photos: Neil Peters Fotografie
The second time around, a seasoned crew along with new team members gets ready to unload Tucson Fashion Week (TFW), except this year locals get to enjoy a four-day celebration of fashion festivities by Tucson’s own unique and talented designers. After Tucson Fashion Collective’s launch last fall, it has decided to host what is being considered downtown Tucson’s largest annual fashion event, kicking off on April 27.
Tucson Fashion Week is an opportunity for the young, artistic, fashion forward, vibrant and ambitious desert dwellers to contribute and support their local creative community. TFW will maintain its appreciation for the downtown lifestyle by holding all of its events in and around the heart of the city.
First up on the fashion map, on Wednesday, April 27, is the Student Designer Showcase, where TFW will give up-and-coming designers a chance to introduce their designs in a remarkable historic setting at The Scottish Rite Cathedral, located at 160 S. Scott Ave. It takes place from 6pm to 8 pm and admission is free.
An element of change from last year’s show, is the opportunity for the behind the scenes stylists to have their talents and contributions be appreciated as well. The visual creativity of hair and makeup artists alike will share the stage at The Surly Wench on 4th Avenue Thursday, April 28 at 9:30pm. The following Friday an “Urban Baroque” set - for a night of mix and mingle, art, music food and drink- happens inside the edgy Sapphire Lounge, 61 E. Congress St., from 7pm to 9pm.
The main runway event, a creme de la creme, comes alive with the collective visions of all the creative minds coming together, when TFW shuts Scott Avenue down Saturday, April 29 at 6pm. Ten of Tucson’s own will rock the catwalk that night; expect to see designs by Christopher Russel of The Boys & Co., Madame Black by Jessica Huerta, Emilie Marchand of Preen, Minerva by Zandra Ann, Legendary Style by Jade Minor, Enclave by Kenneth Armstrong, Sass Knuckles by Shannon Stevens, Sandra Kafka of Backstitch Betty and Elizabeth Albert of Siobhan. Tickets are $20 in advance or $25 at the door, admission includes the opening reception and main event.
Producer & Founder of TFW, Elizabeth Albert, said, “We’re thrilled to once again showcase some of Tucson’s most talented artists and fashion designers. Tucson Fashion Week is more than just a runway show; it’s a way for the community to come together and help support the local fashion industry as well as give back to an amazing cause.”
The deserving charity proceeding from this year’s Tucson Fashion Week is the Old Pueblo Children’s Academy - an extraordinary school committed to Tucson’s underprivileged and homeless youth.
Trailing the tails of New York and Paris Fashion Weeks, (which both take place in early spring), the freshness of TFW and a much anticipated spring wardrobe and Tucson’s unique style and fashion forward scene is not far behind.
Find a complete list of events at TucsonFashionWeek.net.
