Phoenix Fashion Week 2024 was a magical weekend of style, beauty, and community, held at the stunning Chateau Luxe in Phoenix, AZ, on October 26th and 27th. This yearโs event was particularly special for me, as it not only marked my brand's growing influence but also took me back to my roots in the fashion and beauty industry. From meeting the top 40 models to collaborating with designers and showcasing Sweeter Juice Skin, my holistic and vegan skincare brand, this journey has been a beautiful full-circle moment.
Letโs dive into the unforgettable highlights, including the top models of the year, emerging designers, and behind-the-scenes moments with Sweeter Juice Skin!
A Look Back: My Journey with Phoenix Fashion Week
Phoenix Fashion Week, Circa 2009
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Before I get into the excitement of the weekend, let me take you back to how it all started. After returning to Phoenix from NYC, I linked up with the Executive Director of Phoenix Fashion Week. I initially joined as a makeup artist and later became a style team leader. Being part of the backstage hustle was exhilarating, and I loved every minute of helping models shine on the runway.
Olunife with PHXFW'S Executive Director 2009/2024
This yearโs Fashion Week felt particularly momentous because I was able to share Sweeter Juice Skin with the same community I grew with. It's been 15 years since I became a certified esthetician and makeup artist, a journey that began with me seeking Godโs guidance on how to truly manifest my passion for beauty. Fast forward to now,โIโm helping models and everyone who desires it, to care for their skin, holistically.
Friday Night: Fashionably Pink and Community Showcase
Photographer: IG @abnormalmag
The weekend kicked off with Fashionably Pink, a heartwarming runway event where breast cancer survivors and local celebrities strutted their stuff for an incredible cause. Proceeds from this event went to Check for a Lump, an organization providing free mammograms and support throughout the breast cancer journey. The energy was incredible, and it was inspiring to see the strength and resilience of these women walking the runway with confidence and grace.
Friday night also highlighted local artists and designers, with stunning creations showcased from around the globe. The models absolutely nailed it, bringing each designerโs vision to life. Huge congratulations to Gilbert Tellez, the style team leader, and the entire style team for their hard work behind the scenes!
Saturday Night: Emerging Designers and the Top Models of the Year
Photographer: IG @abnormalmag
Saturday night brought the heat with the Top 4 Emerging Designers taking center stage. These designers had the chance to showcase their collections and truly left an impression. The top four brands included:
- Araceli โ bringing fresh, innovative designs to the runway.
- Melode by Rebecca Sain Flower โ a lifestyle brand that wowed with its ready-to-wear collections.
- House of Aven โ classic and cutting-edge at the same time.
- Garb by Katie (@garb.stylez) โ the winner of the 2024 Emerging Brand of the Year! Her pieces were bold, forward-thinking, and absolutely showstopping.
The excitement didnโt stop there! We also celebrated the winners of Top Model of the Year:
- Top Male Model: Saveren Wright (IG: @saveren.wright) โ He brought charisma and strength to the runway, and his versatility was unmatched.
- Top Female Model: Olivia M (IG: @sheisoliviyuh) โ She radiated grace and power, absolutely owning the stage with every step.
Congratulations to all the winnersโyouโve worked hard, and it showed on the runway! Photographer (IG @cnsphoto)
Here's a quick highlight of my Phoenix Fashion Week Weekend!
Sweeter Juice Skin x Phoenix Fashion Week: A Skincare Collaboration
One of the highlights of the weekend for me was seeing models use Sweeter Juice Skin. After hours in heavy makeup under the bright runway lights, their skin deserved some serious love. Thatโs where our Double Cleanse Set came into playโa gentle yet powerful combination designed to remove all traces of makeup and leave the skin fresh, clean, and hydrated.
Sweeter Juice Skin is all about holistic, vegan skincare that nourishes from the outside in. Packed with plant-based ingredients, itโs perfect for those long days on set or any time your skin needs a little extra care. Seeing the modelsโ reactions after using our products was so rewardingโthey loved how soft and radiant their skin felt after just one use!
Check out the compilation video of top 40 models and designersย double-cleansing with Sweeter Juice Skin:
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- Olga Obraztsova โ Her radiant skin looked even better after a quick cleanse!
- Karrington Elyse Milham โ Talk about glow!
- Domiana Ndour โ Effortlessly beautiful with and without makeup.
- Tess Newport โ Loved how refreshed she felt after cleansing.
- Jamal (artfuyung) โ Keeping it smooth and fresh.
- Ry Chi โ Giving his skin the care it needs after long hours on set.
These models brought so much life and energy to Phoenix Fashion Week, and Iโm thrilled they got to experience the benefits of our skincare line firsthand.
A Special Shoutout
I also want to give a special thank you to Gloria Jawaro (IG: @glojaw), our fantastic fashion host, for the insightful interview! Your energetic videos brought an extra layer of excitement to the show, and Iโm so grateful for the chance to chat about Sweeter Juice Skin and what weโre doing to in this ageless beauty moment.
Looking Ahead: Sweeter Juice Skin and the Future
As I reflect on this experience, Iโm filled with gratitude for the support and collaborations that have brought Sweeter Juice Skin to where it is today. This journeyโstarting as a makeup artist and now running my own holistic skincare brandโhas been full of lessons, growth, and endless creativity. Phoenix Fashion Week 2024 was more than just an event for me; it was a celebration of how far Iโve come and a testament to the beauty of community and connection.
Iโm excited for whatโs next for Sweeter Juice Skin, and I canโt wait to share even more skincare tips, products, and behind-the-scenes moments from the fashion and beauty world.
Until next time, thank you to everyone at Phoenix Fashion Week for an outstanding event, and congratulations to all the models, designers, and teams who made this weekend unforgettable!