Logo and Words Fostering all in one
   
NMFW15 Runway Crowd
New Mexico Fashion Week 2016 is only days away!   It all starts on Wednesday April 13 with two Trunk Shows, followed by the Industry Meet and Greet Thursday night. The highlights of the weekend are our two Runway Shows scheduled For Friday and Saturday nights, with After Parties following. Finally, everything winds down Sunday morning with our Fashion Brunch.

This is the highlight of our year at Albuquerque Apparel Center, and we invite you to be a part of fashion history in New Mexico. We have worked hard for 12 months to make this event happen, but the most important ingredient is YOU. We hope that you will come!

The lineup for Friday night includes the following six designers:

  • Atelier Danielle
  • Bossarolla
  • Kendra Grace Designs
  • Lovato Eyecare
  • Orlando Dugi
  • Penny Singer
Saturday's lineup includes these six designers:
  • Destinista Fashions
  • Enlightened Designs
  • Guadalupe Ramirez
  • Monista Arts
  • Montecristi Custom Hat Works
  • Westerngrace
Runway Shows are scheduled for 7:00-9:00pm, but our Fashion Expo starts each day 
at 5:00pm. Come early so you can shop from a variety of vendors as well as from these designers. On Friday evening, Saturday's designers will showcase their fashions and accessories in the Fashion Expo, while on Saturday evening, Friday's designers will showcase theirs. Come early...stay late!

And enjoy the finest fashion in New Mexico!

For more information: http://newmexicofashionweek.com
NMFW2016 Trunk Shows Announced

New Mexico Fashion Week 2016 is pleased to announce two exciting Trunk Shows on Wednesday April 13th from 6-9pm. "We encourage our fashion-minded guests to attend both. It's a great chance to meet the designers, and get a sneak peak at what they will show on Friday and Saturday," said Melissa Lea Beasley, Founder and Executive Director of the event.
 
Locations: Zacatecas Tacos + Tequila (3423 Central NE) and Matanza Craft Beer Kitchen (3225 Central NE) are only two blocks apart, making it easy to walk from one to the other. Our designers will be split evenly between them. Plenty of time to visit both locations, peruse (and buy) designers' wares before they hit the runway, enjoy cocktails, and listen to guest speakers Heather Petrey (LA Fashion Snob), and Dr. Nick Gerlich (social media consultant).

Zacatecas Tacos + Tequila 6:00PM - 7:30PM    3423 Central Avenue NE
 
Designers:
  1. Atelier Danielle
  2. Guadalupe Ramiez Fashions
  3. Montecristi Custom Hat Works
  4. Westerngrace
6:30PM Speaker: Dr. R Nicholas Gerlich Ph.D., Professor of Marketing at West Texas A&M University.  Subject: The latest social media trends.
 
Matanza Craft Beer Kitchen 7:30PM - 9:00PM     3225 Central Avenue NE
 
Designers:
  1. Bossarolla
  2. Enlightened Designs
  3. Kendra Grace Designs
  4. Lovato Eyecare
  5. Penny Singer
8:00PM Speaker: Heather Petrey, AKA LA Fashion Snob, Fashion Blogger.  Subject: Her story as a blogger, and how to hunt for Vintage Clothing.

"We are thrilled to be able to feature our designers off the Runway as well as on," Beasley stated. "The Trunk Shows are free to the public, and offer everyone a chance to sample what's to come at the Runway Shows Friday and Saturday."
   
After Parties, Sunday Brunch, and Accommodations at Hyatt Regency ABQ, Downtown - NMFW16 Host Hotel!
New Mexico Fashion Week 2016 is thrilled to announce that this year's host hotel will be the Hyatt Regency Albuquerque. The Hyatt is located across the street from the ABQ Convention Center, providing the ultimate in convenience for attendees and participants. Breakfast for two and free onsite parking is included in the standard room rate.

In addition, the Hyatt will be hosting After Parties 9:30-11: 00pm on both F riday and Saturday nights, immediately following the Runway shows. A great opportunity to mingle with friends new and old. Eat Dinner. Enjoy your favorite beverage.  Join us Sunday morning at 10:00 in Hyatt's FORQUE Kitchen for our special Stepping Out In Style fashion brunch.  

The Hyatt Regency ABQ is the only AAA Four Diamond Hotel in the downtown district.

"
Everyone involved in New M exico Fashion Week 2016 is ensured the ultimate good time with all weekend activities within short walking distance," Melissa L ea Beasley said.

Rooms are available at a special rate of $119 per night. Reservations can be made here.
Stepping Out In Style NMFW16 Sunday Brunch
FORQUE Kitchen - Hyatt Regency ABQ Downtown
10:00am Sunday, April 17th

Join Abq Apparel Center's meetup.com group "Stepping Out In style, Albuquerque" for their NMFWQ2016 Sunday Brunch Social at Hyatt Regency's FORQUE Kitchen. 
It will be one last chance to have fun with other fashion devotees.  

