Phoenix Fashion week wrapped up Saturday night and the event was a huge success.  Over 1,300 people came to watch the 21 local & national designers showcase their wares.  Unfortunately, the week focused more on overused Scottsdale street fashion than on couture art.

While I’ve long supported the thriving arts scene in Downtown Phoenix, its hard to support these up-and-coming designers who try to fit within the current trends instead of taking risks and pushing boundries.  The trite designs leaned towards out going styles with screen printed and embroidered shirts and bedazzled jeans.   Nevertheless, a few bright stars did shine over repetitious T-shirt and Jean shows that made up the majority of the week, Emily Elyse and VMarie.

Emily Miller’s collection, Emily Elyse, showed a vision and a site beyond her years.  At only 18, she is the youngest designer to display her work.  While not very risky in the her art, she does show pushing trends with some retro designs pulled into modern times.   Taking a step back from the simple 50s/60s and adding the luxury details from the 40s, her designs feel upbeat and fun, without taking away from the elegance.  Keep an eye on that elegant trend, ladies.  Check out Perfectly Pink by Emily Elyse at the Susan G Koman Benefit Runway Show.

Vmarie designer, Rickie Gonzales, brought the few bits of color to the shows.  Displaying his collection both Thursday and Saturday nights, his designs have a 60′s vibe with a futuristic twist.  Combining a light, almost sea-foam green with black on several pieces added a balance that works well during the day as it would night.  His floral patterned pieces were nice, albeit somewhat blasé, and would fit in any spring collection for the next few years.

dl-couture was the only designer to showcase evening gowns.  Creating only 13 gowns a year, she is looking more to be an exlusive piece of art over a trendy designer.  On display were gowns designed for Miss America and Mrs World.

Most disappointing was Femme Athletic, a line of women’s athletic wear that looks like it was copied from a big-box budget store.  All the way down to an Adidas style track suit with the mandatory 2 stripes.

Actually the real disappointment came from the number of T Shirt and Jeans pieces that were run.  Please, oh please surprise me with another pinstripe dress shirt, untucked, with a large elaborate prints across the back.  Oh don’t forget the distressed jeans with the embroidered pockets. . .

Perhaps the main culprit is the music scene inspiration.  Linkin Park front man, Chester Bennington, ran his line of aweful rockerwear, Ve’cel.  Also with the rock and roll inspiration was Jason Dessault’s line, Dessault, with help from Gene Simmons.   Fender also made an apperance.

The higher ups at Phoenix Fashion Week put on an awesome event that has surpassed previous years, but their goals of a top 5 fashion show are failing with the designers they book.  The fashion world is never going to take notice with shows full of trends so abundant, they’re clearing out at wally world.  The reality is, PFW is doomed unless they can buddy up with Scottsdale and form a real powerhouse.  Many participants and designers are disappointed to hear that Scottsdale has their own event.

Honorable Mentions
Smoke & Mirrors (Emily Brandle from Project Runway)
Blaque Label

http://www.PhoenixFashionWeek.com