Known for nightlife events in Scottsdale and around the Valley, Steve LeVine Entertainment has teamed up with J Group Media and Ford/Robert Black Agency to resurrect the previously annual fashion event, which had its last show in 2010.
For 2016, the event will have a nightlife and entertainment edge, with performers and DJs sharing the spotlight with designers.
Jamie Morris LeVine says the right opportunity came along at the right time to relaunch Scottsdale Fashion Week, which will take place around Scottsdale's entertainment district from Thursday, March 3, through Monday, March 7.
The goal, LeVine says, is to put on a fashion event where attendees can see a dress they love and then buy that dress at a trunk show. "We tried to identify brands that people can relate to," LeVine says.
Which is why the lineup includes designers that just might be in your closet already. That's the main difference between Scottsdale and Phoenix's fashion weeks, she says.
"They do a great job," she says of Phoenix Fashion Week, "but that's about the emerging and up and coming folks in that fashion space. The difference is that we're tapping into those designers who are already established. You can go to a store or boutique and find those pieces."
While opening night's featured designer doesn't exactly fit that bill, he does have plenty of name recognition.
Kicking off Scottsdale Fashion Week on Thursday is a runway show from Project Runway alum Michael Costello at Mercedes-Benz of Scottsdale, 4725 North Scottsdale Road. He's designed looks for pop stars including Gwen Stefani, Beyoncé, and Lady Gaga.
"His gowns are beautiful," LeVine says of what he's planning to show on the runway. "It's going to be a very big wow factor."
An free opening night after-party will follow at W Scottsdale featuring '90s hip-hop cover band Vanilla Spice.
On Friday, Costello hosts a brunch at Dakota. That evening at W Scottsdale, attendees can expect a showing of "what's hot in swimwear and athletic wear," LeVine says. The lineup will feature designs from Trina Turk, Michael Kors, and Jessica Simpson presented by Dillard's, as well as swimwear and athletic wearables from Under Armor, Athleta, and former Real Housewives of Orange County Gretchen Rossi and Lizzie Rovsek's collaborative bikini line for Sun Kitten Swimwear. Kelley James will perform, and LeVine says baseballers in town for spring training are expected to make cameos.
Trunk shows go down on Saturday at the W's rooftop pool deck, where attendees can purchase designs from Rossi and Rovsek's line, MK Collab, and Holt Swimwear. That night, a carousel-themed event takes place at Livewire, where Suitsupply, Fashion by Robert Black, MNM Couture, and Shahida Parides will present looks. Vanilla Spice and DJ Brooke Evers provide the soundtrack.
Everything wraps with a party on Monday evening at Livewire, featuring Charlie Puth.
Scottsdale Fashion Week runs from March 3 through 7 and takes place at various locations, including W Scottsdale, Livewire, Dakota, and Mercedes-Benz of Scottsdale. Ticket prices vary, and some events are free. For complete details and a full schedule, see Scottsdale Fashion Week's website.
