On Saturday night, members of the downtown Phoenix community gathered for the ninth annual Stylos Awards, a triple-threat event that can only be described as an awards ceremony, a concert and a fashion show.
It is this last element that brought me to The Pressroom on Madison Street and Fourth Avenue. (A rule I generally live by is that if it involves a runway, I’m there.) After walking to the small and chic venue on a surprisingly brisk night, I waited in line amongst a glamorously dressed crowd. I was excited for the main event, but people-watching definitely kept me entertained. Female attendees of the event bore a particular inclination toward bodycon dresses (both basic black and trendy color-blocked) and either platform pumps or stiletto booties, while the males opted for sleek suits and ties.
I shuffled into the dark room dotted with colored lights and waited for the event to start. Attendees mingled about, sipping on colorful drinks and dancing to the thumping beats that reverberated throughout the room. The room was reminiscent of both an urban cocktail party and a glitzy prom for grown-ups.
I took a spot among the crowd, making sure I had a prime view of the runway. At almost 8:00, the music shifted gears and a redhead donning a sequined bodysuit took the stage. The audience was dazzled by her acrobatics and the fire-eating performers who took the stage simultaneously.
After the circus-esque opening, the Stylos Awards were in full force. “Tonight, Phoenix rises,” announced the welcome video. The audience was treated to more background about the event, learning that this year’s Stylos Awards had the biggest turnout so far. All proceeds from ticket sales went to the Isac Amaya Foundation, an organization that works to provide resources for Latino students looking to pursue higher education.
The night also included several celebratory remarks regarding President Barack Obama’s recent announcement of immigration reform, which will allow millions who are in the United States illegally to remain in the country without worry of deportation. The emcees spoke in a mix of English and Spanish, challenging me to put my high-school Spanish skills to use. The language barrier proved to be a non-issue as the upbeat vibe and sense of community that characterized the evening could be felt by anyone.
Ten awards were distributed to talented individuals who have made an impact in the community during the past year, including those for a personality, artist, activist and entrepreneur. The crowd cheered as the winners accepted their awards, and a true sense of support among the attendees was practically tangible.
After the awards, it was time for the night’s highlight, at least from a fashion columnist’s point of view — the fashion show. The showcase, intended to spotlight local designers, kicked off with Aje’les Internal Compass. Models strutted around the runway to a dragging beat, their movements calculated and well-rehearsed. The clothing was made up of ladylike ensembles, including beaded shift dresses, tight ponytails and chandelier earrings. The male models rocked colorful dress shirts and loud plaid vests. A favorite item of the guys’ styles? A sparkly black and white bow tie — not a typical component of a guy’s dress-up gear.
Next up on the agenda was Leonor Aispuro Private Collection. The models resembled ethereal goddesses, donning wispy wedding-like gowns with flowing silhouettes. Creamy white and mint green were the colors of choice. Vintage prints and lace were also present in the designs.
The night took a decidedly hip-hop turn with Medium Apparel, a cool streetwear label that featured guys rocking maroon sweatpants, dip-dyed button-ups and fitted sweatshirts. Audience members who assumed Medium was a men’s brand only were quickly proven wrong by the presence of a single female, rocking denim Daisy Dukes with a colorful tee and a snapback hat. She made her entrance by sassily pushing through the guy models gathered at the end of the runway, a dramatic entrance that elicited whoops and cheers from the crowd.
The theme of girl power continued with the final label featured at the show, Woman’s Touch Apparel. I had heard about WTA and its empowering feminism-inspired statement pieces, so I was most excited to see these designs. Sure enough, models rocking fierce makeup took the stage wearing baggy silk jerseys that flashed blocky numbers or bold statements like “high heels only” or “whole lotta woman” in all-caps.
Other models opted for boxy t-shirts (a favorite piece was a tee that displayed the acronym “C.E.O.,” a subtle way to fashionably associate women with a position of power) and flowing maxi skirts. Overall, the looks of the WTA models reminded me of what a Victoria’s Secret model might wear off-duty, as animal print, lounge-like pieces, blingy statement necklaces and strappy high heels were prominent parts of these looks.
One of my favorite things about the fashion show was the introduction of each designer after their label was showcased, putting a face to the fashion-forward creativity the audience had just seen, and reminding the attendees that the fashion scene is booming in Phoenix. One thing is for sure — these fierce labels aren’t going away anytime soon.
Contact the columnist at lallnatt@asu.edu
