Fashion Blogs

Fashion Week El Paseo 2011 Main Events - On March 23, 2011 Lifetime's Project Runway Season 8 contestants share the spotlight again — this time in the Big White Tent. Featuring: Michael Costello, Mondo Guerra and Christopher Collins.

SUNDAY, MARCH 20

Style and Beauty Bash  10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m.
Get the “look” for Fashion Week. Hair and makeup professionals from more than 15 salons and spas are bringing their blow dryers and powder puffs to the Big White Tent. Book an appointment by calling 1-800-775-7256 or just walk in. Either way, you’ll walk out looking marvelous. Need inspiration? Watch hair demonstrations on the runway and informal modeling. Net proceeds from hair and makeup services benefit local charities, so you can feel as good inside as you look on the outside. $30 per service

Best of Saks Fifth Avenue  7 p.m.
Saks Fifth Avenue is renowned as an arbiter of modern style, featuring the finest designer clothes and accessories and highly personalized customer relationships. Celebrate opening night of Fashion Week with a runway presentation of this fashion authority’s Spring 2011 collections, featuring essential trends: vibrant color, a longer-length skirt, 1970s-style pants, trench coats, open-weave knits, the flap bag, and stacked bracelets. Riviera Palm Springs hosts the after-party. $65 reserved seats, $50 general admission, $25 student
general admission

MONDAY, MARCH 21

Wine, Chocolate & Shoes and El Paseo Runway Bar  6 p.m.
The Runway Bar has been one of Fashion Week El Paseo’s most popular parties since launching the inaugural event in 2006. This year’s presentation of the latest fashions from more than 15 El Paseo stores and designers is preceded by a “triple-treat” (wine! chocolate! shoes!) reception benefiting The Girlfriend Factor, a local nonprofit providing educational grants to help women improve their
economic position in life. $80 reserved seating, $65 general admission, $25 student general admission

TUESDAY, MARCH 22

A ROCKIN' Robergé SPECTACULAR  7 p.m.
A Fashion Week sponsor and El Paseo boutique, Denise Robergé’s InSanity presents its edgy and sophisticated styles for the spring. Robergé’s Augusta restaurant hosts the after-party. Proceeds from the evening benefit the Coachella Valley Autism Society and Loving All Animals of America. All tickets $100

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 23

TRUE GLITZ — Rendezvous, Rodeo & Rhinestones  11 a.m.
You know how the West was won. Now discover how the West was worn. This fashion retrospective features Nashville couturier Manuel’s collection of rhinestone jackets of the 50 states, garments from the 1950s Desert Circus (courtesy of Palm Springs Historical Society), and midcentury Western wear. Enjoy cocktails and hors d’oeuvres; a performance by pianist David Bourne (of HBO’s Deadwood), who blends old time and modern music; and an auction of designer items to benefit United Way. $65 reserved seating, $50 general admission, $25 student general admission

Spa Day  10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Banish the effects of stress and skin-damaging environments! Put yourself in the hands of health, beauty, and wellness experts from the desert’s finest spas on the lawn at The Gardens on El Paseo (across the street from the Big White Tent). Seek advice on looking and feeling your best, bag rejuvenating product samples, relax with a mini treatment, and gather a plethora of information about spa services that target your personal needs. Free admission

LIFETIME's Project Runway Show  7 p.m.
You saw them on Heidi Klum’s reality-TV hit. Now Michael Costello, Mondo Guerra, and Christopher Collins debut their first collections since the eighth season finale of Project Runway. This time they aren’t coached by Tim Gunn, they had more than one sweep of the hands around the clock to design and sew, and none will be asked to pack their things. But you can be sure they’re eager to please their new judges: You! As a bonus attraction, Kimberley Locke performs at the show. $65 reserved seating, $50 general admission, $25 student general admission

THURSDAY, MARCH 24

Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising Debut 2011  7 p.m.
Peek into the future as top graduating students from the internationally recognized Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising in Los Angeles debut their collections. The first two FIDM shows became highlights of Fashion Week, with styles that epitomized the creative genius of youthful thinking. This year’s extravaganza will no doubt prove to be just as exciting. Remember, today’s John and Jane could be tomorrow’s Karl and Coco. Fashion Group International of Palm Springs and Desert Communities, which provides scholarships for fashion and design students, hosts the preshow reception. The Alicia Armstrong Gallery on El Paseo hosts an after-party from 9 to 11 p.m. Mingle with fashion lovers and models, enjoy complimentary wine and hors d’oeuvres, and listen to live music while viewing the art of Christina De Museé. $65 reserved seating, $50 general admission, $25 student general admission

FRIDAY, MARCH 25

Furry Friends Fashion Show  5-6 p.m.
While you’re thinking about how eye-catching you’ll look strolling down the boulevard in your new purchase from an El Paseo boutique, consider how Fifi will feel on the end of her leash in comparison. Shouldn’t she also be fetching? “Certainement!” you say, “But just what is the latest on the canine runway?” Find out on the lawn at The Gardens on El Paseo (across the street from the Big White Tent). $12 donation benefits Guide Dogs of the Desert

Trina Turk’s Palm Springs Eternal  7 p.m.
Using Palm Springs as her muse, Trina Turk showed her Spring 2011 collection during New York Fashion Week to rave reviews. Now she shows it in her own back yard. Visit her pop-up store before and after the show to pick up your own Eternal look. A preshow cocktail party is hosted by Desert Outreach Foundation, which provides scholarships and comforts children in crisis through its Teddy Bear Program; net proceeds from the evening benefit the foundation. $65 reserved seating, $50 general admission, $25 student general admission

SATURDAY, MARCH 26

BYOC PHOTO SHOOT  2-5 p.m.
The Photography Collection Council of Palm Springs Art Museum and Melissa Morgan Fine Art invite budding photographers to Bring Your Own Camera to the El Paseo gallery. Models will pose on a stage with professional lighting set up by Taylor Sherrill Photography. Enjoy refreshments and get in front of the camera in a photo booth (costume table provided). This event is produced by noted celebrity photographer Michael Childers. To purchase tickets, call Brooke Devenney at 1-760-322-4818. $20 council members, $25 nonmembers

Designer of the Week  7 p.m.
This year’s marquee designer hails from the Philippines and uses the materials of his homeland to inspire his couture gowns. Since opening an atelier in Los Angeles, Oliver Tolentino has gained celebrity status in his own right, while dressing Hollywood stars for the red carpet. $90 reserved seating, $75 general admission, $25 student general admission

www.fashionweekelpaseo.com/tickets.html
Call (800) 775-7256 for tickets and info