Putting Tucson on the Fashion Map

Handmade designer fashion jewelry by Bowman & Hock will be showcased during Tucson Fashion Week.
photo: Ali Megan

This month, Tucson fashion enthusiasts can enjoy one of the most awaited events of the year.

Tucson Fashion Week (TFW) hits the scene Oct. 17-19, in a glorious three day blaze of style, art and cuisine. Celebrity guest appearances by designer Betsey Johnson and Project Runway designer Bert Keeter are the icing on the cake.  Through fashion events, charitable partnerships, unique experiences and iconic collaborations, TFW is putting Tucson on the national fashion and retail landscape.

Creative Directors Paula Taylor and Melanie Sutton of the House of PM have taken the event to the next level by producing a series of outstanding showcases that provide a professional platform for emerging designers, independent retailers and established companies to present their work locally and nationally to consumers, buyers and industry leaders.

Tucson Fashion Week kicks off on Oct. 17 with a special gathering of its creative team, sponsors, designers and guests at the beautiful Tucson Desert Art Museum, 7000 E. Tanque Verde Rd. Guests will have the opportunity to view the museum’s historic collection of Native American art and textiles as well as the Designer Fashion Presentation and Student Textile Competition, showcasing exceptional fabric designs created by students from Pima Community College, and the Art Institute of Tucson. An inspired fashion presentation will feature the works of local designers, Jan Traficanti of Belsita Couture, Esteban Osuna, and Desert Vintage.

The second evening, Oct. 18, hosts the Premiere Runway & Ensemble Presentation at the Tucson Museum of Art, 140 N. Main Ave., benefiting The University of Arizona Terry J. Lundgren Center for Retailing and The Center for American Culture & Ideas. This extraordinary evening begins with The Lounge by Playground featuring fun food and drinks and fashion presentations installed by local designers teamed up with hair and makeup artists and a mixologist. Highlighting the talents of some of Tucson’s top mixologists, guests will enjoy cocktails and culinary creations inspired by original Betsey Johnson collections. A premiere presentation and runway show sponsored by Mercedes Benz of Tucson will follow, showcasing the collections of nationally renowned designers Betsey Johnson, Donni Charm and Frans Braveria as well as that of emerging local and regional designers, Cybil White of Julia Love, Laura Tanzer, Elizabeth Denneau (Albert) of Candy Strike, Too Strong USA and Oceana Kim.

The last evening, Oct. 19, is The Runway Wrap-Up & Fashion Presentation Awards Party at La Encantada, 2905 E. Skyline Dr., highlighting national designer Nicholas K, emerging designers, local retailers and celebrity guest designer Bert Keeter from Project Runway. Awards will be presented to the winners of Friday’s Premiere Runway and Ensemble event.

For tickets, times and complete details, visit TucsonFashionWeek.com.

Category: FASHION