Albuquerque's premier culinary destination, FORQUE features a tastefully constructed selection of regionally infused menu concepts.  Each presentation reflects subtle  flavors
from the unique and distinctive seasoning profile of New Mexico and  the southwest.  
 
Stepping Out In Style members meet 1-3 times per month at various locations around the city, having fun while promoting personal style through NMFW guest speakers, designers, and other fashion-related activities. 
NMFW2016 Teams With PicPocket
New M exico Fashion W eek has once again partnered with PicPocket for this year's event. PicPocket is a photo sharing app that is the pioneer in geo-fenced user-generated events. Last year the app was in limited distribution, and available only on Android devices. The app, which is free, is now available for both Android and iPhone users.

Our test last year resulted in more than 600 photos being posted. We invite you to download the app now and start using it. When you arrive at New Mexico Fashion Week 2016 and open the app, it will recognize that you are within the geo-fence we will create (about ½ mile radius). Users simply need to check in to the event, and start posting photos.
 
All pictures posted to the event (which we will keep open throughout April 15 -17 while we are at the ABQ Convention Center) can be seen by, and shared with, all other users who check in. Users can then choose to send any photo directly to the nearest Walgreens for inexpensive prints.

PicPocket
also allows users to cross-post to all of the other popular social media sites.
Designer Spotlight
We have an amazing group of designers set to showcase their collections at NMFW 2016! From casual to elegant, urban to southwest, top to bottom, we have you covered.

For complete designer bios, please visit our website. Some of our featured couturiers include these four new designers, as well as five returning designers:

Atelier Danielle (new): Danielle is honored to be presenting her work at New Mexico Fashion Week & summit in Albuquerque April 2016.  Atelier Danielle is a Santa Fe based designer & custom clothier. The designer's timeless elegant pieces evoke a studied  nonchalance at ease where ever you are.  The assemblage of luxurious textiles combined with vintage kimono ,saris & lace form a rich platform for A.D.'s original designs.


Bossarolla (returning): Bossarolla, consisting of Alexandra Sanchez and Leandra Rosenau,  was founded in the heart of Southwest Albuquerque, New Mexico. Both Company CEOs/Designers are from Albuquerque.   Best friends that fell in love with the same dream, they strive to provide fabulous fashion as a lifestyle. To them, a Bossarolla (BOSS. A. ROLLA) is a woman who puts God first.



Destinista Fashions (returning): Destini Duran was born in the small town of Esp   anola, NM and currently still resides there. Her designs come from the influe   nce of  modern abstract art. Destini graduated from Pojoaque Valley High School in 2011 and went straight on to college to pursue a degree in Biological science from the University of New Mexico. After a year she decided that was not what she fully loved. She decided to join the fashion design program at the Santa Fe Community College and graduated May of 2014 with an AAA in Fashion Design.
 


Enlightened (returning): Designer Sharidynn Denetchiley represents the Dine (Navajo) Nation, originally from the Four Corners Region, and resides in Albuquerque, New Mexico.  Since beginning her career seven years ago, she has taken part in many jewelry and fashion shows across New Mexico to show case her artistry. Her resume includes collaborations with other Native American models and designers across the country, as well as First Nations who represent the Canadian region.


Guadalupe Ramirez Fashions Guadalupe, a first generation Mexican-American, was born to Mr. Antonio and Mrs. Ofelia Ramirez in El Paso, Texas. After he graduated from Bowie High School, Guadalupe began his formal education in Fashion Design at the El Paso Community College. In 2002, he moved to Albuquerque and discovered that he could continue his studies in the Fashion Design Program at the Santa Fe Community College, and be influenced by the city's artistic culture. Guadalupe has lived and designed in New York City, and made it to the final round of considerations for Project Runway. Today he produces one-of-a-kind fashion designs and bridal garments.  


Kendra Grace Designs (new): Kendra Grace Designs creates one-of-a-kind ready-to-wear garments including dresses, skirts and waistcoats for people of all sizes using sustainable materials and processes. Kendra is a self taught clothing designer with a background in sculpture and specializes in providing a unique experience for each of our unique bodies.



Lovato Eyewear (new): Lovato Eyecare is a full service eye care practice offering ophthalmology, optometry, optical and contact lens services. Dr. Lovato, a fellowship trained, board certified ophthalmologist in Albuquerque, treats a full range of medical eye diseases and performs cataract and laser surgery. He also provides his patients with their yearly routine vision care. He has been the community's trusted resource   for superior eye care service and patient satisfaction for many years.

Monista Arts (returning):
I have a degree in Architecture and Interior Design in Applied Science. I see images through contemporary eyes, both abstract and realistic. I try to convey the simplicity, elegance, grace, and spirit of my art. Light, shade, color, and texture all working together create art with eyes of Gods nature. My primary pieces of art reflect the journey and pain I have had to endure for many years. I want others to embrace my work not only as a story but through the reflection of what is inside of me.  

