DESIGNERS
FEATURED RETAILER //
The first Buffalo Exchange opened in 1974 in Tucson, Arizona by Kerstin and Spencer Block. To our knowledge, this was the very first store that bought, sold, traded and took clothing items and accessories on consignment. Kerstin, being Swedish, thought the word 'Buffalo' was very American. And since the store was going to be an 'Exchange,' the store's name was born. The store was in a 450 square foot space that had been an old union office on a side street near the University of Arizona. Kerstin's love of fashion and thrill in finding a bargain combined to create the company that now has 45 stores and 3 franchises in 17 states, with $81.6 million a year in revenue (as of Dec 2012). Buffalo Exchange is an independent and privately held company and the founders manage the day-to-day business. Kerstin and her daughter Rebecca still own and run Buffalo Exchange out of Tucson.
BUFFALO EXCHANGE
WEBSITE
FEATURED ARIZONA RUNWAY DESIGNERS //
Before Christina Cornwell became a designer she realized she had a connection with fashion. She would find herself observing the way people dressed and would ask herself why they dressed in that particular way. She would also find herself deconstructing clothes to discover how each garment worked. It was then when it hit her that she had a love for more than just clothing she had a love for fashion and design. As a designer, Christina wants to reach out to young women and show them that being pretty is not just about their bodies, but rather about how they present themselves. This philosophy inspired her to start her own fashion label, Pretty Lady. Christina believes that in today’s society girls seem to confuse sexy with pretty and she wishes to help correct that misconception through her designs. Pretty Lady is all about making young women redefine pretty, as well as feel pretty, and be pretty.
Christina’s Fall 14/15 Timeless Elegance Collection is all about finding and embracing the proper lady inside each woman. This collection was inspired by the total London experience, encompassing the fantasy of living like a royal. The Timeless Elegance Collection gives average women a chance to feel and be glamorous by enhancing the proper ladies they truly are. Pretty Lady Apparel is about giving young women the opportunity to make positive choices with fashion and clothing. When a woman wears a Pretty Lady design she reveals her confidence rather than her skin.
CHRISTINA CORNWELL
WEBSITE
LAURA TANZER
WEBSITE
Laura Tanzer designs modern sophisticated clothing for modern sophisticated women. She has a remarkable talent for blending exquisite textures and luxurious fabrics with her own digital prints, resulting in a unique symphony of fashion, beauty, and distinctive style, accompanied with excellent fit. Quality craftsmanship is at the core of the Laura Tanzer brand.
Consistent with her core values, Laura sources her textiles and trims from sustainable makers. Sustainable sourcing focuses on three important criteria: natural fibers of excellent quality, organic fibers (when she can find them!), and quality manufacturing processes. All of her garments are made in the USA by skilled sewing technicians, some of whom Laura has personally trained in the art of fine sewing and construction.
Laura honed her fashion illustration skills at Parsons School of Design, and technical skills at the Fashion Institute of Technology, graduating with honors. She worked on Seventh Avenue in the fashion industry for several years before attending business school. Laura graduated from NYU’s Stern School of Business with a bachelor’s degree in international marketing and an MBA in international finance. It was always Laura’s intent to combine her business and fashion skills, and to create a company that could reflect her passion for fashion while also implementing the sustainable practice concepts that she teaches.
Founded in October 2013, Laura Tanzer, LLC is the embodiment of that intent.
Laura asks that you view her collection in terms of style rather than season as, she believes, quality fashion transcends seasonal constructs
CAPSULE COLLECTION DESIGNER //
Jamaica Cole began designing before she could even sew in a straight line. Mostly self taught, she spent most of her twenties designing one of a kind pieces and organizing fashion shows under the moniker Sapphire Cordial. The former Tucson resident now resides in the San Francisco Bay Area, where she is developing her new project, Yearling. Tucson Fashion Week will be its debut.
JAMAICA COLE
WEBSITE
PRESENTATION ARIZONA DESIGNERS //
Esteban Osuna is an emerging designer who currently attends the Art Institute of Tucson. After being emancipated at the age of 16 Esteban has worked hard to secure his future in the fashion world.
Esteban Osuna focuses on designing couture, adding beading, print, and a fusion of European and Wild West inspirations to his designs. Esteban uses Swarovski crystals to add beauty and elegance to his unique gowns.
At a young age he had a knack for art. His father works with leather and tooling, and creates boots. Esteban was raised learning how to work for his father’s business and gained experience working with exotic leathers and art. After leaving home and graduating from high school on his own, he enrolled in the Art Institute of Tucson and since then has worked with many experienced professionals and has participated in local fashion events.
