Peek-a-boo Dress, $189, Photo by Frank Ward

Dillard’s will once again take Scottsdale Fashion Week by storm with a highly charged fashion show that will thrill any fashionista anxious to see Fall’s hottest clothes and accessories. As master of ceremonies, Nolé Marin will kick off the runway extravaganza and Eva Franco will close the show with a presentation of select pieces from her stunning Fall collection. None other then Phoenix’s favorite professional basketball dance team will bring the catwalk to life as they strut their stuff in the latest fashions. The show is Friday, November 6th at 10:00 p.m. in the Main Tent. Tickets can be purchased at www.scottsdalefashionweek.com.

And, meet Eva this Saturday, November 7th from 12-4 p.m. exclusively at Dillard’s, Edge Department, Level Two!

Siren Stripe Dress by Eva Franco, $198, Photo by Frank Ward

The lovely LA-based fashion designer, Eva Franco, was gracious enough to answer a few questions for Fashion Phoenix. Again, can’t wait to see her collection on the runway and meet her Saturday!

Q: You sell all over the US and world, is your label available here in Arizona? Any plans to retail here locally?

A: I’m happy to say that in the Phoenix/Scottsdale area I sell my collection at Dillard’s and a few specialty shops. I opened my first Eva Franco boutique in a lovely little town in Virginia called Irvington and I’ve really enjoyed having a space that expresses my full creative vision. I would love to expand my own stores and I think setting up shop in Scottsdale would be a wonderful thing.

Q: Why come to Scottsdale? What does an international designer like you see in our market?

A: Dillard’s was kind enough to extend and invitation to be a part of their show for Scottsdale Fashion Week. I have heard great things about their shows in the past and I can’t wait to join in on the fun! I am also looking forward to my trunk show the next morning at the Dillard’s Fashion Square store and having an opportunity to meet the ladies of Scottsdale. There’s no better way to be in touch with what women want than to work with them directly and on a consistent basis.

Q: Your pieces have been described as “universal to the female form” but what type of woman or concept is your most favorite to design for?

A: The woman that I love to design for is a woman who has a lot on her plate — family, career, crazy schedules.  Now that I think of it, that sounds like most women nowadays! I relate to women who have very hectic lives and need to be many things to many people and get it all done without a break in between. I try to design my clothes to complement that lifestyle. I guess you could say my designs are the multi-taskers of the fashion world. A woman can wear one of my looks to work, to run errands, grab lunch and head out to dinner knowing she’s going to be comfortable, look great and transition from day to evening with only minor accessory changes, if at all. Love it!

Q: What advice would you give to local designers about starting their own label?

A: I started selling my designs at a flea market and it was invaluable. I was able to immerse myself in the needs of the customer and learn what works and what doesn’t. I highly recommend that any designer who wants to be successful should be hands on. It’s important to get out of the design studio and learn what your customer needs. It’s an invaluable learning experience for any designer. Your designs can be lovely, but if they are not functional, you’ll never have longevity.

Q: Many Arizonans head to LA to break into the fashion business or just to shop. What are your favorite boutiques, stores, fabric stores, etc. that you visit for either a new piece to add to your wardrobe or for inspiration?

A: I am a vintage fanatic! I love pairing new pieces with old, so I’m always at the monthly flea market in Pasadena. I also love this tiny boutique near my home in Echo Park called “Tavin”. I love the owner’s choices in merchandise and always end up buying something there.

Q: What’s new for Spring 2010? Colors, fabrics, concepts…

A: Without a doubt navy is an essential part of Spring 2010 and every season after that. It is a perfect transition color and is an ideal alternative to black. I also love this new shade of spearmint green that I’ve incorporated into my collection. It’s very flattering and has a fresh, new quality I think women will love. You’ll also find some sophisticated jewel tones along with classic black and white silhouettes. You’ll also see my signature embellishments. I like the juxtaposition between fluid fabrics and the strength of a jewel or stud. I’m even using eyelets in a decorative manner that I think women will find very attractive.  Laser-cut silhouettes are also a big part of my collection. They add both strength and femininity to the look I find really appealing.

