AZ ECO Fashion Week - The Green Side of Fashion

AZ ECO FASHION WEEK: APRIL 23-27

Green is more than just a color for Arizona’s fashion industry

TEMPE, AZ - From April 23-27, sustainable Arizona fashion brands and experts will unite for a week of education, engagement and entertainment exploring eco fashion, slow fashion and sustainability in the business of fashion. 

The event is organized by Arizona Apparel Foundation, LabelHorde, AZ Fashion Source and Arizona State University and takes place at FABRIC, Tempe’s fashion incubator, 132 E. Sixth St., Tempe. 

According to Fashion Revolution, 150 billion items of clothing are delivered out of factories annually yet Americans alone throw away approximately 14 million tons of garments each year. According to the Environmental Protection Agency, 84 percent of unwanted clothes in the United States in 2015 went into either a landfill or an incinerator. The fashion industry is the second most polluting industry on the planet after the oil industry and the human toll as a result of unregulated factory conditions and unfair wages is equivalent to modern day slavery.

FABRIC co-founders Angela Johnson Sherri Barry started AZ Eco Fashion Week to show that the fashion industry that sustainability and profits are not in opposition. By conserving resources, fashion can actually be even more profitable. 

“Arizona ECO Fashion Week is an effort to shed light on the unsustainable practices of the modern apparel manufacturing industry and highlight the sustainable solutions” said Johnson. “We hope to educate and engage Arizona designers, businesses, academics, youth, students, experts, and leaders in the community to explore a new frontier in the business of ECO Fashion.”

The week includes expert panel discussions, student conversations, a green trunk show and more.  The event will culminate in a “reFABRICate” fashion show highlighting sustainable local brand’s collections as well as FABRIC’s zero waste “reFABRICate” initiative featuring one-of-a-kind garments created by a team of local designers who breathe new life into AZ Fashion Source’s manufacturing scraps. Right after the fashion show, reFABRICate apparel will be available to purchase at the Eco Pop-Up Shop inside FABRIC.

AZ Eco Fashion Week is part of Earth and Fashion Revolution Week. With the support of Fashion Revolution, AZ Eco Fashion Week encourages Arizonans to join in on the conversation at #azecofw and ask #WhoMadeMyClothes on social media during the event. This international effort raises awareness to pressing issues in sustainable fashion and brings international attention to the solution that FABRIC offers with local, small batch manufacturing and design resources. 

For a schedule of events, tickets, panelists, participating designers and more, visit www.azecofashionweek.com 

ABOUT THE SPONSORS

FABRIC is a fashion incubator where emerging designers can grow their abilities and their businesses. Featuring co-working and event spaces, workshops and classes as well as mentorship, micro-manufacturing and marketing opportunities, FABRIC allows designers to take their idea from concept to sewn to sold. The facility is a unique partnership of the City of Tempe, the 501c-3 Arizona Apparel Foundation, LabelHorde and Arizona Fashion Source and is located in downtown Tempe just off of Mill Avenue and on the Arizona State University footprint as well as online at www.fabrictempe.com. 

ARIZONA APPAREL FOUNDATION is an Arizona non-profit 501(c)(3) corporation that is located inside of AZ’s fashion incubator, FABRIC and can be found online at www.azapparelfoundation.org. The Foundation’s mission is to provide Arizona’s emerging designers and brands with innovative, small batch manufacturing and strategic business resources, so they can build sustainable fashion businesses locally. Its vision is to support cutting edge research and innovation in wearable tech and to build a sustainable and exciting new industry in Arizona. 

LABELHORDE is a category-driven, online directory of fashion businesses enabling users to easily locate local emerging and established designers, boutiques, manufacturers, photographers, models, stylists, industry supplies, fashion schools and all things fashion related in Arizona. LabelHorde.com also features a Fashion Classifieds page for local fashion jobs, a Fashion Calendar that lists all local and important national fashion events. LabelHorde is located inside of AZ’s fashion incubator FABRIC where it offers lessons/classes, tech pack services, consulting, and design studio resources that designers need to start and run their businesses. 

