Inspire Fashion
In 2009 Phoenix Fashion Week looked to introduce Arizona’s best to
the rest of the fashion world by hosting an emerging designer contest.
Hundreds of designers throughout the state were called to submit samples and look-books during the application process. Narrowing the list down to ten (10):
Stitch Connect, Black Russian Label, Rare Earth Designs, Angry One, Bri Bridge, encolor, Arise Now, Paul Lee Hazlett, Briana Linea and Unbareable Apparel.
Each designer was handpicked and competed for a $10,000 prize package comprised of essential tools needed for a successful launch of one’s designing career. The 10 designers debuted their collections at various pre-scheduled after parties.
Congratulations to all the winners!
For more information on the Emerging Designers who participated in the event and to find out how to register for next year’s event please contact info@phoenixfashionweek.com.
Angry Onë, started by Stacey LaPlante in 2008, encourages people to express their anger, let it go & get to ‘the other side of angry’. The line of brutally honest greeting cards evolved into her apparel line. She has translated her message of empowerment & respect onto women’s & men’s active lifestyle pieces chosen for their livability. Her mission: to create products which empower people to respect themselves first, others & the world around them. www.theangryone.com
encolor was founded on February 18, 2008, in Phoenix Arizona. We are a group of Japanese artists designing men's and women's contemporary tops with one-of-a-kind hand painted designs. Our artists put their individual sprit and energy into each item to bring good fortune and happiness. “encolor” means “to color." In Japanese “en” by itself means circle, destiny, garden, and feast. Our mission is to create designs that provide a synergy of classic Asian aesthetics with a contemporary style. www.encolor.net
Rare Earth Designs, launched in 2009 with a vintage 1950's spirit. Designer Leslie Christensen has created a line of women’s clothing that is casual, fun, easy-to-wear and simply beautiful. Era vintage rayon prints, natural fibers, exquisite trims and detailing are used in creating coordinating looks. With unique names, such as "Lucy," "Ethyl," and "Bo Peeps," these styles are a tribute to women world-wide. Her collection is hand-made in the U.S.A. www.rareearthdesignsllc.com
Arise Now was formed in 2008 with the mission of inspiring the highest quality in artistic apparel. We provide a balance of urban lifestyle and relaxed, casual street-wear. Our apparel brand -(pronounced BAYVE) represents the spirit of of Rebirth and Revolution. We are dedicated to forming a foundation that is socially conscious. We donate a minimum ten percent of our revenue towards the global welfare of children through the charity Humanity, First. www.arisenow.com
Stitch Connect was launched in 2002 by Martin Perez. The inspiration comes from the streets we live in and the diverse cultures that surround us. Our vision here at Stitch Connect is to create t-shirts that will turn heads at just a glance. We combine unique designs with quality material to create our product. Each t-shirt design has a story behind it whether it’s a feeling, a person, or a place. www.stitchconnect.com
Unbareable Apparel designs are “built to inspire”. We strongly believe art used in our clothing designs should be inspirational. It’s our intent to use our influence in the marketplace as a way to give back to our community through charities, and education programs to spur creativity and inspire. Unbareable Apparel was conceived with the passion to take fine art and creative design to the apparel business in a way that “empowers” the buyer and wearer. www.unbareable.com
Black Russian Label is a high end women's fashion line, designed by Joanna de'Shay. The inspiration for this line comes from Joanna's own unique cultural background. Born to a Nigerian Father and a Russian Mother in West Africa, growing up Joanna was exposed to a cultural potpourri that has shaped her world views. As a Designer, her mission is to translate this fusion of cultures into an Eclectic line reminiscent of today's global woman. www.blackrussianlabel.com
Briana Linea creates Little Black Dresses for women to wear throughout their day. This collection is produced of 100% silk, with a breathable cotton lining, enhancing the desired curves of a woman. Launching her brand at the tender age of 20, based in Scottsdale, Briana is poised to be the next hit in fashion. "WEAR WITH CAUTION a Briana Linea accentuates your true beauty, confidence is first established from the heart." (Petite to Plus). www.brianalinea.com
Bri Bridge is fashion for the modern woman making a statement. Based in Glendale, Arizona, the Bri Bridge collection is focused on delivering bold looks to women of all ages who walk the streets like a runway. Already a popular designer in the nightlife scene, Bri Bridge will make a mark in all genres of fashion. Inspired by urban, rock, and dance styles, Bri Bridge constantly introduces fresh looks and reinvents iconic designs from the dance and fashion industry. www.bribridge.com
Paul Lee Hazlett Exclusives began in 1985 in Detroit and has spread from there. Paul is a skilled fashion designer specializing in hand beaded evening gowns. His mission is to bring out a woman's natural beauty and to enhance it for the occasion at hand. After several years of perseverance, Paul Lee Hazlett designs are ready to greet the world of fashion! www.paulleehazlettdesigns.webs.com