On Oct. 11, the Phoenix Fashion Week officially began. Located at the Gila River Resorts & Casinos in Wild Horse Pass, this year's event decided it was time to take place indoors at a new home.
Only the top 40 models were selected in a highly competitive fashion boot camp that included over 400 model auditions. With a make-or-break decision, audiences alike wonder why they feel such a deep connection to each design.
Students from the East Valley Institute of Technology gathered to experience their first time together at a fashion show.
Trent Colbertsons, a senior student at EVIT, shared his interest in meeting new people and exploring the fashion industry.
“I really do want to start my own clothing brand and get my creative art and work out there,” Colbertsons said. “It would be nice to meet some people [who] give me some tips.”
Destiny Flores, another EVIT student, shared her excitement about recently learning about Phoenix Fashion Week and possible opportunities to network.
“I’ve never experienced anything like that,” Flores said. “I’m just really excited to discover more and be criticized as well because I really want to get more knowledge about fashion.”
With high expectations, fashion designers understand that all eyes are on their designs. Noohra Collections Founder Isaac Santos discussed how his brand corresponds with customers and people alike.
“It’s for people with an open mind who like to make statements with their clothing,” Santos said. “[They] just act like themselves and not like everybody else acts.”
For Santos, the brand's motto “Shut your mouth, open your mind,” stands firmly with the statement of standing out.
“[It] makes me feel like God’s given me a really cool talent that I’ve been able to use,” Santos said.
As Santos uses his skills to create groundbreaking designs that advocate for standing your ground, other artists express their statements through modeling.
Logan Aycock, a young and aspiring model, shared his perspective on showcasing clothing effectively.
“To some extent, you’re a walking mannequin,” Aycock said. “You really are there to give the clothes a chance to shine so everybody else can see them.”
With only one year of modeling experience under his belt, Aycock conveyed his respect and honor in seeing others inspired by his work.
“I want to be that person,” Aycock said. “You've got to act like what you want to be.”
The admiration never ends between audiences, models and the designers that put their sweat and tears into each showcase.