Paula Taylor hasn’t had much sleep in the last few weeks.
While she runs a fashion production company and teaches at the Art Institute of Tucson, she plans Tucson Fashion Week.
“It’s a full-time job,” said Taylor. “I’ve been working 15 to 16 hours a day.”
This is the third time Taylor and Melanie Sutton have worked together to plan the three-day event, now in its fifth year. The show grows in size annually and the duo is always looking for what’s new to strut the runway.
Here are three reasons to check it out:
1. The designers
A big focus of Tucson Fashion Week is bringing in new talent to showcase, said Taylor.
In previous years, big designers like Betsey Johnson have come to the event. Among those coming this year are men’s designer Jonathan Skow of Mr. Turk; Stevie Boi, founder of the luxury eyewear line SB Shades; fashion commentator Oscar De las Salas, and Marc Herman of Original Retro Brand Clothing.
These national talents will be joined by local fashion designers DeAnna Williams, Estrella Sevilla, Esteban Osuna and others.
“One of the best parts is that we’re putting our local talents on the same level as national talents,” said Taylor. “For some, it’s just the beginning. Many of them have been able to launch collections and some got to intern with Betsey Johnson.”
2. The Venues
It’s easy to get caught up with the clothes, jewelry, and beautiful models draped in designer duds. But a big part of the event is “bringing exposure to different places in Tucson and highlighting the community,” said Taylor.
The venues picked for this year’s fashion week usually spotlight art, photography, food, fashion, architecture, and Tucson’s history.
The launch party kicks off at the Moen Mason Gallery Thursday, Oct. 15, with an exhibit of works by the finalists in the Tucson Fashion Week’s first photograph competition.
The main runway show is Friday, Oct. 16 at the Scottish Rite Cathedral. The 1915 building features 35-foot hand carved ceilings. “It’s beautiful. It was here all of this time and I didn’t even know about it,” said Taylor. “I remember I thought it was perfect because it reminded me of Paris.”
The closing event, and culinary and fashion feast, is Saturday, Oct. 17 at the University of Arizona’s Old Main. Local and regional chefs will cook up the tastings.
3. The Cause
The organizers put aside a potion of proceeds for local nonprofits. This year, it’s the YWCA and the Steven M. Gootter Foundation.
Tucson Fashion Week has raised more than $10,000 for nonprofits since it began in 2010.
