By Judith Salkin
For Coachella Valley fashionistas, Saxony Group Fashion Week™ El Paseo (SGFWEP), on March 21 through 28, is the ultimate in getting your fill of what is new, trending, on the verge and a look into the future of what to wear and how to wear it.
According to Palm Springs Life Fashion Editor Susan Stein, over its 10 year history, SFWEP has grown from being a look at what’s coming up for summer and fall, to becoming a predictor of what to expect to see on your favorite designers and stores.
From the start, the fashion shops along El Paseo have been active players in Fashion Week, bringing in trunk shows, special sales and, in some cases, informal modeling.
“It’s been very gratifying over the years to see the stores take part in SGFWEP,” Stein said. “Saks really came on board about five years ago, adding trunk shows and sales from designers that they didn’t normally carry in their Palm Desert store. Each year (Saks) has added more shows. This year they’re bringing in Zang Toi, who was our featured designer trunk show and Roberto Cavalli, which is huge.”
No, Cavalli won’t be here in person, but it is significant that the store is bringing the pieces of the spring collection to the desert.
Who knows, as Stein said, what next year will bring to Fashion Week.
Here is a look at what you’ll find at the shops along El Paseo during Saxony Group Fashion Week™ El Paseo and in the Big White Tent on Larkspur Lane, across the street from The Gardens on El Paseo.
The Big White Tent Events:
Saturday, March 21: 10th Anniversary Celebration. 6:30pm Reception. 8pm Fashion Show
Fashion Week El Paseo celebrates its 10th year with an extraordinary fashion celebration. Starting with a paparazzi-filled red carpet arrival and pre-show reception with stars, celebrities, and designers followed by a featuring of most of the outstanding couture designers from the past 10 years. The featured designers include Trina Turk, Eduardo Lucero, Lloyd Klein, Oliver Tolentino, Kevan Hall, Gilbert Chagoury, Candice Heldand, Anthony Franco.
Sunday, March 22: Le Chien: Presenting Canine Couture Designer Lola Teigland. 5pm Cocktail Reception. 6pm Fashion Show & Live Auction. Benefits Humane Society of the Desert
Cocktails, a silent auction, music, and entertainment precede a canine fashion show featuring canine couture designer Lola Teigland, previously a designer for Christian Dior and Albert Nipon. If you’re a dog lover, you won’t want to miss this event.
Monday, March 23: El Paseo Runway Night. 6:30pm Reception. 8pm Fashion Show. Benefits The Girlfriend Factor
The Girlfriend Factor hosts a Little Black Dress Reception followed by a runway show featuring the latest collections from 15 El Paseo stores, including BB One, Bebe, BG’s, Blonde, Chico’s, Eileen Fisher, El Paseo Jewelers, Gabriella’s, Grayse, Out of the Closet, Presage, Soma, Tarah Jade, The Jewelry Bar-Natalie Baroni,Tommy Bahama, White House Black Market and Women’s Democracy.
Tuesday, March 24: Meet & Greet with Michael Costello and Project Runway Designers 10:30am
Join Costello and Project Runway designers for a lively Q&A and find out what really happens during the filming, and what your favorite stars are doing now.
Stars of Project Runway. 6:30pm Reception. 8pm Fashion Show
The Stars of Project Runway present their unique collections created solely for Saxony Group Fashion Week El Paseo. These well-known designers have graduated from the drama of Project Runway and are ready to show their fashions under the big white fashion tent: Daniel Esquivel, Michelle Lesniak, Patricia Michaels and Dom Streater.
Wednesday, March 25: Trunk Show: Project Runway Designers. 11am-2pm
Join the stars of Project Runway as they present their latest collection for personal consultations and an opportunity to purchase their fashions.
Michael Costello Couture Presents. 6:30pm Reception. 8pm Fashion Show
Costello will show his Spring/Summer 2015 collection that earned raves from New York’s Mercedes Benz runways. If you’ve watched Costello designs mature over the years, this is the show that proves he is truly a fashion star.
Thursday, March 26: Trunk Show: Michael Costello 10:30am-2:30pm
Personal fittings and consultations with Costello along with an opportunity to see all of his artistry. This trunk show includes casual, sportswear and evening collections.
Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising (FIDM) 2015 Couture Debut Show. Presented by Victoria and John Hill. 7pm Reception. 8pm Fashion Show. Benefits Junior League Palm Springs Desert Communities
FIDM/Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising presents its 2015 Debut graduating class and a premier presentation of their couture collections. Designers scheduled to appear include Martha Calderon, Leonides Garcia, Daniel Hansen, Anthony Herrera, Jette Kavanagh, Marly Kluge, Luar, Dustin Mangan, Leetal Platt, Vanessa Puccini, Samantha Sneed.