ARIZONA FASHION SOURCE is a small batch apparel manufacturer located inside AZ’s fashion incubator FABRIC, that uses sustainable and state-of-the-art manufacturing processes to create samples and production runs with no minimums. AFS manufactures heavy- and light-weight knits and wovens on industrial sewing equipment and the latest CAD programs and can be found online at www.azfashionsource.com. 

Contact: Angela Johnson

602-481-1032

labelhordefashion@gmail.com

MY FEST ’15 – Breaking the Cycle

      

8th Annual Youth Event Inspires and Entertains to help bring awareness to the community and offer insight into resources available.

WHAT: 

This eighth annual MY Fest is a FREE community event held to raise awareness about mental health,

substance abuse, foster care and other issues facing youth and young adults. MY Fest will feature live music, Cyphers Center for Urban Arts - break dancing battle stage, graffiti battle and DJ competition, artists, free food, and a variety of youth and a variety of family-based organizations offering information and resources; and much more!

MY Fest is planned and produced by the youth group MY LIFE in partnership with Cyphers Center for Urban Arts and numerous other youth serving organizations. Since MY Fest’s inception in 2008, more than 40,000 people have attended the family-friendly event at Tempe Beach Park to learn more about resources and services for youth and families.

MY Fest 2014 drew a crowd of nearly 10,000 people and featured 70 youth and family serving community and social service organizations. To get an idea of what MY Fest is all about, watch this MY Fest 2014 Video and this news story from the 2013 event MY Fest AZ on NBC News . and visit MY LIFE on Facebook and www.602Cyphers.com  

MY Fest 2015 features:

·         Singing sensation CeCe Peniston “Finally”

·         Cypher’s Urban Arts Land

·         Dance Battle Stage

·         Graffiti Battle

·         DJ Battle

·         Incredible bands and hip hop artists

·         MY LIFE Discovery activities and crafts for younger children

·         Free food

·         Prizes

·         Plus, more than 60 exhibitors with valuable youth and family resources

                       

WHEN:             Sunday, March 22, 2015

                        Noon to 5 p.m.

WHERE:           Tempe Beach Park

                        54 W. Rio Salado Parkway, Tempe

WHO:               MY LIFE and Cyphers Center for Urban Arts

(Interviews available with youth *)

WHY:                MY Fest ’15 will provide youth and families the opportunity to enjoy inspirational music, art and entertainment, and learn about the many resources and caring support that are available to them, in order to help “Break the Cycle” of some of these devastating statistics

·         Arizona has had the highest rate in the nation of binge drinking by high school students.

·         Arizona ranks fifth nationally in the rate of children with substantiated reports of abuse and neglect, almost twice the national average

·         Currently statewide there are approximately 10,000 children in foster care

·         Department Of Justice identified Phoenix as one of the top human trafficking jurisdictions in the country

·         In the U.S., among youth ages 10 to 19, 11 percent are estimated to suffer from a serious mental disorder that causes functional impairment of their day-to-day lives at home, in school and with peers. In Arizona, this number translates to more than 97,000 youth who suffer from serious mental illness.

·         Among Arizona youth, ages 12 to 17, 9 percent have suffered an episode of serious depression.

·         Suicide is the third leading cause of death for young people, ages 11 to 21, in Arizona.

*(Statistics: U.S. Surgeon General, U.S. Census, SAMHSA, Arizona Department of Health Services/Division of Behavioral Health Services)

COST:              FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

Interviews available with Cypher’s Center for Urban Arts and MY LIFE Youth on site at MY Fest:

** Spanish language speaking youth will also be available for interviews

Elijah Lucas 19, (Mesa), Elijah entered Child Protective Services (CPS) at the age of 4, and has dealt with sexual abuse, bulling, and mental health issues. Elijah went through over 20 placements while in CPS and now uses his voice to inspire and motivate youth to overcome their own challenges, while making a difference in their communities.

