Popular West Coast designers — two of them from Palm Springs — propelled the sixth annual Fashion Week El Paseo, drawing record-breaking crowds to the heart of Palm Desert’s most luxurious shopping district.
Oscar de la Renta, Alexander McQueen, Piazza Sempione, and Diane Von Furstenberg were among the designers featured in the Best of Saks Fifth Avenue, followed by the Runway Bar event that showcased designers cherry-picked by 16 El Paseo retailers. The vibe changed dramatically by day three, when Denise Robergé skewered politicians and tackled social issues through innovative fashion, larger-than-life photo projections, and eight poignant musical selections. The standing-room-only Project Runway show featured three finalists from season eight — standout Mondo Guerra, local favorite Michael Costello, and Christopher Collins — who debuted new collections for the event. Emerging designers from Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising offered a variety of fresh designs, while Trina Turk demonstrated the universal appeal of the colorfully patterned retro swim and loungewear inspired by the Palm Springs aesthetic. The week’s marquee designer, Oliver Tolentino, presented a jaw-dropping show of eco-friendly cocktail dresses, evening gowns, and bridal wear. In addition to the runway shows (and the pre- and after parties), Fashion Week El Paseo partnered with about a dozen hair and makeup salons and day spas for the popular Style & Beauty Bash. Read on for complete coverage of Fashion Week, and visit www.fashionweekelpaseo.com to view videos and many more photographs from all the events. |
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THE EVENTS |
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Style & Beauty Bash — Sunday March 20, 2011 |
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THE DESIGNERS |
THE STORES |
Designer of The Week Palm Springs Eternal Rocking Robergé Spectacular Project Runway FIDM – Debut 2011 |
The Best of Saks Fifth Avenue Fashion Runway Bar |
THE SPONSORS |
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Palm Springs Life Magazine |
Farley Interlocking Pavingstones |
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