Friday, March 27: Saks Fifth Avenue Presents Roberto Cavalli 2015 Fall Collection. 7pm Reception. 8pm Fashion Show. Benefitting Women Leaders Forum
Saks Fifth Avenue Palm Desert is pleased to present Roberto Cavalli’s Fall 2015 collection.
Saturday, March 28: Fashion Week Finale Presents Gemma Kahng. 6:30pm Reception. 8pm Fashion Show. Benefitting Fashion Group International Palm Springs
New York fashion icon Gemma Kahng, known for giving women’s fashion an extra edge, presents her current collection.
Sunday, March 29: Gemma Kahng Trunk Show. 11:30am – 2:30pm.
Hohmann Fine Art. 73660 El Paseo. Personal fittings and consultations with Gemma Kahng.
El Paseo In-Store Events:
ANN TAYLOR – The Gardens on El Paseo.
March 22-28 – Take 15 percent off your entire purchase when you mention Fashion Week as your coupon code.
AVEDA EXPERIENCE CENTER – 73-680 El Paseo.
March 21-28 – TEA WITH IRIS POP UP SHOP: Nature inspired designs and up-cycled goods from local designer, tea with iris. Shop beautiful hand-made children’s and women’s apparel, jewelry, tea, gifts and more. Photo booth, raffles, silent auctions, Aveda Signature Rituals, and fashionable treats all day, every day. Ten percent of all Tea With Iris sales donated to Surfrider Foundation.
FASHION WEEK MAKEUP & LASH BAR: Come get glam at AVEDA before your night out. A 30-minute appointment includes full makeup application and faux lashes. Appointments available from 2-6pm daily during Fashion Week. Suggested minimum donation of $15 payable to Surfrider Foundation, to help protect our oceans and beaches. Appointments, info: (760) 773-2662.
B. ALSOHNS JEWELERS – The Gardens on El Paseo.
March 23, 4:30-6:30pm – Champagne reception benefits Gilda’s Club of the Desert. Award winning designer, Olga Katz, of Soho Jewelry will be at the store with her newest collection of Italian enamel jewelry. Special pricing available at the event. Info: (760) 340-4211.
BB.ONE – 73-515 El Paseo.
March 21, Noon-5pm – Fashion Week opening celebration! Music and $20 gift cards. No purchase necessary. Must redeem March 21-28.
March 23, Noon-5pm – “M” made in Italy. Easy to wear, accessible must-have fashion and Marcia Moran jewelry – stunning “druzy” and semi-precious stones from Brazil.
March 25, Noon-5pm – Johnny Was, Biya, Pete & Greta collection paired with “MAC JEANS GERMANY”.
March 26, Noon-5pm – Elliott Lauren the ultimate pull-up pants in prints, solid colors and linen. Paired with David Cline crushed shirts and tees easy to travel, edgy and bright.
March 27, Noon-5pm – “Wilt Tops” clear lines and uneven hems – modern & contemporary. Joined by caftans and tunics from $59. Updated printed summer looks.
BEBE – El Paseo Village
March 21, 1-6pm – Preview Spring 2015 collection and enjoy special VIP offers and a gift with purchase of $125 (while supplies last). Includes refreshments, DJ and informal modeling.
BG’S EL PASEO – 73-520 El Paseo
March 21-28 – BYOP! Bring Your Old Pants and receive 15 percent off a new color, style or print pant. Refresh, renew, reinvigorate for Fashion Week 2015. All old pants will be donated.
BIKRAM YOGA PALM DESERT – 73-890 El Paseo
March 21 & March 27 – Energize your body and mind to gear up for a fab Fashion Week with hot Bikram yoga. One-hour complimentary introductory class; advance signup required. Call (760) 880-5455. Diva Yogini tote raffle included.
BLONDE – 73-200 El Paseo
March 28, 11am-3pm – Trunk show features Chan Luu Jewelry and Bella Luxx Spring collection.
BRIGHTON COLLECTIBLES – 73-199 El Paseo, Suite J
March 21-28, 11am-4pm – Tell the history of Brighton from the beginning to where we have evolved as of today.
CACHE – The Gardens on El Paseo
March 21-28 – Throughout the week Cache offers a secret sale and a gift with minimum purchase of $200, while supplies last.
March 22 – Participate in raffle drawing for a chance to win a gift basket.
March 28 – In-store giveaway event.
CACTUS FLOWER SHOE SALON – 73-640 El Paseo
March 21-28, 10am-5pm – Refreshments and Food all day.
March 22 – Ten percent of all proceeds to benefit Pet Rescue of Coachella Valley; dogs on-site for adoption.
