The second night of the Fall 2014 Phoenix Fashion Week welcomed seven returning and new designers from Phoenix, Colorado and even fashion capitals like New York City. Flowy dresses, bold colors, feminine edge, fierce confidence and intricate feathered accessories by Olga M Designs walked down the catwalk at the show.

Emerging Designers

The following four emerging designers were chosen by Phoenix Fashion Week from all over the country to participate in their boot camp program. They competed to win the title of “Designer of the Year” at this year’s fashion show.

Blackberry Maverick

The Colorado Springs designer perfectly combined retro and modern glam for the woman looking to be noticed. The designer’s show included tulle, extravagant feathered headpieces and puffed shorts—whimsical pieces that might remind you of “Alice in Wonderland.” One of the last pieces was embroidered with the designer’s name, “BMAV ” and was a throwback to the classic poodle skirt.

 

Atiz

Originally from Mumbai, Designer Swati Padmaraj fused her Eastern culture into her sophisticated women’s line. She used the classic shapes of Western daywear while incorporating Indian designs into her clothing. The show included both traditional American pieces with a black and white striped skirt and constructed baby blue short sleeve crop top and more traditional Indian ensembles such as a long red floral printed cape with a jewel-toned slip underneath.

 

Kismit

After designer Delora Fuglem graduated from the Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising, she launched Kismit to “Ignite Your Destiny.” With leather cutout leggings, “jailhouse” printed dresses and tops, and a futuristic white dress with a white “Beatles” crop jacket, Kismit, which means “Destiny or “Fate,” had an edge in this year’s show.

 

Schuylark

The New York City Designer Michelle Biondolillo believes “It’s not about age, it’s about attitude,” and at the same time “It’s about making choices that make a difference.” Her sustainable, yet alternative collection included an ombré pinstriped jacket, black leather skirts and a two-piece monochromatic white look.

 

Established Designers

Phoenix Fashion Week also scopes out the top established designers from around the country. Some start out as emerging designers, like Bri Seely, and some have already launched their brands.

Bri Seely

2012’s “Designer of the Year” came back as an established designer with an edgier take on her usually bright-colored feminine looks. Rich reds, blacks, golds and black and white floral prints appeared in the collection. Seely’s signature looks included sheer flowy tops with a draped tie at the neck, tea length skirts and even a red mini dress with a floor-length sheer overlay.

 

Dolcessa

This world-renowned swimwear line is no stranger to Phoenix Fashion Week. Designer Katya Leoncio’s luxury swim line has been featured on the cover of Sports Illustrated Swimsuit for the past four years and is worn by celebrities such as Kate Upton, Chrissy Tiegan and “Dancing with the Stars” host Brooke Burke. This year’s collection channeled her Bulgarian roots with exotically bright patterns, jeweled accents, larger-than-life headpieces and sheer cover-ups perfect for lounging by the pool all day.

 

Aris Pico

After the designer received rave reviews at his Spring/Summer 2013 show at Philippine Fashion Week, Phoenix Fashion Week brought the designer to the states. The finale designer took us into the future with an edgy take on traditional couture ball gowns. Dresses included a pink couture gown with black swirled detailing and side cutouts, a feathery take on a traditional wedding gown, and an ode to Coco Chanel with a dress dripping with large pearls. The finale piece resembled an ice queen with an all-over swirled embroidery and a sheer bottom that flowed into a train.