There are tons of great things about the start of the year in Phoenix. I’d argue the most favored of them all are The Phoenix Open and Spring Training.
The Open, now called the Waste Management Open, starts on Monday, January 30th, and it’s going to be a riot. Whether you’re going for the golf, the concerts, the experience or just the weather, you’re going to need the right outfit.
Many would say golf is one of the most fashionable sports out there; I would agree with them.
So take the excuse and treat yourself to some of Spring’s breeziest fabrics and update your wardrobe for Phoenix’s best time of the year.
Men:
Mix up your normal polo and jeans combo with this Zippered Pocket Polo by one our very favorites, Evan Golf. Pair it with a dark pair of chinos, short or pant. Banana Republic has a great selection of chinos.
Another place for great golf-like spring wear is J. Crew. I especially like this warm sweater look with energizing short prints highlighted on their website right now. (In this picture he’s technically wearing swim shorts… but you get the idea, grab a printed, cotton short and pair it with a fitted sweater.)
Another place I love to hunt for classy wear is BCBG. I’m loving some of their spring dresses and skirts. Lots of pale peaches and lemon flavors. I especially love this Alice Lace Sheath Dress.
If you don’t want to do a dress, grab a pair of these killer pleated, high-top shorts with a pair of wedges. Here’s one by Lanvin, available at Neiman Marcus.
Tuck a breezy top into the shorts and hit the green.
You can bring your phone into The Open now, so take a picture of you and your friends and share it here on our blog, on Facebook or Tweet us @phxfashionweek!
When a woman puts on a wedding dress, she may be speechless, cry or scream for joy, but regardless of her reaction, it is always magical. It is a moment that every woman deserves to feel. That is probably why many people were confused about what went on outside of a bridal shop that was preparing to close down back in December of last year.
Onlookers were horrified that someone was spray painting thousands of dollars worth of wedding dresses and formal gowns and then throwing them into a dumpster outside of a Priscilla of Boston boutique in Edina, Minn. Among them was a $6,000 Vera Wang creation and various other high-dollar gowns.
Priscilla of Boston is owned by David’s Bridal, and after 65 years in business, they announced that they would be closing down all 19 salon locations. The chain closed Friday, Dec. 30 2011.
The thing people could not wrap their head around was the way this boutique in Edina opted to handle its unsold merchandise. Some people ran to the site in an effort to salvage what they could. TODAY.com claimed a woman by the name of Sheila Roth managed to snap photos, which she later sent out to local TV stations.
According to TODAY.com, KARE – TV contacted Priscilla of Boston and received this statement in response:
“Priscilla of Boston has always donated quality bridal gowns to a variety of charitable causes. We do not, however, donate unsaleable dresses that are damaged, soiled or in otherwise poor condition.”
Reports from KARE-TV said that women who witnessed the purposeful destruction noticed that the dresses were in perfect condition; some were still in boxes.
Recycled Bride founder Tracy DiNunzio told TODAY.com that (her website) is a site that allows people to buy and sell gently used wedding dresses and other wedding items.
“When you think of all the resources that go into producing these dresses, and how many ways they could benefit someone, it’s quite sad,” DiNunzio continued. “Why didn’t they donate them to Brides Against Breast Cancer, or Wish Upon a Wedding? So wasteful!”
Retail analyst and author of “Black Market Billions” Hitha Prabhakar told TODAY that the spray painting might have been done to protect the dress designs. She added that sometimes, designers are concerned with their dresses being counterfeited, so this might have been their solution .
Due to the amount of criticism this incident sparked, David’s Bridal issued this statement to TODAY.com apologizing for this boutique’s actions:
“Like many of you, we were disheartened by imagery of a small number of unsold bridal gowns being destroyed following a Priscilla of Boston salon closure in the Midwest. As the parent company of Priscilla of Boston, we fully understand the anger and frustration that many people are feeling about this occurrence.
“While it has been Priscilla of Boston’s policy not to make donations of sample dresses that are in poor condition, we recognize that some of these dresses could possibly have gone to worthy causes. David’s Bridal has already begun bringing together all of the remaining Priscilla of Boston gowns to evaluate them and ensure that they are donated to our charitable partners wherever possible.
“From all of us at David’s Bridal, we truly appreciate hearing your sentiments. We believe that every bride deserves a beautiful gown, and we will continue to honor that commitment.”
