Blazing Curves Is Sizzling in the Arizona Heat

 It's been a long time since I have visited the old Grand Avenue area around 7th Ave to 15th Ave. This area has developed into an artists haven. I see art galleries, coffee spots even a few tattoo shops. I think there's a small theater or two around there. The colorful artwork along Grand Ave is a nice touch to revitalizing the old Phoenix neighborhood.

I had the pleasure of attending the meet and greet for Kathy Blaze Jefferson's Blazing Curves. This event was held at the (9) The Gallery on Grand Avenue. Despite it being "blazing hot" outside the gallery, the spot had a pretty cool vibe inside. The front of the gallery hosts all sorts of events. In the back is a coffee and tea spot with a cute intimate lounging area. I was digging it. The gallery was starting to fill up and the Blazing Curves models were getting anxious to make that walk. 

I want to give Kathy Blaze Jefferson a big hand clap for representing women with curves. Once taboo is now celebrated. Curvy women have finally made it to limelight, yeah! Her company Blazing Curves has given plus-curvy-thick-sized women a platform to showcase their talent. As a curvy chick myself, I

Photo provided by Blazing Curves

 
completely understand the need to show that curves are not a curse but a way of life. Not everyone can have a straight sized figure. The beauty in all of us comes in an array of shapes and sizes and colors. This is what makes the fashion world beautifully eclectic. 




Whether your are plus size or straight size all women want to feel beautiful and comfortable in the skin their in. I believe Blazing Curves has done just that. Ohhhh and I'm happy to announce that Blazing Curves has added some blazing men to the lineup. That will make just a few of us happy (winkwink). Thanks to the innovations of today's fashion designers, gone are the days of polyester pull-ons and ballooning pull-overs for plus size women and men. People with curves have been given a plethora of choices in the fashion industry. Full-figure fashion has become prettier, sexier, flattering, stylish, and down right couture-ish. 

Kathy J, as I like to call her, had some informative speakers who shared their journey and gave us some invaluable information. Self-worth, health and beauty wellness are vital to anyone's success.

Dr. Brenda Combs

Dr. Brenda Combs has a story so empowering I get chills when I hear her speak. Surviving homelessness for 10 years on the hot streets of Phoenix, Dr. Combs was able to make a life-altering change in her life for the grace of good. One particular incident gave her the strength and courage to rise above her plight. No longer homeless to helping others. To read more on Dr. Combs endearing story please visit her page. Fascinating woman!

Jalia Pettis

Jalia Pettis founder of 3Jay Productions is a certified makeup artist entrepreneur whose passion for beauty makes her one of the busiest women I know. Jalia's education and knowledge has lead her to a career that spans from the west coast to the east coast. This hazel eyed queen brings a complete package when it comes to planning that special event. To get the full extent of 3jay Productions, please visit her website.

Ketonya Bankston

Model Ketonya Bankston founder of Style Stalkers is a motivating model, makeup artist and educator whose entrepreneurial skills have empowered women through her own struggles as an African American model trying to make it in the modeling world. Well, let's just say she has arrived. Ketonya stance is...stay true to yourself. I agree...be you boo-boo. She is a beautiful woman inside and out. Please visit her blog to learn more about this remarkable woman.

Katina Ramirez

BC model Katrina Ramirez performed an original song specifically for Blazing Curves. This talented young lady is full of surprises. I guess she can add songwriter to her list of accomplishments.

Katrina R and Kathy J

Blazing Curves has bridged a platform of confidence and self worth to bring another level of beauty to the curvy world. Kudos to you, Kathy Blaze Jefferson!







See you on the runway!

~Toy Taylor

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

Thanks to the Chronic Behavior team and Kate Doster Photography 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.

Debuting the 2015 Phoenix Fashion Week's Emerging Designers and the Top 40 Models

Executive Director Brian Hill

Coverage Perspective Written by:  Toy Taylor


Finally, it is here! The day that many of us have been patiently anticipating...the debut of Phoenix Fashion Week's emerging designers and the new set of hotness with the top 40 models. Oh my, are they truly the land of the pretty people or what! When I got to the Livewire venue, I was like "Okay Mr. Hill. I see Phoenix Fashion Week is stepping it up a notch". This was my first time here and I loved the setup. I felt like the whole place was VIP seating.  The lounge seating upstairs was especially quite posh. Kudos to Livewire! 