ESTEBAN OSUNA
WEBSITE
Fashion Designer DeAnna Williams is in the pursuit of her happiness. Soon to be graduating the Art Institute of Tucson in September of 2015. DeAnna is inspired by music, art, and most of all her culture. As a young girl she was always fascinated with the fact that she could manipulate a piece of cloth into what she wanted it to be. It soon became her full time hobby and eventually blossomed into a fervent array of designing with an emphasis on women's plus size fashion. DeAnna sees her aesthetic as a reflection of every woman and a representation of all that goes into who they are as women. DeAnna's inspiration led her to the creation of Fruition, a mirror of journey in strength and womanhood.
DEANNA WILLIAMS
Dorota Zglobicka is a Polish fashion designer who studied at the Multimedia Department of the Academy of Fine Art in Athens, and in Gdansk, Poland where she got her Master's Degree in Fine Arts. Zglobicka is also a filmmaker; she has often created videos for her fashion shows.
Theo Doro clothes and accessories are manufactured with great care -- unique, unrepeatable, unquotable. They are graceful in shape, comfortable in fit -- silk, cotton, viscose, jacquard, cotton ribbon, organza ribbon, and cotton lace gives a dainty finish.
Theo Doro, her brand, is inspired by fairy tales, films and the history of fashion. There is always a story behind her collections. Theo Doro combines modern design with a vintage look. Collections are girly, cute, and very feminine. Zglobicka is also currently working on developing a menswear line.
THEO DORO
WEBSITE
Heather A. Lindquist, designer of label TONATIUH, is also a mother and photographer. She began working on her line while pregnant a few years ago, and that inspired her to use her son’s middle name, meaning Sun in the Aztec language of Nauhtl. Made here in the United States, the collection is designed for travel, comfort, and simple sophistication. Heather strongly believes in supporting our economy by producing her pieces locally. Currently it is the house label of REVOLuTIo Boutique, which is available for purchase online through multiple sites. Lindquist’s new Fall 2014 line is inspired by her recent travels to New Zealand, which will be reflected in her color scheme.
TONATIUH
WEBSITE
LOCAL RETAILERS //
Loop Jean Company offers over 20 brands of premium denim for men and women, such as Citizens of Humanity, Hudson, Paige, Rag & Bone, A.G., and 7 For All Mankind. Loop Jeans has a well-trained staff of “Fit Specialists” who provide custom fittings for every customer. The women’s denim department is categorized by low, mid, and high-rise and the men’s denim department is categorized from slim leg to relaxed leg, with everything in between.
Women can choose from a variety of designer lines such as Johnny Was and Desigual. Loop Jean Company is home to the only men’s Robert Graham Shop in Tucson, AZ which offers the whole collection, including: sport shirts, blazers, dress shirts, jeans, shorts, polos, socks, eyewear, and neckwear with more categories on the way.
Loop Jean Company carries a range of shoes, accessories, and jewelry for men and women including: Wolverine 1000 Mile boots, Olukai sandals, Chan Luu jewelry, King Baby jewelry, and many more. Pair your new jeans with any of the Sterling Silver belt buckles from several different designers, and belt strap in Bison, Stingray, or Alligator to match.
LOOP JEAN COMPANY
WEBSITE
Posh Boutique is a high-end designer clothing, shoes and accessory consignment store. Posh accepts new or like new condition merchandise during all business hours. Posh Boutique will set the price of consigned items, and will try to get the best, most competitive price they can. The consignor receives 60% of the selling price.
POSH BOUTIQUE
WEBSITE
W boutique is a women's clothing boutique featuring Jewelry, clothing, and handbags. You can find designs from Chan Luu, Michael Stars, Alice & Olivia, Diane Von Furstenberg, Haute Hippie, Genetic denim, Habitual denim, Kooba, Halston Heritage, Velvet, Graham & Spencer and so much more.
(W) BOUTIQUE
FEATURED INDUSTRY LEADERS & DESIGNERS //
Al Tucci, a graduate of the Goodman School of Drama at the Art Institute of Chicago Received his Bachelor of Fine Arts and Master of Fine Arts from the Art Institute of Chicago, Al went on to have a 38 year career in professional theatre training and as a freelance United Scenic Artist Union designer.
Early in his education Al met the renowned fashion and theatre designer Erte who inspired him to teach and dedicate his life to training future theatre artists. Al has headed programs, departments, and schools at the University of Wisconsin - Milwaukee, West Virginia University, Northern Illinois University, and our very own, the University of Arizona. In the last 30 years Al has produced hundreds of plays and theatrical seasons and was proud to have the opportunity to teach and design.
