Phoenix Fashion Week returns April 15-16

 Phoenix Fashion Week, the Valley’s leading authority on fashion, will host its annual series of more than 20 runway shows, April 15-16 at the beautiful Chateau Luxe venue in North Phoenix, from 5:30 p.m. with pop-up shops and fashionable networking until 10 p.m. The two-day event celebrates the conclusion of a rigorous emerging designer bootcamp, led by executive director of Phoenix Fashion Week, Brian Hill, in which four hand-selected designers from around the nation have been preparing to launch their collections at Phoenix Fashion Week and beyond.

“After a two-year hiatus due the pandemic, Phoenix Fashion Week is excited to continue our brand reach, among local and national brands, while embracing global couture fashion brands from Kuwait, Dubai, Philippines, and more. Phoenix Fashion Week continues to be the launching pad for international brands looking to succeed long term in the fashion industry,” said Hill.

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This year’s schedule builds on the success of past years including former Phoenix Fashion Week Bootcamp participants returning as established designers. Such as JC Donaldson of Phoenix based menswear label, House of Donaldson.

“Phoenix Fashion Week has been a catalyst in propelling Arizona fashion forward, while creating unique experiences for guests. This year, we have aligned with global fashion technology company, Kornit Digital to create ‘Fabric Friday’ on April 15th, powered by the Tempe based fashion incubator, FABRIC. This evening will include our annual ‘Community Showcase,’ featuring twelve local designers and their best two looks” said Hill.

Among notable experiences is the Little Black Dress Challenge in which Phoenix Fashion Week partnered with Goodwill of Central Arizona. Open to the public, the challenge calls on designers to try their hand at up-cycled fashion by utilizing their neighborhood Goodwill clothing and competing for the chance to have their design featured on the runway Friday, April 15th. Phoenix Fashion Week’s natural evolution to offering more sustainability in fashion, led to the Mayor of the City of Phoenix, Kate Gallego proclaiming August 22 Sustainable Fashion Day. This distinguished honor inspired the first ever Phoenix Fashion Week Green Carpet, launched in 2019.

Each morning from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. the two-day event will include a variety of fashion and business focused seminars sponsored by the Arizona Department of Education and taught by industry experts, offering insight and real take-a-way tools on how to launch, market and successfully run a fashion business long-term. This year’s line-up of seminars will be led by Arizona fashion brand success story, Mike Spangenberg of State Forty Eight, and Director of Education, Alison Callaway.

On Saturday, April 16, Phoenix Fashion Week will award both ‘Designer of the Year’ and ‘Model of the Year’ Male and Female. The two winning models will each receive full modeling contracts from industry leader, Agency Arizona, successfully launching their careers. Also that evening, Hill and the Phoenix Fashion Week team will announce ‘Designer of the Year’ and a $10,000 prize package comprised of goods and services to ensure long-term brand success for the winning designer.

In addition to the fabulous designer runway shows, guests will enjoy an elevated experience that includes the new Chateau Luxe VIP champagne lounge, featuring gourmet hors d’oeuvres by two-time award-winning private chef, Will Turner. This new experience includes a VIP Front Row seat, coveted swag bag filled with fashionable goodies, red-carpet experience, exclusive access to designer pop-up shopping in the Style Villa Marketplace, designer meet and greets, live music, high energy performances, and more.