March 23 – Soft, Soft Spot Trunk Show
March 24 – Born Trunk Show
March 25 – Onex Trunk Show
March 26 – Skechers Trunk Show
March 27 – Love & Liberty Trunk Show
CAFÉ DES BEAUX-ARTS – 73-640 El Paseo
March 21-28, 11:30am-1:30pm – Luncheon fashion show.
CHICOS – 73-100 El Paseo, Suite 4
March 24, All Day – Raffles and special in-store promotion plus 10 percent of all sales from 4-7pm benefits GirlFriend Factor.
CODA GALLERY – 73-151 El Paseo
March 28, 3-6pm – David Dornan and Ben Steele exhibition and artist reception.
COLE HAAN – The Gardens on El Paseo
March 26, Noon-4pm – Cole Haan announces the ZeroGrand – Zero in work or play. ZeroGrand is the embodiment of innovation and contemporary design. Featuring men’s and women’s oxfords carefully constructed with a focus on flexibility and reduced weight. Sweets and treats will be served.
DUXIANA – 73-680 El Paseo
March 27, Noon-4pm – Sferra Linen Trunk Show; includes gift with minimum purchase of $500.
DWIGHT POLEN FINE CHINESE ANTIQUES – 73-375 El Paseo
March 21-22, Noon-4pm – Award-winning Susan Elle shares her techniques of seeking beauty through watercolor and acrylic painting. Ms. Elle’s Koi and Water Flower paintings will be on display.
March 26-28, 1pm-4pm – Meet artist Fred Delanoy. View a comprehensive collection of his traditional and contemporary Chinese ink brush paintings and scrolls.
EILEEN FISHER – The Gardens on El Paseo
March 21-28, 10am-5pm – Sample select sweets and sips.
GABRIELLA – 73-520 El Paseo, Suite 2D
March 21-23, 10am-6pm – Airfield, Luisa Spagnoli and Apanage Trunk Shows
March 22, 10am-1pm – Champagne brunch accompanies a preview of upcoming Fall/Winter collections.
GRAYSE by MARIE & KELLY GRAY – 73-130 El Paseo
March 24, 11am-1pm – Meet designers, Marie and Kelly Gray. 11:30am, Fashion Presentation: The Grays Favorite Picks for Spring 2015. Limited seating, RSVP (760) 773-3303.
March 25, 11am – Fashion Seminar: Update Your Favorite Bottoms for Spring
March 26, 11am – Fashion Seminar: Traveling with Style & Grayse
March 27, 11am- 4pm – Spring makeup trends and tips.
March 28, 10am-6pm – Preview Summer 2015 Trunk Show with informal modeling.
HOHMANN FINE ART – 73-660 El Paseo
March 26, 6-8pm – Special Exhibition: The Works of Robert Freimark, 1922 – 2010.
JC’S PATIO CAFÉ – 73-200 El Paseo
March 21 & 28, 11:30am- 2:30pm – Informal modeling by M.K. Jewels and Nina McLemore clothing.
March 25, 11:30am- 2:30pm – Jewelry by Sarah Anderson modeled during the lunch hours.
HEIRESS – 73-260 El Paseo, Suite 1C
March 2 -28, 10:30am-6pm – Celebrate american at Heiress: A patriotic surprise with purchase of U.S. flag merchandise. Fringe is in: Shake it Off with Taylor Swift. Sky Spring & Summer Trunk Show. Heiress tote with minimum merchandise purchase of $300.
HG HAIR SPA AND TRICHOLOGY – 73-833 El Paseo, Suite 106
March 27, 11am- 3pm – Gourmet food, art and beauty in the courtyard garden; $1,000 gift basket raffle, benefits local charity; 30 percent off art.
JUST BLOW DRYS – 73-375 El Paseo
March 27, 11am-6pm – Don’t Wine About Your Hair wine tasting event benefits Girlfriend Factor charity. Details: www.justblowdrys.com. Book appointments early; each appointment receives a complimentary raffle ticket.
KELLER PENTHOUSE 21 SALON – 73-725 El Paseo, Suite 21E
March 22-28 – Restyle and Refresh! Women’s haircuts for 50 percent off. New clients with selected stylists only.
MARGA’S REPEAT BOUTIQUE – 73-900 El Paseo
March 23-28, 11am-5pm – Free gift when you shop at Marga’s Repeat Boutique.
NINA McLEMORE – 73-200 El Paseo, Suite 4A
March 21 – 28, 11am-3pm – Presentations of new Spring and Summer 2015 collections all week.
March 28, 11am-3pm – FINALE: Informal modeling on the patio. Exquisite European fabrics, fabulous fit, timeless designs. Made in New York.