*We love feedback! Post a comment about this article and you could win a PHXFW tshirt!
Article by Clarissa Tapia for Phoenix Fashion Week
As you may know, Phoenix Fashion Week hosts monthly fashion networking events at various venues around the valley, featuring local vendors to shop, fabulous speakers, raffle prizes and more! This month’s Fashion AZ Meetup was hosted at Firehouse Lounge in Oldtown Scottsdale, with featured designer hipKNOTies, and we were not only thrilled with the amazing turnout, but the caliber of attendees and amount of organic networking that occurred! Of course, PHXFW’s Media Team was out securing coverage, as well as snapping pictures of the amazing street style that night. Here are some of the fashion highlights of the night!
Anjuli Morse, hipKNOTies sales associate
hipKNOTies dress, Helmut Lang jacket, Virgin Saints & Angels jewelry, Hunter boots
This past weekend’s Golden Globe Awards (or Oscars pre-party as I like to call it) was a night full of memorable highlights, including photo bombing, on the fly acceptance speeches (cue the music) and of course, loads of celeb jabs by host Ricky Gervais. Twitter, as always, was the busiest place to be, with a peak of 6, 162 tweets per second according to Mashable.com! There was much talk about the red carpet fashions, including the stunners and looks tweeters loved to hate. Here is my take on the fashion and beauty seen on the red carpet, featuring the best, worst and hot trends to take note of!
Good
Sofia Vergara rocked the mermaid trend in a navy fitted Vera Wang gown and Harry Winston jewelry. Who cares if you can barely walk when you look that fabulous?!
One of the many lovely ladies sporting the neutral trend, Charlize Theron’s dusty rose Dior Couture gown was the perfect balance of feminine and sexy. The chic side bun and sparkly headband completed the look.
Emma Stone’s wine colored Lanvin gown and smoky navy eye made a statement and perfectly complimented her red locks, with a fun eagle shaped belt adding some quirky personality to the look.
As many bloggers on Twitter agreed, Angelina Jolie made matching her Atelier Versace gown with a dramatic red lip and clutch fashionable again.
Bad
Madonna’s Reem Acra dress and look was a bit too much (or not enough up top). Not only was the heavy skirt overwhelming for her small frame , the accessorizing of the one glove and rhinestone cross was inappropriate for the red carpet, even if it was very “Madonna”.
Everyone loves this Iron Lady, but Meryl Streep’s Golden Globes look was a major miss on the red carpet. Not only was it unflattering, but the front details and large pockets was reminiscent of a cowgirl.
A picture is worth a thousand words, or in this case, two. Tangerine. Tint. It was as if every Hollywood actor attending the Golden Globes agreed bad spray tans were a must. Sorry guys, but no one is paying for your cleaning bill for that tux.
While Claire Danes’ J. Mendel dress was chic and the back detailing incredible, her red lip and smoky eye was a bit too dramatic paired together. Her simple updo was also a bit too, um, simple.
Red Carpet Trends
Blush/Neutral tones
Headbands!
Red lips
*We love feedback! Post a comment with your favorite Golden Globes red carpet look and you could win a PHXFW t-shirt!
Article by Lauren Pfingstag for Phoenix Fashion Week, Pictures by Getty Images
We’ve all heard the tales of the frog that turns into a prince or the prince that finally finds his true love. Growing up, most of us wished to be the princess getting the happily ever after but as years went by the thought of fairy tales just became memories of our childhood. Camilla Morton has brought back these fairy tales, with a twist.
Camilla Morton is a fashion writer who has shown that fairy tales can withstand the test of time. She has taken different fairy tales and integrated them with the life stories of fashion designers. Not only do you get to read a mixture of fantasy with fact, you will also see the wonderful illustrations by different designers. Each fashion designer featured in the fairy tale also takes on the duty of crafting the wonderfully elaborate illustrations.
Camilla Morton has worked as a runway reporter for Vogue.com. She has also contributed her writing to respected names such as Harper’s Bazaar, W Magazine and Time Magazine. According to Morton, “the classic story of the elves and the shoemaker has long inspired readers to believe that new beginnings can indeed lead to happy endings”
Recently I was able to take a break and read one of Camilla Morton’s “fashion fairy tale memoirs”. I read “Manolo Blahník and Tale of the Elves and the Shoemaker”, and I have to say that I truly enjoyed reading it. The book allowed for a classic fairy tale with interesting facts about Mr. Manolo Blahník. The back of the book also included a timeline for Manolo, which ranged from 1942 to 2011. The book mixed in Manolo’s story with the Elves and the Shoemaker in a flawless way. Both of these stories were so well put together that they seemed like they actually belong together. If you are interested in reading these fashion tales go online to any book store and order your very own copy.