Q: Are you modeling your clothing in the pictures Susan sent? I know you’re an actress, but do you model for your own line too?

A: Ha! Thank you so much for the compliment. No, she’s a wonderful model named May that we use all the time for our photos.

Q: What do you miss most about your time spent in Paris? (This question is mostly for me, the Paris-lover!)

A: Oh goodness, what don’t I miss? Besides the obvious – wonderful wine, croissant and the like– what I miss most about Paris is the architecture and how no matter where you go there is always some wonderful detail that captures your attention. Paris is so conducive to a luxurious stroll and reveling in all its visual pleasures.

Sterling Dress, $298, Photo by Frank Ward

Fringed Dress by Eva Franco, $198, Photo by Frank Ward

0 comments permalink |  6:25 AM |  11.4.2009 | 

The exclusive Project Pep collection at Jimmy Choo

Shop and help! Two of my favorite things…

WHO: JIMMY CHOO CHARITY INITIATIVE “PROJECT PEP”, IN CONJUNCTION WITH THE ELTON JOHN AIDS FOUNDATION.

PROJECT PEP SUPPORTS THE SIMELELA RAPE TREATMENT CENTER IN SOUTH AFRICA.
PROJECT PEP “CAPSULE COLLECTION” FEATURES A DISTINCT AND COLLECTIBLE PUNK ROCK MOTIF PRINT REPRESENTING JIMMY CHOO’S PASSIONATE AND INDIVIDUALIST SPIRIT. THIS CAUSE HAS PARTICULAR RESONANCE FOR JIMMY CHOO BECAUSE OF ITS SUPPORT AND EMPOWERMENT OF WOMEN.

WHAT: CELEBRATE 72 HOURS OF PROJECT PEP EVENTS AT JIMMY CHOO BOUTIQUES ACROSS THE COUNTRY, INCLUDING THE SCOTTSDALE FASHION SQUARE LOCATION! PURCHASE ITEMS FROM THE “CAPSULE COLLECTION” AND 25% OF NET SALES WILL BE DONATED TOWARDS PROVIDING VICTIMS OF ABUSE THE VITAL HIV PREVENTATIVE PEP MEDIATION (POST EXPOSURE PROPHLAXIS) AND PROVIDING THE INFRASTRUCTURE FOR MEDICAL, COUNSELING AND LEGAL SUPPORT NEEDED. SIGNATURE DRINKS, FESTIVE MUSIC, AND OTHER SURPRISES IN STORE.

WHEN: NOVEMBER 5-7TH! SHOP JIMMY CHOO AND HELP SUPPORT PROJECT PEP!

0 comments permalink |  9:46 PM |  11.3.2009 | 

Here’s a little sneak peek of the fabric and elements of my new, custom made Angela Johnson dress that I will be wearing to Angela’s show on Friday. Super fun, super chic and of course, super shiny and sparkly!

If you see me, and likely you won’t miss me in this gorgeous assymetrical frock and my Calvin Klein thigh-high boots, come say hello!

I have to laugh because I had visions of seeing myself walk down the runway in this dress at Angela’s show Friday. But that pristine vision of my 15 minutes of Heidi Klum-like fame quickly dissolved into a more “Carrie Bradshaw” vision of tripping down the runway and eating it in front of everyone! (Remember that episode!)

Needless to say, you won’t see me on the runway, but you will see me at Angela Johnson’s show! xo

1 comment permalink |  1:09 PM |  11.3.2009 | 

Celebrity Stylist, Nole Marin

Dillard’s will once again take Scottsdale Fashion Week by storm with a highly charged fashion show that will thrill any fashionista anxious to see Fall’s hottest clothes and accessories. As master of ceremonies, Nolé Marin will kick off the runway extravaganza and Eva Franco will close the show with a presentation of select pieces from her stunning Fall collection. None other then Phoenix’s favorite professional basketball dance team will bring the catwalk to life as they strut their stuff in the latest fashions. The show is Friday, November 6th at 10:00 p.m. in the Main Tent. Tickets can be purchased at www.scottsdalefashionweek.com.