PINK CLUB – 73-725 El Paseo
March 21-28 – Free temporary jewelry tattoo with purchase. View new Spring/Summer collections for women and children. See the biggest selection of 2015 Brazilian flip flops from Ipanema and Havaianas for women, children and men.
March 21, 2-4pm – Fashion is our Passion Party – Have a favorite designer handbag painted. Customize cell phone cases, shoes, boots and license plates with Swarovski elements. (Order only party or leave with one of our pre-made treasures). Refreshments served.
March 26, 2-4pm – Champagne Campaign – New cocktail-themed tops, novelty décor and wall art. Refreshments served.
March 28, 2-4pm – Fashion House: Design an outdoor bed; choose existing or custom design and fabrics to turn an outdoor living space into a dreamy paradise. Patio sofas and dining sets are available. Refreshments served.
PRIMP LASH AND HAIR STUDIO – 73-833 El Paseo, Suite 106
March 27, 11am-3pm – $1,000 gift basket raffle benefits Family YMCA of the Desert. Art Show and Gourmet food available.
ROYAL PROJECTS: CONTEMPORARY ART – 73-190 El Paseo, Suite 3
March 27, 5-8pm – Artist Kristin McIver Data Portraits precedes Saks Fifth Avenue Presents Roberto Cavalli 2015 Fall Collection event. Royal Projects joins forces with Palm Springs Art Museum in Palm Desert, The Galen, for after-party at 9pm following opening reception.
SAKS FIFTH AVENUE – 73-555 El Paseo
Saturday, March 21, 10am-5pm – Alexander McQueen: Spring 2015 Sell Day. Barry Brinker: Fashion and Fine Jewelry Trunk Show. Joie: Spring 2015 Sell Day.
Sunday, March 22, 10am-5pm – Barry Brinker: Fashion and Fine Jewelry Trunk Show.
Monday, March 23, 10am-5pm – Donna Karan: Spring 2015 Sell Day.
Tuesday, March 24, 10am-5pm – Zang Toi: Fall 2015 Trunk Show. Roberto Coin: Fine Jewelry Trunk Show
Wednesday, March 25, 10am-5pm – Zang Toi: Fall 2015 Trunk Show. Roberto Coin: Fine Jewelry Trunk Show
Thursday, March 26, 10am-5pm – Akris Punto: Spring 2015 Sell Day. Piranesi: Fine Jewelry Trunk Show
Friday, March 27, 10am-5pm – Piranesi: Fine Jewelry Trunk Show. Saks Fifth Avenue Presents Roberto Cavalli: Fall 2015 Collection. Fashion Week El Paseo White Tent
Saturday, March 28, 10am-5pm – Roberto Cavalli: Fall 2015 Trunk Show. Diane Von Furstenberg: Spring 2015 Sell Day. Piranesi: Fine Jewelry Trunk Show
SHERRY MESA THE SALON – 73-880 El Paseo, Suite 5
March 24, 10am-2pm – Open House: meet the stylists. Drinks and hors d’oeuvres; hairstyle and makeup demonstrations. Free product samples. In-store Fashion Week raffle is open to the public.
SPECTACULAR SHADES – 73-910 El Paseo
March 23-28, 11am-4pm – Trunk Shows and giveaways.
STUDIO 55 ART GALLERY – 73-655 El Paseo, Suite E
March 21-28 – Fashion & Art events.
THE ART OF SHAVING – The Gardens on El Paseo
March 23, 1-5pm – Free shaving demonstrations featuring the 4 elements of the perfect shave. Samples and refreshments available.
WHITE HOUSE/BLACK MARKET – 73-199 El Paseo, Suite E
March 21-28, 9:30am-8pm – Daily gift card giveaways and new Spring Collection. Personal stylists available.
March 24, 3-7pm – Style Event party features a DJ, refreshments and a free gift with purchase (while supplies last). Personal stylists will be on hand to provide expert advice on what to wear and so much more.
WINK LASH AND BEAUTY BAR – 73-375 El Paseo, Suites D & G
March 27, 9am-5pm – Vincent Longo National Makeup Artist presenting in-salon makeup sessions showcasing the line of Vincent Longo Cosmetics that launch during Fashion Week. Each appointment is 40 minutes: $50 deposit required; deposit will be applied to purchase of products at the time of service; call (760) 340-5274 for reservations. Refreshments served.
XCVI – The Gardens on El Paseo
March 21-28 – Fashion Week Extravaganza: 50 percent off purchase excluding new arrivals and non-XCVI brand. Free gift with purchase for early shoppers from open until noon, while supplies last. In-store trunk shows March 26-27.