“Yes, he was a dreamer, but his enthusiasm was so infectious that those dreams were starting to come true, and everyone who saw his creations knew he was making magic.” (Manolo Blahník and the Tale …)
*We love feedback! Post a comment or question about this article and you could win a PHXFW t-shirt!
Article by Cassie Castaneda for Phoenix Fashion Week
During this festive time, one can not help but note that movies are as much a staple in our culture as Lady Gaga and Santa Clause. Usually, it’s Christmas movies that get dibs on primetime TV on almost every channel. Lifetime and Hallmark are two of the biggest culprits, along with ABC Family, who begin showering us with wonderful holiday movies shortly after Thanksgiving. Don’t get me wrong, I love these movies, as they are some of the most heartwarming films I see all year. However, a change of scenery never hurt anyone, especially for those fashionistas out there who want to get a head start this coming New Year on possible trends. For this reason, I have composed a list of classic fashion films in the hopes of inspiring you to try something new!
Gone with the Wind (1939)
Clark Gable and Vivien Leigh star in this dramatic film where they embark on a tumultuous love affair during the Civil War and Reconstruction era. If not for the love of drama, watch this film for its more than 5,000 individual items of clothing designed by Walter Plunkett.
Breakfast at Tiffany’s (1961)
This classic film starring Audrey Hepburn tells the tale of a glamorous gal who changed fashion forever with her introduction of “the little black dress” or better known now as the “LBD.” Watch what happens when a young man moves into this socialite’s apartment building. Oh the suspense!
Bonnie & Clyde (1967)
As if breaking the law during the Great Depression wasn’t enough, Bonnie, played by Faye Dunaway, does it in style. With the help of her hubby Clyde, played by Warren Beatty, they give these cops a serious run for their money, literally.
Annie Hall (1977)
Ever wonder where women got the idea that menswear was fashionable? Well look no further than to Diane Keaton’s rendition of Annie Hall, a ditsy little lady who captures the attention of comedian Alvy Singer, played by Woody Allen.
The Talented Mr. Ripley (1999)
Most Hollywood films feature actors and actresses with Hollywood good looks, and this movie is no exception! With Matt Damon, Jude Law and Gwyneth Paltrow, there is undoubted explosion of beauty that you won’t want to miss. Apart from being a great movie, the costume design used in the film is truly fabulous.
Almost Famous (2000)
Kate Hudson, the star of the film, is an exceptional style icon now a days, but she wasn’t always up there. Her fame erupted after she empowered this whimsical, free spirited girl who dressed like a groupie. She said hello to Penny Lane’s fur trimmed coat and thus welcomed her new found fame.
The Royal Tenenbaums (2001)
While a family of child prodigies reunite after a big separation, Gwyneth Paltrow shines yet again as a fashion inspiration this time as Margot. Her eccentric wardrobe of Lacoste tennis outfits, vintage bags and fur coats makes this film a must see for the fashion alone.
The Notebook (2004)
We have all seen it, we have all loved it, we probably also cried with it, and what better movie can you think of for 1940′s fashion? This film brings out the best of Rachel McAdams and arguably solidified her career. Do note that her choice in bathing suit was all the rage this past summer and still is!
Atonement (2007)
Keira Knightly shines in this film, both as an actress and as a glamorous style icon. Who can forget that infamous library scene and her breathtaking floor length emerald silk dress? That very dress was copied time and time again and even earned the film’s costume designer, Jacqueline Durran, an Academy Award nomination.
Sex and the City (2008)
Can you think of any better way to end this list? The four gals who rocked our world on TV finally made it on the big screen in a BIG way… (pun intended!) Not only does this film deliver story-wise, it also showcased some of the best fashion ever on film. How about Carrie’s wedding dress? Talk about CHIC!
