Ahh, spring is in the air! Apparently, so are gauzy fairytale dresses, playful rompers and bright red lips, if the 2011 New York and London fashion week shows are any indication. Also in fashion: Smiling models. Out? Pratfalls on the catwalk.
Phoenix's major couture events -- Phoenix Fashion Week and Scottsdale Fashion Week -- occur in the fall, so smaller runway shows highlighting local designers' spring collections are getting our attention right now. The season kicks off this Sunday, February 27 with SkyyFire Productions' 3rd Annual Fashion Extravaganza at the Sheraton Crescent Hotel in Phoenix.
The show will feature clothing and accessories from four local designers, a runway tribute with MTM Modeling Agency of Scottsdale, and a funky fashion and hair show called "Pretty Girl Swag" featuring Hairloks by Arlette.
Turns out Arlette doesn't just do weaves and dreadlocks -- she crafts shirts, dresses and accessories using actual hair.
Sounds pretty gross. But at least we're talking purchased extensions, not human hair sweepings from the salon floor.
It's clear that Hairloks owner Arlette Pender is passionate about hair. She started in the business when she was just 12 years old and has done everything from braiding, weaving and styling afros to crafting hairy clothes like the ones you'll see on display this weekend.
So, which hairstyles are "in" for Spring 2011? "Lots of color and really edgy cuts," says Pender. "Red wigs, red extensions, pink, mohawks. Maybe not in the corporate world, but for people in the entertainment and service industries." Then again, with tattoos and piercings becoming more mainstream even in professional culture, fuchsia curls and braided-hair shorts can't be far behind!
Doors for this Sunday's fashion show open at 4 p.m. and the models will start strutting their stuff at 5 p.m. Tickets are $15; visit www.skyyfireproductions.com.