The ambiance was all dimmed lighting and good tunes playing in the background.  The style villa was up and running. Woman's Touch Apparel founder Jenesis Laforcarde was there representing her brand and Custom Kreations AZ. Also in the style villa are the 2015 Accessory Designers TJ Jewelry Designs, Beltshazzar Jewels, and Maccimize. Ugh, why did I have to cruise through the villa! 

me and  model Tirion Harrison

Oh well, I love the new pieces I picked up. 
I had the opportunity to meet this young man Tirion Harrison at runway event. Can I just say he is just as cute as can be! He keeps me laughing, hence the photo. He brings such a good spirit with him inside and out. I suspect that Mr. Tirion has a  BRIGHT modeling future ahead of him. 


Aspiring model Eairauna Hinton had a few head-turning moments herself. This 5'10 beauty is striving to take her place in the world of  runway. Watching the Top 40 take the catwalk gave Miss Hinton the ambitious desire to flourish in the fashion world.

Last year's top 40 models Victoria Mohrman and LaMark Bell walked the runway for Hues of Ego and Medium Apparel. They both looked fierce...Oops I let it the surprise out! Yes, you heard it correct! There are 4 emerging designers returning to the runway this season. Hues of Ego, Medium Apparel, Charmosa Swimwear, and  the ever sweet Michelle Hebert.

This is excitingly crazy to see these emerging designers with their Phoenix Fashion Week experience compete with the new emerging designers. I expect the knowledge they already have will encourage the others into bumping up their game. This year's program proves to be quite interesting with new little twists thrown in the mix. All designers will go through the intense laborious boot camp training that will instill the necessary knowledge needed in branding and promoting their line. One of these lucky fashion designers will be named 2015 Designer of the Year. Yikes!

So here's a lineup of this year's emerging designers and their contact info to make it easier for you to follow them on this wondrous journey:

ARAE

@ARAEChicago

http://www.araearae.com/

AZMARA ASEFA
@azmaraasefa
http://www.azmaraasefainc.com/

Charmosa Swimwear
@CharmosaSwim
http://www.charmosaswimwear.com/

Cute Like Mad
@CuteLikeMad
http://cutelikemad.com/

Haute Body®

@HauteBody

http://www.haute-body.com/

Hues of Ego
@HuesofEgo 
http://www.huesofego.com/

Laura Tanzer

@LauraTanzer

http://lauratanzerdesigns.com/

Leola Sky
@shopleolasky
http://www.leolasky.com/

Leola Sky

@shopleolasky

http://www.leolasky.com/

                            Lousy Rich
                            @_LousyRich 
                    http://www.lousyrich.co/

Medium Apparel Co.
@mediumapparel 
http://www.mediumapparel.com/

                                                            
                                                                                         

                  Michelle Hebert

                @MHebertOfficial

http://www.michellehebert.com/

                                                                                                

 

Michi Knitwear
@michiwalden
http://www.michiknitwear.com/

Headshot Winners
Jesus and Shivi

The top 40 models were competing for best male and best female headshot winner. Over the next few months, the models will be going through their own set of challenges. This year's winners for best headshot are Jesus Rojas and Shivi Singh.

If any of these emerging designers have caught your eye please follow them on Facebook or Twitter. I'm sure they would appreciate it. With Arizona fashion steadily on the rise our Phoenix Fashion Week emerging designers and accessory designers deserve full community support. 

See you on the runway!

~ Toy Taylor

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.

Spring Into Style The Phoenix Fashion Week Way!

 By Toy Taylor

          

        
       What an incredible evening! First let me say ‘thank you’ to the bright Arizona sunshine for being so kind to us on such a beautiful breezy night. The weather could not have been any nicer for Phoenix Fashion Week’s Spring Into Style event at the Arizona Center in downtown Phoenix. 

