Arizona Fashion Week (AZFW) kicked off the 2024 season at Empire Scottsdale (a unique experience in itself), with a preview of must-experience upcoming events. If the energy and artistry on display at AZFW’s debut is any indication of what’s to come, this year’s fashion week happenings are not to be missed. 

Need more? Read more: Time to get festive: The BOSW guide to fall events in Phoenix

2024 Arizona Fashion Week line-up

Running Nov. 5, ending Thursday, Nov. 14, AZFW launches “Fashion House,” hosted at X Phoenix: 200 W Monroe St., Phoenix, AZ 85003, daily from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. 

“This is a location where people can come and shop previous collections,” says Alex Salazer, director of Arizona Fashion Week. “You can speak with designers, view their collections and understand who they really are.” 

Salazar adds that this will be the first year AZFW is opening its hair and makeup studio to the public, with the addition of a photo studio and cocktail bar hosted by The Black Bar Company. Hair and makeup sessions can be booked in advance, here. 

“All of what we’re doing with Arizona Fashion Week over the next two weeks is starting a ripple effect across the nation to get people to come and see what’s going on,” Salazar says.

And capture attention, AZFW has accomplished. Between Fashion House and the three-day runway shows, there is plenty for fashion enthusiasts, content creators and visitors to see and do — so much so that the two-week event has attracted the attention of not only local media but also Huff Post, PopSugar and other national news outlets. 

Educating a new generation

Added to the draw of AZFW events, the organization’s educational partnerships have also brought national attention to the venue. Salazar shared that AZFW continues to cultivate a relationship with Arizona State University’s (ASU) Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising (FIDM), which includes granting scholarships to foster the next generation of talent. 

Designers showcase artistic synergy and multi-talent

In connecting with several designers at AZFW’s media night, it was abundantly clear that many of this year’s fashion innovators are multitalented in their artistry. 

Lori Bauman of LAB Studios, for example, brings her mixed media and artistic talents into her eclectic, designs — a true storyteller at heart — each piece evoking emotions in both wearer and viewer. 

We are obsessed with the classic-meets-modern style concept of Blase Raschke, whose work is reminiscent of the pin-up era — so effortlessly modeled by the enigmatic Ashley Betkouchar here.

Then there’s the wearable art of Tiffany Rae. Rae’s ensembles are remarkable in their ingenuity and intricacy. Using beadwork, toothpicks, playing cards and even spoons for her collections, Rae — who donned lego-assembled shoes and accessories at the media event — doesn’t simply construct wearable art, she manages to create a continuous conversation through her collections that you never want to end.

Uzoma, who hails from a fine arts background is the curator of the Good Road Collection. Her vibrant compositions are a feast for the eyes and soul. Every print that goes into her pieces derives from her original artwork. 

Rebeca Saint Fleur, whose name already screams design maestro, is the garment architect behind Melode. Saint Fleur captivated us with her passion for empowering women with unique styles to accentuate their personality and spirit. Plus, she has a particular talent for transforming remnant and reclaimed fabric into signature styles for the ages. 

Takeaway: Anyone who has any affinity for fashion should — without a doubt — attend this year’s Arizona Fashion Week events. 

AZFW Runway schedule

• Friday, November 15, Jetset Magazine’s hangar at Scottsdale Air Park: 9048 E Bahia Dr., Ste 105, Scottsdale, AZ 85260

• Saturday, November 16, W Scottsdale: 7277 E Camelback Rd., Scottsdale, AZ 85251

• Sunday, November 17, The Abbey: 302 W Monroe St., Phoenix, AZ 85003

For more information, visit arizonafashionweek.com.