Al Tucci’s theatrical work has been in the area of costume design where he found working with character development through clothing to be challenging and exciting. Al has designed museum exhibitions and gallery installations that have focused on clothing, fashion, and theatrical design. As a member of the Southern Arizona Art’s Guild (SAAG) and the Southern Arizona Watercolor Guild (SAWG) his work has been shown at the Southern Arizona Art’s Guild Gallery, the Southern Arizona Watercolor Guild Gallery, Tucson Sheraton Hotel, Jane Hamilton Gallery, Carol Curry Gallery, the Milwaukee Art Museum, and the West Virginia State Museum. He works primarily in gouache (opaque watercolor).
AL TUCCI
WEBSITE
Bert Keeter, returning to TFW for the second year in a row, will be debuting the BERT KEETER / KORE collection, which will be available at specialty stores in the United States, Canada, and online at www.bertkeeter.com for Spring 2015.
The KORE concept is directed at the American woman who desires modern, sleek and uncluttered fashion that enhances both her business and personal lifestyle. Spring 2015 will focus on the dress, one of Bert's favorite items to design. A tiny black and ivory check in a crisp lightweight wool from Loro Piana is used to create one of Bert's key silhouettes for Spring. This fitted bodice and softly pleated full skirt, cut just below the knee, also appears in a clear French blue, this time with a broad "V" neckline. Both are accented with a minimal "buckle free' narrow black leather belt. A modern silhouette with a hint of nostalgia, this is an example of Bert's "go to looks" that will become synonymous with the Bert Keeter / KORE collections.
The Spring 2015 "BERT KEETER COLLECTION" will define Bert's vision of modern glamour and elegance. Luxe materials such as deep brown crocodile or golden metallic lizard will be combined with silk chiffon or faille. An exquisite French black lace, washed with platinum or black silk taffeta embroidered with sequins and silk threads will highlight Bert's striking silhouettes destined for the red carpet.
2015 promises to be an amazing year for Bert and all of the Project Runway Designers showing at TFW!
BERT KEETER
WEBSITE
Austin, Texas Designer Daniel Esquivel became known for his black-and-white designs, structured jackets and memorable mustache on Season 11 of Project Runway and Project Runway All Stars. His personal whimsy and fashion-intuitive style come together to create sophisticated and classic designs with just the right amount of edge. Currently a freelance designer, Daniel creates couture gowns for private and celebrity clients. After showing several collections at New York and Austin Fashion Week, Daniel will present his latest collection in Tucson.
DANIEL ESQUIVEL
KORTO MOMOLU
WEBSITE
Inspired by her African roots, Liberian-born fashion designer and stylist Korto Momolu (pronounced Cut • Toe – Mo • Mo • Lu) is stamping her global brand on fashion forward women’s wear and accessories that celebrate the essence of her rich heritage through the use of traditional, luxury fabrics; skins; mixed prints, etc.
A graduate of the L’Academies des Couturiers Design Institute in Ottawa, Ontario [Korto relocated to Canada in 1990 following the coup in Liberia a year prior], Korto also studied at the renowned Parsons School of Design in New York City while working as an independent fashion designer. Advancing her field experience, she auditioned for and earned a spot on the 5th season of Bravo TV’s hit show, Project Runway. Throughout the season, Korto’s primary signature for high color and diversity in style and presentation, in addition to her feisty spirit, resonated well with audiences, earning her the prize of “fan favorite” and ultimately, a placement of 1st runner up at the season’s close.
As the Korto Momolu brand expands, so do her accomplishments and opportunities to include designing for Miss Universe (Leila Lopes) and the President of Liberia, Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf; creating an accessory line for Dillard’s Incorporated department stores; producing an eco-friendly jewelry line for the Smithsonian museum stores; designing the uniforms for the Walton Family Museum (Crystal Bridges); serving as the Cheerios’ ambassador for the Shoprite Partners in Caring “Knock Out Hunger” campaign; and contributing her time and talents to countless charitable and philanthropic endeavors.
Highlighted in the ‘Top 5 Designers to Watch’ in New York City this season, Korto has been featured in many international and national publications and has appeared on numerous television shows, including two seasons of Project Runway All Stars. She presently makes her home with her husband and daughter in Little Rock, Arkansas.
MILA HERMANOVSKI is a progressively modern collection driven by art, design, and architecture. Luxe materials such as silk, wool, cotton, and leather provide a sense of tactility through the interplay of the textures and surface qualities these textiles provide. The fabrication and silhouettes reflect a modernist approach and often a nod to abstract art movements, whilst remaining forward yet refined, timeless, and wearable.
With a family tree full of artists and designers, Mila was destined to be in a creative profession. After graduating from Rhode Island School of Design with a BFA in Apparel Design, the Dallas native with Latvian/German heritage headed to New York to pursue her career in Fashion. Starting as a design assistant at Calvin Klein, she then freelanced at other design houses, a fashion trend forecasting publication, and as a visual merchandiser for upscale 5th avenue stores. Mila also began costuming films, which eventually relocated her to Los Angeles.