This year’s 6 stylists have their own unique trend they will be presenting on the runway. I’m hoping for a few exciting surprises from these stylists. I’m super excited for this show!                                                                                                                                            

The 6 trends debuting 

on the runway are:          

                         Boho                    Denim                                          

                         Floral                   Bold
                         Distinct Prints    Neutrals           

                  
                                        

Vanessa Gonzales kick started the show with a class-A look of springtime in NEUTRALS. 


Femininity at its finest. Crop top paired with lace covered mini skirt and loose tank top with a flair skirt is fun and flirty. Vanessa gave us all day wear for the

office or taking an afternoon stroll through the park. Vanessa herself boasts a more conservative style which she conveyed beautifully on the runway. Gold jewelry against the off-white, cream colors were elegant and rich in nature. What I loved most of this trend is the fact that the entire collection came from Dillards. If your style is one of a classic yet conservative look then you now know where to find it. 

                                            

     


Nuvia Magdahi brought her 

vision of springtime 

and DENIM with a sexy 

haute couture twist 

sponsored by Finally Made. 

Frayed tears and cuffed 

ankles I expected. 
                                            

  

     

What I did not expect was the blazer with the arm slits. 

It gave the appeal of a broader shoulder while signifying 

confidence and power. Paired with Clutch Crowns 

helped bump this trend into a sexier look with an edgy 

feel.

I loved it! It was a fashionable addition to the denim trend. You could take items from your closet and emulate these looks. And I must say…the white wigs were perfect! Great job Nuvia.

Nuvia Magdahi and daughter

Jenesis Laforcarde’s trend was BOHO. I have 

been following this young lady for almost 3 years 

now, and I will say one thing about Jenesis…she 

will go above and beyond anyone’s expectations (I 

think ever her own) and present us with jaw-

dropping awe-inspiring showmanship.
       

Jenesis Laforcarde

 Endorsed by Kustom Kreations Boutique, this event took the founder of Woman’s Touch Apparel to inspirations of Africa and Indian cultures. Bright bold colors in long flowy dresses were simply to-die-for beautiful. I think I need to make a run to Vintage by Misty in Scottsdale. The accents of henna tattooing by The Henna Shoppe set just the right tone. During the press conference, Jenesis stated her favorite accessory right now are nose rings. She proved just that. 

Thanks to Delbame Jewelry for what I will call the sexiest nose rings ever. Take a close look at the pics. They are a fashionistas dream! 
Of course my favorite part was the belly dancers who

came out mid the-Boho-Jenesis-show and 

worked their magic. I’m a sucker for a good 

dance routine. Jenesis gets a big 'awesome 

blossom'!

Tim Boado brought to the runway Distinct Prints. This was the busiest collection of

 

menswear ever! Loaded with textured-looking prints 

and skinny shorts by Robert Graham are definitely 

going to be on the scene this spring. My fave was 

the deep indigo jean. Such a yummy color! I 

definitely see a hot colorful spring trend in 

menswear this season.

Tim Boado

Audree Lopez's trend 

was FLORAL. You’re 

probably thinking what I'm 

thinking...floral, sunshine, 

colorful light and airy. Well 

not today! 


This was probably the most 

shocking of all the trends. We have dark, alluring, provocative, sexy, classy, girly all 

rolled into one runway event. I love the long dress with a thigh high slit. Actually, I 

loved every floral piece shown. This collection blew me away!

Audree Lopez and her angels

                                                                                                                                             Jackie Marin brought in the finale with the trend BOLD. What caught my eye first was the geometric lines within the clothing. The black and red dress with the spikes down the arms was quite funky. Not sure where I would wear it, but it did fit on the runway. 

Jackie says she loves 'standing out' and 'loves 

color'. That passion reflected itself wonderfully on 

the runway. One piece body suits, sexy midriff 

tops and halter tops brought back memories. 

Evening wear with cutouts was very striking. Just 

stunning. Jackie set out to give us a bold trend and 

succeeded. 

                                              

Hope you all enjoyed this article. Stay tuned in for more happenings with Phoenix Fashion Week. Thanks!

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.