Riley Gibson- 21 (Phoenix)  Riley was In and out of CPS since he was 5, in and out of numerous group homes and placements, Riley dropped out of high school when he was 17 after attending numerous many high schools. Recently he earned his GED. He joined MY LIFE in 2009 and 2012, became president of MY LIFE. Through MY LIFE, Riley has had the opportunity to meet with legislators, lead events like the MY Fest youth festival and share his story with other youth. Said Riley, “MY LIFE is my life.”

###

Media Contact:  Eva Louis, (602) 492-4843

An Evening at the Ball

by Toy Taylor - What's better than artistic pieces created by the young people of today? I'll tell you what's better. Artistic pieces created by young people on display at a masquerade ball. This was the first annual

You Can Be 

Anything Arts 

Foundation 

Red Carpet 

Masquerade 

Ball held at 

the Embassy 

Suites in 

Scottsdale. Everyone came decked out in their best dressed.  The 

crowd looked great tonight. Ball gowns and detailed masquerade 

masks were a huge hit.  

The evening was packed with 

varied entertainment. Hip hop

 

Even had a young duet cover the favorite 80's band Journey. I think we all enjoyed that a lil too much. It was a blast! I loved how all the youngsters came out to support this wonderful event. 

Gianna Nicole and Monica Warhol

The host for 

the evening 

was the 

eclectic fine 

art artist 

Monica 

Warhol. 

Yes, she 

hails from 

the incredibly famous Warhol family. 

Through many trials and tribulations, 

Monica Warhol has expressed herself 

through a multitude of artistic outlets. 

Ms. Warhol's generosity for artistic 

charitable events is astounding. She is 

known to be involved with children's charitable organizations. Monica Warhol definitely has a story to tell.

The non-profit organization 

YCBAAF hopes to raise 

enough money to help art and 

music programs remain within 

the Arizona school 

curriculums. Founder DeAvon Burnes looks to provide instruments, scholarships and funding for art and music programs that he found extremely needful for today's youth.

"Our goal is to motivate 

students’ participation in art 

programs, without allowing 

their social or economic 

struggles stop them in their 

path to success"

Joseph James and Gianna Nicole

A big special thanks goes to Gianna Nicole Productions and Eva Louis of Chronic Behavior for pulling together a jam packed evening of entertainment. The masquerade ball helped to benefit a worthy cause for today's young kiddos.

Art and music allows emotions to be expressed through so many diverse channels. To lose this outlet in our schools would be a disservice to our future adults.

Me and Eva Louis

Presented by www.chronicbehavior.com/     @chronicbehavior www.facebook.com/FilmFashionFutures.com

Thanks to the Chronic Behavior team for their excellent coverage of the event. They are the team helping to support and promote the brand. We appreciate you for your continued support.

FashionsTo Help A New Life

Lead Singer The Optimystics

by Toy Taylor [RECAP] I love when I come across an organization who helps with the betterment of families in need. What I love even more are the people who come together collectively to share in the betterment of the families in need. I saw that at the Fashion For New Life Center 3 red carpet event. Held at the Hampton Inn & Suites in Litchfield, Arizona (yeah, give it up for the Westside!) the show benefited an incredible issue that needs awareness. Domestic violence. 

The New Life Center advocates for women and children fleeing domestic violence situations. At the New Life Center they will receive comprehensive care and counseling through programs with qualified professionals. Families receive help with everyday needs such as clothing, bedding and food seeing how many are fleeing their negative situation. The New Life Center is truly a safe haven for women and children.

Emcee Kim Covington

Lead Singer The Optimystics

With that said, established and aspiring designers, models, and local entertainment came together for one heck of a night of fashion. Here's the rundown on the runway...

SUITE JSG: What a super fun edgy line. Lots of 

glittery bling going on. I’m not sure of the material 

but the gold lume fabric was hot! The short sexy 

cocktail dresses were cut nice giving lots of 

movement while not clinging to the body. The 

shiny see-thru look was super sexy! It made for 

quite the stylish look. Not gaudy at all. The 

pant/shorts combo was the extreme avant garde 

look. Leather shrug to evening wear makes this 

fashion forward collection quite desirable.

SEVEN EIGHTY SIX: 

This collection rocked 

one of my favorite 

colors on the 

runway…olive green. Rich, regal and delicious. The 

soft jacquard-like print set the 

tone just right. This brand screams femininity 

across the board. I would totally purchase every piece in this collection.

