Walking into the Port Pavillion at Broadyway Piers for my first Fashion Week San Diego experience, I really had no idea what to expect. I had just survived New York Fashion Week, and a move from Arizona and was desperately seeking some sign that my move to the west coast was a good decision.

FWSD had a full week of shows including themes such So Cal Style, Gentleman & Ladies (which seemed very Ready to Wear) and the Finale Runway Show (which was very Avant Garde). To me this event schedule was refreshing because it provided cohesion between the brands that were hitting the runway each night. I love checking out emerging designers, and back home I had both worked and attended Phoenix Fashion Week so I was excited to see another cities take on things.

In comparison to my past experiences at Phoenix Fashion Week I think there are some pros and cons to the way each event is produced. While I love the production caliber of Phoenix Fashion Week as far as the runway design and lighting, I actually liked the venue that Fashion Week San Diego selected more (PhxFW is held at Talking Stick Resort & Casino). On the other hand, I think Phoenix Fashion Week has it right by offering couture designers at the end of each night to help draw a larger audience on a daily basis to fill seats.

While both productions included videos each night of the shows, the quality and message was another major difference. FWSD partnered with Enjet Media and I’ve gotta hand it to them, their length and creativity was on point. As much as I love the story behind, and the history of PhxFW–the videos are way to long and fall short on capturing the attention of the audience.

Currently I have to admit that PhxFW has a stronger production–primarily because of the power they get by partnering with The Agency Arizona, which is mother agency to a bevvy of beauties including Natalie Westling, and Kelly Mittendorf. This has opened the doors for unlimited access to their models, production contacts and options for designers year after year. If you strip away the established designers, the big name models, the giltterati, and break it down to pure talent–I was utterly impressed by the range of styles FWSD brought to the runway including some fantastic luggage by S.McKellar and a plus size line, A’doreus (which has yet to happen on the runways in Phoenix).

That being said, I’ll get off my soapbox, and share some of my stand out faves including Dulce Alexandra and Wishnow — sorry the photos aren’t the best, I ditched my seat and was running around like a mad woman trying to get ya some good ones! #fail

xx,
J

Dulce Alexandra

Channeling a whimsical but wearable style this collection offered pieces for day and night in wearable styles and fabrications. I was highly impressed with the versatility yet consistency of this collection.

Wishnow

This collection was delightfully playful from the imaginative Barbie like box each girl appeared in before coming to life down the runway. While the majority of the collection was a bit young, it also offered a few pieces that were for a more mature audience. The cuts were flawless and each piece offered just the right amount of bling.

Jessica Faulkner

The mix of knits and sheers were awesome and I really like the cut of each piece. The collection was surprising versitile finishing was also well done.

MarAlonzo

This collection was pleasantly surprising. A very wearable palette of black, red and white each piece offered the right amount of glam. The fit on some of the pieces were a bit off but all in all this collection is perfect for the modern day woman who attend events and wants to get noticed without going overboard.

Michi Knitwear

I loved the fabric selection in this line. The knits were lightweight and the cuts were very flattering. The one thing that bothered me about these pieces were the shells. While I get that I live in Southern California now I don’t want to wear shells on my clothes, I feel they cheapened the lines overall look.

Wilhelmina

This line was very vintage inspired and offered some pretty lovely pieces. The floor length white gown with a embellished bow detail was my fave.

CW Couture

There was limited menswear on the FWSD runway, but I felt this collection offered some decent pieces. I wasn’t overly impressed with the styling but the button downs were wearable and offered unique prints nonetheless.

Laced with B

This was my favorite swimsuit to hit the runway. The sporty look accompanied by the mesh was uniquely refreshing.

S. McKellar

While I was skeptical of an accessories designer to hit the runway sans working with an actual clothing designer, S. McKellar’s luggage line rocked! The styling was on point with platinum bob’s on each model and all black styling–very jet-set chic, and very well done!

Senhoa (Necklace)

While some jewelry designers took the runways solo, I applaud Senhoa for collaborating with designers to incorporate their pieces into several runway collections such as Wishnow and Salwa Owens (shown below).

Haute Dog Fashion Show

A portion of all bar proceeds benefited the Ranco Costal Humane Society. Below is a photo for FWSD Director Allison Andrews with one of the pups up for adoption.