Opening night for the 10th Annual Phoenix Fashion Week began with Community Night. It kicked off with the Fashionably Pink Celebrity Runway Show benefiting local breast cancer charity ‘Don’t Be a Chump Check for a Lump’ that featured nominated survivors and celebrities. Strutting down the runway in their dresses, they got a chance to be in the spotlight and be recognized for their strength and resilience as breast cancer survivors–all with the entire audience standing and cheering them on.

Afterward, 12 local Community Showcase Designers each debuted 2 looks- ranging from Artsy Andreaz Floral Fashion-one a light pastel yellow and green floral pant set with a matching halter crop top, and a bright peach and green floral knee-length dress – to Chaos in Denim featuring a light-wash blue denim jacket with red criss-cross detailing on the sleeves and ‘Born to be Free’ in red on the back, and Couture Aprons- luxury aprons detailed with gold sequins and elaborate headpieces, in addition to casual and contemporary womenswear and menswear.

Established designers captured the audience’s attention — FIDM Advanced Fashion Design Graduate Ali Jawad debuted his mens collection — laid back looks including pastels with white, light pink, and jeans with gold zipper detailing on pockets and pants.

Phoenix Fashion Week 2017 Lifestyle Designer of the Year QMULATIVE returned to the runway debuting his Spring/Summer 2018 collection–shorts, jackets and shirts in olive green and white detailed with a Latin-inspired design–a collage with skulls wearing sombreros surrounded by pink florals.

The first of the 2018 Emerging designers had all eyes on them as they debuted their collections.

Nani Swimwear, named after the Hawaiian word for “beautiful,” Nani provides swimwear that empowers women to live a nani (beautiful) life by seeking adventure, being kind, and striving to give back. As a brand made for movement, the active swimwear line featured apron-style tops with high-waisted bottoms in stripes, white, navy and maroon.

Rockin Street Wear’s collection opened with one female model wearing a leather jacket and skirt, and featured men wearing pieces in a darker palette in line with the street wear lifestyle. Dominantly black with some red, leather jackets were mixed with denim, cameo prints, and plaid for a distinct collection that brings rock and roll to mind.

Models for Scottsdale-based Activ Intimates’ collection all wore their hair back in low chignons with drop earrings, and included lace bodysuits with sheer short and long capes in navy, black and white, creating a cohesive collection for the sensual woman with a few pops of red.

WVSH was the final emerging designer of the evening, beginning with a model carrying an American flag over her shoulder as she walked down the runway. The collection showcased athletic wear with color-blocked leggings in bright colors–red and black, green and yellow, cropped sweatshirts and puff jackets- a statement finale to an energetic show.

Here is the schedule for Saturday

• Luxury Apparel — Amanda Casarez, Chau Chic, Orlando Dugi, Zelenco

• Established Brands: Aconav, Christine Adar, Yas Couture by Elie Madi, Finale– Rocky Gathercole

Phoenix Fashion Week 2018 is Thurs. Oct. 18 to Sat. Oct. 20 from 5:30 to 10 p.m. at Talking Stick Resort, 9800 E. Talking Stick Way, Scottsdale. Doors open at 5:30 p.m., seating begins at 7:30 p.m. and shows begin afterward. Tickets are $50+ and can be purchased online here. To learn more about this year’s show, how you can watch the first-ever Phoenix Fashion Week Livestream, and programs such as The Business of Fashion Seminar Series presented by FIDM, visit PhoenixFashionWeek.com.