With the lifelong dream of having her own label, Mila launched her eponymous collection to rave reviews in the Fall of 2010 at NYC’s Mercedes Benz Fashion Week while competing as a finalist in Project Runway’s 7th season. She was then invited to participate on Project Runway All Stars. After a small number of seasons polishing her brand and manufacturing, Mila launched for the first time to buyers with the AW2013 collection that has been picked up by several exclusive boutiques as well as some larger better retailers and has already established positive sell-through. The collection is designed and made in Los Angeles, USA.
MILA HERMANOVSKI
WEBSITE
Peach Carr burst onto the fashion scene as a cheeky self-taught Chicago designer on Season 8 and Season 2 of Project Runway All Stars. Drawing from her 60’s and 70’s childhood, Peach finds inspiration for her designs from the music, art, and vibe of that era. When designing, Peach always asks herself if Edie Sedgewick would have worn it. Dubbed by Tim Gunn as “Country Club Chic” Peach designs for the woman who likes to be on-trend yet comfortable and polished. Her pieces are all stretch and range from chic wrinkle free daywear to elegant cocktail and evening; all machine washable and Made in Chicago by women. “Real Housewife” of New Jersey’s Dina Manzo, “Real Housewife” of NYC’s Alex McCord, Linda Yu, and Chicago’s own actress/writer Nora Dunn are among Peach’s celebrity clients.
PEACH CARR
WEBSITE
FEATURED ARIZONA RUNWAY DESIGNERS //
Estrella Sevilla, born in Mexico, moved to Tucson, Arizona where she pursued a fashion design career at the Art Institute of Tucson and recently graduated. She is currently enrolled in Central Saint Martins School of Arts in London, England for innovative pattern cutting for professionals and graduates. Estrella has participated on runway shows such as Sinaloa Fashion Week in Mexico and last year’s Tucson Fashion Week where she was awarded with the Edith Head’s Choice Award for best ensemble presentation.
ESTRELLA SEVILLA
WEBSITE
Loreto Echevarria, an Arizona native who calls Tucson her home, has been a Fashion Stylist for over seven years. In 2008, she obtained a Fashion Design degree from Tucson Design College (now the Art Institute of Tucson) and has been creating custom, made-to-order garments for select clients since then. Her styling service LoLochic was named “Best Personal Stylist” by the Tucson Weekly’s Best of Tucson in 2013.
Heavily inspired by femininity, the Art Deco era, pop culture, and her Mexican culture, Loreto has created LoLo. LoLo is a collection of women’s wear made from luxurious fabrics of rich color and texture that is specifically designed to be flattering to women of all body types. Loreto's designs are created to inspire confidence in the woman who wears them, allowing her to feel beautiful, stylish, comfortable, and effortlessly glamorous.
LORETO ECHEVARRIA
WEBSITE
Meggen Connolley is a self-taught designer and artist. In only two years since learning how to sew and design Meggen's unique fashion designs have catapulted her into national and international publications, and in 2013 she was awarded the Betsey Johnson's Choice Award at Tucson Fashion Week. Her boutique located in Bisbee Arizona specializes in custom clothing for all, and her clothing is sold in boutiques in Beverly Hills and Los Gatos, California. She has also designed for celebrity boxer Jake LaMotta (the "Raging Bull"). Her styles fluctuate between modern urban bohemian casual and one-of-a-kind couture creations.
She believes that we are all creators here to achieve our highest path, that many of us walk around in a dream state, but once the switch is turned on, the creator emerges. She has lived many lives and tries to channel that into her work. Meggen is very inspired by fashion designer Alexander McQueen, shamanic dress, the bohemian lifestyle, the natural world, the man-made world, beauty, and decomposition.
MAGNETIC THREADS
WEBSITE
PRESENTION ARIZONA DESIGNER //
Tucson Fashion Week founder, Elizabeth Albert's vision for fashion started when she began painting on vintage clothing in 2001. Soon after she decided to take this vision to the next level by moving into design and production. With the help of a few fellow designers and friends, she started producing her own shows and selling her work in local boutiques. After participating in over 50 shows state wide at venues such as the Scottsdale Museum of Contemporary Art and Scottsdale Fashion Week she started traveling to trade shows along the west coast to gain exposure for her work.
After winning Scottsdale Fashion Week's People's Choice Designer in 2009, she realized that Tucson needed its own fashion week and thus Tucson Fashion Week was born. Her mission was to bring an urban, progressive, and vibrant local designer/retail showcase to Tucson while supporting non-profits through its proceeds.
Albert continues to design in her studio and boutique, CandyStrike, that specializes in unique plus size designs. CandyStrike is located in the warehouse arts district in downtown Tucson.