Arizona Fashion Week (AZFW) is making waves in the industry, carving its own niche in the picturesque backdrop of Phoenix. Nestled between rugged mountains, the vibrant art district, and Arizona State University, AZFW is a breath of fresh air in the fashion scene—equal parts edgy and elevated. From grunge aesthetics to upscale vibes, the runways have been anything but predictable, setting a tone that’s uniquely Arizona.
But AZFW isn’t just about bold looks; it’s about bold moves. Thursday night at X Phoenix was nothing short of spectacular. The evening, ignited by the electrifying beats of DJ Møya Rey, welcomed attendees to a night of glamor, creativity, and community impact. AZFW is blazing trails for the future of fashion, offering student designers the opportunity of a lifetime with grants to showcase their creations. This commitment to fostering fresh talent sets AZFW apart as a catalyst for innovation.
Designers featured were Devan Tso, Jude, Lenale, Journey, Absolute Rose, Lerma and STKY.
DEVAN TSO
Devan Tso is one of the students to receive the student scholarship from AZFW. Devan is currently a 19 year old student at Arizona State University Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising (ASU FIDM). Devan unveiled two stunning couture designs on AZFW’s runway at X Phoenix, setting himself apart with pieces inspired by Navajo couture, crafted as a heartfelt tribute to his grandmother.
The red skirt in this ensemble is a dramatic, textured masterpiece. It features a voluminous, ruched design with gathered fabric that creates a dynamic and bold silhouette. The irregular folds and layers add depth and movement to the look, giving it an avant-garde edge. Its vibrant red hue commands attention, making it a standout piece on the runway. Paired with the structured elements of the outfit, this skirt embodies a balance of rebellion and high-fashion artistry.
The bold red skirt is styled as the statement centerpiece of this avant-garde ensemble. Its dramatic, ruched texture contrasts with the sporty and deconstructed top—a red zip-up hoodie featuring printed graphics and unique shoulder details. The hoodie is layered asymmetrically, adding a casual yet edgy vibe to the high-fashion skirt.
The ensemble is further elevated with the choice of footwear: chunky black lace-up platform boots that ground the look in a grunge aesthetic. Long white ribbons or straps cascade from the outfit, introducing an element of movement and playfulness. The styling juxtaposes streetwear-inspired elements with couture-level artistry, creating a striking, unconventional harmony perfect for the runway.
For the second design, Devan’s fabric choices are canvas, velvet, and satin. This striking dress combines bold structure with intricate detail. The gown is made from deep burgundy velvet, featuring a dramatic, high neckline that wraps around the shoulders for a regal silhouette.
The back of the dress is adorned with a vertical embroidered pattern inspired by geometric designs, rooted in cultural artistry, creating a powerful statement piece. Its floor-length design is paired with modern platform heels, adding a contemporary edge to the sophisticated ensemble. The look blends tradition and innovation, making it a standout piece for any fashion runway.
LERMA
According to the designer Lavender, the collection is titled ‘EVE’. This collection is an homage to the powerful feminine, “There is power behind vanity. There is power behind the beauty. Something so delicate yet has been the cause of war. Femininity is within all. Femininity is the epicenter of humanity. Femininity is the grace of life. Femininity is a natural being and an energetic source for all creation. That is what Lerma is.
Lavender adds that, “Lerma is an homage to my grandmother, who is the most powerful feminine entity to grace this earth. A woman of great resilience. A powerful entity of confidence and humility. Where there is the feminine there is a great strength. She portrays it incredibly. This is for her. This is in her honor. Te amo nana”.
STKY
STKY Apparel is where bold trends come to life. Born from the untamed energy of skate punk culture and the edgy allure of gothic aesthetics, this collection is designed for the rule-breakers and the boundary-pushers.
With each piece, STKY redefines streetwear, blending rebellious spirit with dark sophistication. For those who live outside the lines, STKY Apparel is the ultimate expression of individuality. Discover the full collection at stkybrand.com and embrace the art of defiance.
The evenings were brought to life thanks to the incredible support from PR teams, talented models, visionary designers, stylists (Jeno Kimani and LaQuaeja Williams) and generous sponsors. Special thank you to the AZFW directors Joseph Leeds, Alex Salazar, Samantha Howard, Paola Valdes.
Special thank you to our greatest sponsor, Lilly Merino. With creativity soaring high and a commitment to fostering talent, AZFW is proving that the desert is far from dry when it comes to fashion innovation.
Photo Credit: Generations Production Milton Young
#Peace.Love.AZFW
