Tucson Fashion Week will hit the scene this fall in a glorious three-day blaze of style, art, celebrities and cuisine. Creative Directors Paula Taylor and Melanie Sutton of the House of PM have taken Tucson Fashion Week to the next level and are committed to the idea that through fashion events, charitable partnerships, unique experiences and iconic collaborations, Tucson will take its place as a key player on the national fashion and retail landscape.
To that end, they have produced a series of outstanding events for Tucson Fashion Week that will take place October 17 – 19 at three distinct venues. Tucson Fashion Week will provide a professional platform for emerging designers, independent retailers and established companies to showcase their work locally and nationally to consumers, buyers and industry leaders without leaving their own backyard.
All participants will take place in a competitive professional show and be provided with constructive feedback. The winners can expect prizes such as cash awards, scholarship funds, and meetings with designers, manufacturers and business people. In addition to expanding the creative and business platforms for designers, hairstylists, and makeup artists, TFW uniquely combines creative culinary efforts with fashion. Here is a snapshot of the week:
Designer Fashion Presentation and Student Textile Competition
Tucson Lifestyle Desert Art Museum
5:30 – 8:30 p.m. Thursday, October 17
This event will be a special gathering of Tucson Fashion week’s creative team, sponsors, designers and guests at the newly opened beautiful Tucson Lifestyle Desert Art Museum. Guests will have an opportunity to view the museum’s historic collection of Native American art and textiles as well as a textile competition showcasing exceptional fabric designs created by students at Pima Community College and the Art Institute of Tucson. An inspired fashion presentation will feature the works of local designers Jan Traficanti of Belsita Couture, Esteban Osuna, and Desert Vintage, a local eclectic vintage clothing shop. Guests can enjoy hors d’oeuvres and wine throughout the evening.
General Admission for Thursday’s reception is $35.00 or $25.00 with a valid student ID.
Premiere Runway & Ensemble Presentation Featuring Celebrity Guest American Designer Betsey Johnson
Tucson Museum of Art
Friday, October 18
5:30 p.m. – Inspired Icon Event and Platinum Package Holders
6:30 p.m. – General Admission
This extraordinary evening begins with the “Inspired Icon” Moveable Feast, designed to engage the senses while telling a story. Highlighting the talents of some of Tucson’s top mixologists, Master Chefs and restaurants including Albert Hall, Daniel Scordato, Jim Murphy, Bruce Yim of Hacienda del Sol, Café Ala Cart and Penca, guests will enjoy cocktails and culinary creations inspired by original Betsey Johnson collections.
A premiere presentation and runway show sponsored by Mercedes Benz of Tucson will follow, showcasing the collections of nationally renowned designers Betsey Johnson and Donni Charm as well as that of emerging local and regional designers, Cybil White of Julia Love, Laura Tanzer, and Elizabeth Denneau (Albert) of Candy Strike. Fringe Hair Studio will provide hair and makeup. Models will be provided by the Ford Robert Black Agency.
The majority of the proceeds from this evening’s event will benefit the UA Terry J. Lundgren Center for Retailing and the Center for American Culture & Ideas to provide scholarship funding. General admission and premiere tickets will also be sold for those not attending the Inspired Icon event.
General Admission for Friday’s event is $35.00 or $25.00 with a valid student ID. Premiere Runway seating is $70.00, and VIP Tickets for the “Inspired Icon” Moveable Feast with guest designer Betsy Johnson are $150.00.
The Runway Wrap-up & Fashion Presentation Awards Party Featuring Celebrity Guest Designer Bert Keeter from Project Runway
La Encantada
4 – 7 p.m. Saturday, October 19
It’s a wrap! An intimate runway event and party at La Encantada will feature national designer Nicholas K, national children’s designer Rebecca Gold and her “Love Jay Girls” collection, local retailer and designer Heather Lindquist of Tonaituh, and Bowman & Hock. The evening will end with special celebrity guest designer Bert Keeter from the popular Project Runway. Awards will be presented to the winners of Friday’s Premiere Runway and Ensemble event. Some of Tucson’s best restaurants will provide food for the guests. Shlomo & Vito’s will host an after party.
The Marketplace
Thursday, Friday & Saturday, October 17 – 19
At Tucson Fashion Week, there will be a collective of unique retailers and designers that will have a presence at each event, including Bella Argentina, Betsie G Design House, ModGirl Boutique, Orange Design LLC, Ozma Atelier, Patania Sterling Silver and more. To learn about the Marketplace, visit: http://www.tucsonfashionweek.com/marketplace.
A complete listing of all Tucson Fashion Week participating designers can be found at http://www.tucsonfashionweek.com