I think it’s only fitting that we take a little breather from whatever it is that is stressing us, don’t you? After all, it is the holidays, and we should be enjoying ourselves! So pamper yourself today and go grab one of these movies and a big tub of popcorn. Since fashion is always changing, I feel the words from a wise woman on Project Runway are in order: “One day you’re in, and the next day, you’re out.” But, style is sneaky, and it always seems to pop back up! Just when you were about to give up on your favorite pair of super flare jeans, I know! And so the cycle continues…
*We love feedback! Post a comment on your favorite fashionable classic film and you could win a PHXFW t-shirt!
Article by Clarissa Tapia for Phoenix Fashion Week
Just in time for the holiday season, Prada has come out with a new jewelry line! According to WWD.com, “ the different styles span from a rock ‘n’ roll glossy crocodile bracelet to opulent, sparkly pendants embellished with colored gems or resin roses.” The new line sparked attention as the first time Prada will take on a jewelry collection. The line is definitely not inexpensive, but it is the perfect stocking stuffer the fashionista in all of us. Everyone will want to be the first to wear and showcase the Prada jewelry line. It will be the perfect sparkly accessory for any Christmas or New Years party! The line is bold and recognizable anywhere. French actress Léa Seydoux is featured in the campaign , wearing the jewelry line, along with other Prada merchandise. Nymag.com reported that Steven Meisel was the official photographer for the shoot, and the pictures can be seen on the Prada website. The line also showcases many different colors, with the bracelets and necklaces splashed with eye catching colors such as red, rose and light green. If you are looking for a neutral piece, Prada also provides bracelets and necklaces in black. This season, if you or someone you know are looking to spice up an outfit, check out the new Prada jewelry line and see if Prada is the right look for you!
*We love feedback! Post your favorite look from Prada’s new jewelry line and you could win a PHXFW t-shirt!
Article by Cassie Castaneda for Phoenix Fashion Week
Phoenix Fashion Week is happy to continue our poll series, which asks fashionable questions each week. Based on your random comments and votes, we will be giving our readers wonderful prizes.
This week, the winner will receive a Phoenix Fashion Week t-shirt.
Be sure to vote (deadline is 1.3.11) & leave a comment along with your e-mail address.
Phoenix Fashion Week media team member, Lauren Pfingstag writes:
Miss Teen Arizona USA- Alexa Zellars, wearing a Silvia Bours dress
In this technologically driven society, it’s no secret that print, especially in the fashion industry, has lost its popularity. Newspapers and magazines have been replaced with fashion blogs, online content and electronic magazines. Keeping with this trend, shoe and apparel e-commerce giant, Zappos.com, has recently launched their new monthly digital style magazine iPad app, named Zappos Now or ZN. Available now for free download on Itunes, this app not only provides the latest trends and products at your fingertips, but will also be a platform to feature emerging designers. Phoenix Fashion Week is thrilled to announce that one of our own emerging designers, Silvia Bours, will be the first designer featured in ZN! “The mission of Phoenix Fashion Week is to ‘Bridge Designers & Buyers’ and this opportunity for Silvia Bours, fully communicates that strategy. We now get to show the world what our fashion week has to offer. Now, other emerging designers from around the globe will look to launch their brand at Phoenix Fashion Week,” said PHXFW Executive Director Brian Hill. Bours was also recently featured as the official dress of the Miss Arizona USA/Miss Arizona Teen USA Pageants. “I am so very excited to team up with Silvia Bours. Her fresh designs and extraordinary attention to detail are just what I am looking for to help MISS ARIZONA USA and MISS ARIZONA TEEN USA stand out in a crowd of beautiful women. This fashionable partnership will keep everyone looking!” said Britt Boyse, Executive Director of Miss Arizona USA/Miss Arizona Teen USA. This amazing feature on Zappos.com includes a background on her designer beginnings, as well as a place to purchase her one of a kind dresses and accessories seen on the runway during fashion week this year!
I had the amazing opportunity to catch up with both Silvia and Alison Callaway & Natasha Pace, who founded the Emerging Designers program at Zappos, to find out more about this partnership and how it came about!
Q: Congratulations on being selected as the featured designer on the new Zappos iPad app! How did you develop a relationship with the brand during fashion week and how did this opportunity come about?
Bours: “I was connected with Zappos through Phoenix Fashion Week. One of the events that PFW organized for myself and the other emerging designers was a meeting, where I presented my designs to Zappos.