My favorite piece was the white dress with 

the yellow tulle skirt, and the best part is it has 

flower petals all over it. So stinkin' girly! I loved 

it!

VSLZ FASHUN GROUP: Designer Amber Collins 

attests her clothing line is “glorifying God 

through fashion”. Praise was spoken loud and 

clear for all us fashionistas. Stylishly modern 

apparel that appeals to the everyday woman. 

Maxi dress with the high-waisted belt made the 

trendy look very 

contemporary. 

It was comfy chic in a rich deep earthy tone. The use of mixed textures took this 

fashion forward line to new heights. The leather cutouts made me think of paper 

cutouts we did as a child. I love love LOVED the skull head wraps worn! They 

accentuated the look magnificently. This collection makes a statement loud and 

clear. 

I have to give a serious shout out to the band The Optimystics for keeping the 

crowd grooving in their seats. It was pretty cool seeing a runway show set to live

music. This husband and wife duo was completely n’sync with one another. Even 

when the runway lagged they didn’t skip a beat. I would definitely hire them for my 

next event.

The beautiful Divine brought to the stage an expressively deep and prolific poetry. 

The spoken word is good anytime anywhere.

The models got the chance to work the catwalk in 

any way they wanted. Oh my did attitudes fly high. 

These ladies were WOR-KING IT! But the young lady 

who wowed the crowd was 14 yr old Miss Lyric 

Saylor. Her diva-like attitude blazed on the runway, 

Model Lyric Saylor

which earned her 

the ‘Best Walk”. I 

will keep my eye 

on Lyric Saylor. 

This will not be the last time we see 

her on the runway.

Brian Kohatsu

Comedian Brian Kohatsu entertained us with his off-the-cuff humor. He was pretty funny. He knew how to keep the crowd laughing.

Aspiring Designer winner Kathleen Tinkler

KARLA MEDINA DESIGNS: 

Karla Medina has found 

her path in the fashion 

mecca with her 

exceptional 

headdresses. 

Large, colorful, uniquely-

shaped art for your

head. That’s the best way I can describe it. I saw 

chandelier style head piece that was simply jaw 

dropping. I'm seeing such a trend in head wear this 

year. I'm thinking it's a must-have addition to my 


wardrobe.

Just beautiful.

Hues of Ego

It was an awesome surprise to see these 3 young 

designers again….

Hues Of Ego 

Kismit

Lillienne Lang 

I know their lives have been quite busy since their 

Phoenix Fashion Week debut, so it was great 

seeing them again on the runway for such a 

worthy cause.

Hues of Ego

Natasha's Hues of Ego once again showed us 

what couture looks like on the runway. Bold, 

striking, unleashing of any inhibitions you may 

have. I love this collection!

Kismit

Kismit

Kismit

Kismit gave the crowd fierce sexy-ness with her strong 

lines and body hugging pieces that craved our 

attention. Kismit's style is for that confident modern     

woman looking to make things happen. Hot collection!

Lillienne Lang

Lillienne Lang showed a much softer side of 

her line. The long empire waist gown was

simply ethereal. I felt a soothing flow as it 

graced the runway. I was quite impressed with 

the softer look all while keeping the European 

feel to it. Lillienne keeps

L. Lang

L. Lang

L. Lang

on challenging herself to reach higher and higher. 

Big hand clap to all 3 Phoenix Fashion Week 

designers! 

L. Lang

What a great night of runway, especially when it is serving a good cause. The New 

Life Center will surely benefit from the packed house. Raffle prizes and the silent 

auctions were showing a lot of activity. I definitely look forward to seeing more 

from these designers in the future. Please take a moment and check out the New 

Life Center website. A little or a lot, everything helps. Enjoy!

Presented by www.chronicbehavior.com/ @chronicbehavior www.facebook.com/FilmFashionFutures.com

Thanks to the Chronic Behavior team for their excellent coverage of the event. They are the team helping to support and promote the brand. We appreciate you for your continued support.