Celebrity fashion stylist and television personality Nolé Marin was the mastermind behind the ABC reality show True Beauty and a favorite judge for many seasons on America’s Next Top Model. He was the creative director on Canada’s Next Top Model and three-time coach of MTV’s #1-hit makeover show MADE. He is a regular contributing editor to some of the world’s top fashion magazines and featured on shows like E! and TV Guide for his expert commentary on Oscar, Golden Globe and Emmy fashions. His celebrity clients include Claudia Schiffer, Tyra Banks, Hugh Jackman, Heidi Klum, Lenny Kravitz, Alicia Keyes, Kanye West, Cynthia Nixon, Ricky Martin, Vivica A. Fox, Gabrielle Union, Kimora Lee and Russell Simmons, and Chloe Sevigny.

Fashion Phoenix is delighted to have had the opportunity to ask Nole a few questions about his career and fashion expertise. Can’t wait to meet him in person at Friday’s show! Enjoy!

Q: There are many people locally who claim to be a stylist. How would you describe your job and what you do?

A: A stylist is the one who formulates all of the wardrobe for a photo shoot which includes everything that the model/celebrity would wear: hats, barrettes, jewelry, gloves, shoes, boots, coats, dresses, pants, stockings, capris, tube tops and more. The stylist is the one who lives out the visual fantasy for all to see.

Q: When did you know that a career in fashion was for you?

A: I realized that fashion was my vice at the tender age of 9. I would take my little cousin Alana and drape a tablecloth around her in numerous Grecian Goddess styles. I would also perform mini fashion shows for my grandparents.  Awwh! Cute!

Q: Have you ever been to the Valley of the Sun before? How does the style differ from your experiences in New York and LA?

A: Yes, I had the pleasure of visiting the Valley of the Sun a few years back working along side Conde Nast and Dillard’s and I must say, that I had a magnificent experience seeing all of the beautiful people. LA gives you a very laid back causally dressed, sexy vibe, while the East Coast gives you a more stylish chic edge.

Q: What’s the most important piece of style advice you could offer to Arizonans?

A: Be real to yourself and always do a triple take in the mirror front, back and side.

Q: If you’ve got loads of cash, where do you shop? If you’ve got nothing, where do you shop?

A: With loads of cash you can shop at Barneys on the East Coast and Maxfield’s on the West Coast. If you are on a budget you can shop at H&M, but you can always depend on Dillard’s for something stylish.

Q: I heard that you might be joining the locally based Runway Magazine as Fashion Director. Is that true? Will this new job bring you to the Valley more?

A: Yes, hopefully it will. But I know Runway is expanding, planning offices maybe in LA and New York in 2010. Good news!

Q: What advice would you give to Arizona’s aspiring models?

A: I get this question multiple times throughout the day, This is why I created Nole Marin’s Model Weekend Workshops which will be the answer to all of these questions, also giving you the opportunity to meet with seasoned professionals like other top models, photographers, agents, designers and more. This will also help give you the inside look to modeling, fashion and more.

Q: Care to divulge your favorite celebrity client or ad campaign you’ve participated in? If not, who was the first celebrity you were really excited to style for?

A: Claudia Schiffer was my first major celebrity in 1995. She was at the pinnacle of fashion and she was the reigning supermodel of the world. I was her personal stylist for over 2 years. Next, Tyra Banks is such a great friend and mentor especially throughout my time on Top Model. Lastly, it is a total toss up between Hugh Jackman and Ricky Martin. Two extreme hotties. Agreed!

0 comments permalink |  6:14 AM |  11.3.2009 |