Through this meeting, Zappos selected one of the ten designers to be featured in their new iPad app, and I was very lucky to be selected from a group of such talented designers. I just want to thank PFW and Zappos for this opportunity!”
Q: Describe your experience during fashion week.
Bours: “It was great! I learned a lot from everyone and the experience overall. I can say that Phoenix Fashion Week was organized by a great team that was very supportive of all the designers involved. Thanks to Executive Director Brian Hill!”
Q: What has changed for you since being a finalist in the Emerging Designer competition during fashion week?
Bours: “I received more media exposure that I had before, and the experience helped me acquire more clients and new projects. Brian Hill is also helping me to achieve bigger plans, so stay tuned!”
Q: What are the goals for your brand/company? Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Bours: “I hope to be recognized throughout the United States, as well as showcase my designs in red carpet events. My big goal next year is to be an established designer at Phoenix Fashion Week!”
Q: You have some exciting plans to highlight our talented emerging designer winner, Siliva Bours, as she is featured in the new iPad application you are debuting! Tell us about the iPad application, and
what your plans are for it in the future.
AC & NP -Zappos.com: “It is a magazine style format that will come out on a monthly basis. We wanted to find a way to curate some of the hot trends and stylish products on our site and present them in a monthly editorial format that will help educate and engage our customers.”
Q: Clearly this application is meant more for education than sales. Why
is this such an important aspect of your brand?
AC & NP -Zappos.com: “The primary focus of Zappos.com is on customer service, through this app, we are hoping to give our customers additional information on current trends, top styles, tips on how to wear…how to accessorize…beauty tips…anything we can do to educate our customers and help them make the right buying decisions…”
Q: Why have you chosen to support emerging designers such as Silvia and provide them a platform?
AC & NP -Zappos.com: “Tony Hsieh, our CEO has always been focused on helping to develop and support up and coming businesses, which is how he came to work at Zappos. In this spirit, we wanted to start a program that would reach out to young, emerging designers and give them a national platform for selling their product on our site. The program is in its beginning stages, so be sure to check back with us to see the new designers as they come aboard!”
Q: Why has your brand decided to align itself with Phoenix Fashion Week/what makes it the perfect fit?
AC & NP -Zappos.com: “Since our headquarters are located in Henderson, NV, we are close neighbors to Phoenix. We thought that it was a great opportunity to reach out and look at talent from our region. Phoenix Fashion Week has been growing over the years and we have watched it develop. With the launch of our emerging designer program, we thought that it was a great opportunity to partner with them and select our very first emerging designer from their program. Silvia’s designs are breathtaking and unlike anything on the market today. The details she puts into it are exquisite, and each piece is truly a unique piece of art.”
Thanks to Silvia and the Zappos.com Emerging Designers Team!
For more information or to download the Zappos ZN app, visit their website!
Silvia’s dresses are in limited supply online; make sure to snatch yours up before they are gone! Visit Zappos.com to shop her one of a kind garments!
*For the chance to win a one of a kind Silvia Bours dress, visit our Facebook event page!
Article by Lauren Pfingstag for Phoenix Fashion Week
It’s that time of year where temperatures are dropping and the chill is in the air. At Arizona State University, the cold weather has brought along final exams week and all of the stress that comes with it. But, students are keeping their cool during the final stretch of the semester while staying warm and chic at the same time.
Haley Buntrock, sophomore
Old Navy top, H&Msweater, GAP maxi skirt, Franchesca’s necklace
Joel Williams, senior
Obey jacket, Express shirt/jeans, Toms shoes
Lauren Guzman, sophomore
American Rag patterned blouse/peacoat, Lux jeans, Lower East Side boots
Lauren Walczak, sophomore
Brandy Melville shirt, Nordstrom scarf/sweater, Seven for all Mankind jeans
Sabrina Trotter, freshman
Forever 21 jeans, Burlington Coat Factory jacket, H&M scarf, Bakers boots, American Eagle messenger bag
*We love feedback! Post a comment on your favorite street style look and you could win a free PHXFW tshirt!
Article and images by Ashley Haines for Phoenix Fashion Week
Phoenix Fashion Week was established in 2005 by a team of Arizona based industry professionals.
We are based in the fastest growing metropolitan area in the United States, Phoenix.
Our mission is simple but powerful: To market established and emerging fashion designers from around the globe to top retailers, buyers, media and fashionistas.
