By Eva Trieger
PALM SPRINGS, California — If your fashion acumen consists of “Don’t wear white after Labor Day.” get yourself to Fashion Week at El Paseo! Palm Springs Life magazine is producing the tenth annual week-long event under the direction of Susan Stein. Seven days of fashion, food, music, gorgeous models and international designers is sure to have something for everyone.
Stein has always been intimately connected to the world of fashion, following in her father’s footsteps, but at his urging to have a fallback plan, she earned a degree in Political Science instead of pursuing her dream. But every true passion will out, and so Stein established herself at first as a personal shopper in Greenwich, Connecticut, and New York City. Later she joined Sak’s 5th Ave and became their fashion director.
After a move to Los Angeles, Stein was discovered by Bloomingdale’s and carved her niche in the LA fashion scene. Susan and her husband opted for a quieter less frantic pace, and moved to Palm Springs to “read and play tennis.” Well, they did, but Stein couldn’t help but notice the dearth of fashion in this arid landscape.
Palm Springs Life provided a forum for the forward thinking Stein and she became Fashion Editor of the magazine as well as desert muse for El Paseo shops. (This reviewer last visited El Paseo in 2000, and found a few higher end shops and many vacancies. There was very little foot traffic and an apparent absence of buyers.) Stein changed all that with the creation of Fashion Week El Paseo.
Today, this vibrant buzzing desert oasis is the breeding ground for electric and elegant haute couture. The magnetic event which will run March 21-28, will attract over 13,000 visitors from all over the globe, if consistent with previous years. Guests are also encouraged to get into the act and many do!
Stein reported that the crowd is always enthusiastic and involved. Many plan their wardrobe months ahead of the event, in order to be perfectly attired for the trunk shows, runways shows, receptions, and luncheons. “Fashion Week Divas” purchase front row seats. At El Paseo Fashion Week’s inception, ten years ago, only four of these seats were purchased. Today, all 50 are sold out!
One unique and most admirable facet of this chic happening, it the charitable component. Approximately 100 local charities reap some portion of ticket sales from this program. The concept is charity driven and with over 2,200 events per season, the fashion community assists and supports those in need. Another difference, Stein was quick to point out, is that Fashion Week not only benefits the designers and the industry, but teaches the consumer what is out there, and what is trending.
This year’s program will feature over 24 designers. Thirty to forty percent are from out of town. The criteria for selection is that they must currently have a line that is “cohesive with the show and currently being sold.” Emergent designers are not the focus of this event, but Stein ponders the idea of a workshop with unknown designers one day in the future.
Many of the designers are graduates of Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising (FIDM), others hail from Lebanon, Austin, Israel and Columbia. Local desert designer, Michael Costello, has taken “Project Runway” to a new level and is currently enjoying his own show in NY. Stein revealed that he is the hottest current American designer, and his creations are the “most seen on the red carpet today.” Additionally, as this is the tenth anniversary, Stein hopes to have some previous designers return to show their latest machinations, including the work of edgy designer Gemma Kahn, and the Roberto Cavalli collection.
Not only are the designers hand-picked, but Stein personally selects 140 models! In order to be an El Paseo Fashion Week model, one must be 5’10 and involved with an agency. Lest you think all of the models are female, think again! Male models also take to the runways and keep the viewing interesting for everyone!
Food and Wine week will be launched with the James Beard Luncheon on March 27th. This year four female chefs include Iron Chef Cat Cora, award-winning pastry chef Gale Gand, chef and owner of Hudson House, Brooke Williamson, and event designer, Lulu Powers.
This tenth year anniversary extravaganza will also feature musical entertainment from a 7 piece all-star band, Foo Fighters, Pearl Jam and Pink. Sounds like a little something for everyone!
How has the event changed in the last decade? There are more shows, 18 stores, and the production level may be compared to New York or European shows. These are the top designers and this premiere West Coast show “may be the largest consumer event in the entire country. “
When I asked Stein to reveal her favorite show, she responded, “That’s like being asked to choose your favorite child!” Clearly, this woman is passionate and committed to every aspect of El Paseo Fashion Week, and certainly seems to be juggling many balls in the air to bring us this effulgent affair.
What is the one essential item that can make or break an outfit? Stein paused thoughtfully and said, “A good fit is critical. An article of clothing must not be too short, too big or too tight. Accessories are always important, but the make or break? That’s a smile! “
Tickets are available for El Paseo Fashion Week online fashionweekelpaseo.com or at the ticket booth.
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Trieger is a freelance writer who specializes in coverage of the arts. Your signed comment may be posted in the space provided below or sent to eva.trieger@sdjewishworld.com