With New York Fashion Week behind us, many smaller "fashion weeks" are taking place around the US. Scottsdale Fashion Week, while not exactly a small undertaking, would fall into this category. If it wasn't in Scottsdale, Arizona. Scottsdale is known for having its own style and flair, and is a place where you might even have a fashion model as your psychotherapist.
Last Thursday, March 2, Scottsdale Fashion Week (SFW) kicked-off their fashion festivities at Mercedes-Benz of Scottsdale with a show by London-based designer Zandra Rhodes – the only fashion designer to ever be made a Commander of the British Empire in 1997 for her contributions to textiles and fashion.
Fashion lecture and beauty event
The following morning (March 3), Rhodes gave a fashion lecture to a brunch group at the upscale Dakota Bar and Grill in Scottsdale. She was joined by a demonstration by famed makeup artist Michael Franco, who explained his techniques for making models beautiful.
Laurel Dewitt, a designer specializing in using lightweight, hand-cut metals to make dresses and accessories from, was also present and had a Q&A session with the audience during the two-hour event while two models demonstrated her finished work. The event was very informative and was attended by dozens of fashionistas.
After brunch, he entertainment continued with SFW’s “Splash Into Beauty” event, where buyers and vendors mingled and had time to discuss and shop some of the amazing deals available to SFW guests.
This was held at the W Hotel Scottsdale, on the pool deck in the shade. Numerous vendors offered great deals on everything fashion-related: services such as tanning (and waxing!), beauty supplies like lotions, shampoos, makeup, and a seemingly endless supply of perfumes and smell-good items.
Friday night, the pool deck at the W Scottsdale was the location for the two-hour active and swimwear show (“Fashion-A-Ball”).
Bikini’s, one-pieces, thongs, and everything in between were represented in this evening of “less is more.”
Pieces showcased were from 2GG Apparel; Yandy.com; A.L.C.; Macy’s; Amy, Inc.; Derek Lam/IO Crosby; Goldsheep; Marissa Webb; Six 02; and Amanda Perna.
Weekend designer shows
On Saturday, March 4, SFW’s “Metal+Mirrors” event was four full designer shows and was a flashy explosion of style, color and sound, with garments made of polished metal with futuristic designs.
Livewire in Scottsdale hosted the event, and they did not disappoint. This is the pinnacle catwalk event of SFW, and it included shows by Becki Coakley, Laurel Dewitt, George Styler, and Allie Teilz. Teilz also stood in for a live DJ set after her show.
On Sunday evening doors opened at 6:00 pm for HairWars. This show pitted some of the best and most famous salons against each other in an all-out battle of the fittest. Many went completely overboard, with hairstyles standing several feet high or more. Creativity was essential, so these models were in themes such as the Nutcracker, the Cheshire Cat, and many other story-book characters. A complete list of Salons and Stylists was not available at press time.
Be sure to check social media and your favorite search engine for SFW photos and more details about the events.
