5^th, 2013. 

Agree or disagree with my selections? Which ones are your favorites? 

Finally, KUDOS to the amazing Phoenix Fashion Week team behind the scene for the successful affair!

Thanks for stopping by.  Get your FASH on and happy styling!

XOXO,
Sheila