 
Montecristi Custom Hat Works (returning):
Celebrating its 40th year in Santa Fe, Montecristi is well-known for its signature styling of traditional, Western and millinery styles. Serving the everyday working stiff, working cowboys and sophisticated businessmen (and women too!), as well as Presidents, governors, senators, ambassadors, titan of industry and finance, movie stars and the super wealthy, this custom hatter has earned its stellar international reputation by seeking out the best raw material and following the most exacting construction principles for its unique interpretations of western, traditional and modern designs.


Orlando Dugi: Conceived in Santa Fe, New Mexico in 2011, the brand DUGI is a fledgling special occasion and evening wear fashion house. It began in a small 150-square-foot in-home studio and in 2013 moved into a 650-square-foot design studio. DUGI first began with elaborately hand-beaded evening clutches and bags, then introduced a line of jewelry to the brand, and now includes evening gowns. The brand name "DUGI" is pronounced Doo-guy (daghááii in Navajo), which means "mustache" in the Navajo American Indian language. The designer's heritage. 
 

PennySinger01 Penny Singer  The Penny Singer Collection is a line of unique handmade clothing and accessories that embraces the Native American spirit and comes to market with clean lines, smart design and a flavor all its own. My philosophy is that a garment should be the best that it can be, and I invest the time to ensure that the quality of every piece meets or exceeds the standards of the last. From handbags to ribbon shirts, my designs reflect who I am-free, unapologetic and just plain "real." 
 

Westerngrace (new): Westerngrace began in 2004 by an aspiring fashion design student determined to bring a new style to western apparel. After graduation, Westerngrace founder, Jesse Call designed for Cruel Girl and then interned with the Rhinestone Rembrandt, Manuel. Now with the knowledge and passion needed to pursue her dreams, Jesse is making her own mark in western apparel.



April 2016
IN THIS ISSUE
Get Involved
Last call for NMFW2016 volunteers! There are still numerous opportunities available for volunteers, though! Among the positions we need to fill are:

Assistant Admin/Director of Events, Buyer and/or Vendor coordinator

NMFW Program layout/writing/editing

Sales (sponsorships/vendors/program ads)

Model Coordinator & Assistant

Volunteer Coordinator & Assistant

Office Cleaners & Organizers (before, during,  & after event)

Runners (doing various errands, etc. before/during/after event).

Please check out the Volunteer page online,
email us, or call us at
505.803.6966 if you would like to be part of the best fashion event in New Mexico!
Event Info:
Buying Tickets:
Tickets are now on sale for New Mexico Fashion Week 2016! Advance tickets are available for $25 each night, and an All-Access Pass for $45,  Buy now and save time at the door!

  Or click here for more info.

Select Ticket Date(s)
Quantity
Comments:
Parking Instructions:

Please park in the Civic Plaza parking garage (North entrance is on Tijeras, South entrance is on Marquette), and enter the Albuquerque Convention Center at street level, through the main entrance on 3rd Street, directly across from Civic Plaza. See our website for parking prices. Free parking is also available throughout Downtown.

What to Wear:
While there is no prescribed attire, NMFW2016 guests are encouraged to dress fashionably! With many photo opportunities, the event is the perfect excuse to put on something fancy.
Look Forward to:
In addition to the scheduled events happening Friday and Saturday, there are many more things to get excited about: NMFWQ2016 will feature a glamorous red-carpet style entrance, where our photographers can take your photo upon arrival. Enjoy a drink and some conversation on the newly remodeled balcony, overlooking the beautiful Civic Plaza and Downtown's 3rd Street. Gather your friends and snap a Selfie. Hang out with us at After-Parties Friday and Saturday nights, and attend our Stepping Out In Style brunch on Sunday morning!
Clothing Drive
New Mexico Fashion Week 2016 is pleased to announce its annual clothing drive and beneficiary. Haven House is a New Mexico organization that is dedicated to helping women who are victims of domestic violence. In many cases, these women have found themselves homeless and/or without sufficient resources to start life anew. This is our second year of assisting them.
  
Our goal is to help provide them with clothing that is  appropriate for a business environment, with hopes that they can obtain gainful employment. At New Mexico Fashion Week and The Albuquerque Apparel Center, we wish to empower women who have been victim to domestic abuse. We want to give them a chance to break out of the cycle of poverty, and find their place in the workforce. 
 
While any women's clothing is appreciated, we especially seek business clothing, such as slacks, skirts, blouses, dresses, jackets, and shoes that are in good condition, and that would be appropriate in a business setting.  Additionally, we accept men's clothing to benefit the Veteran's Integration Center, dedicated to homeless veterans or those with a current housing crisis. We also accept children's clothing to benefit disenfranchised children in the community. 

Our Community Service Outreach Director, Amy Stoker, can arrange for your donation to be picked up and she can provide further details to ensure that  your donation is tax deductible.

To donate clothing in Albuquerque, please contact Melissa Lea Beasley at 505.803.6966 to arrange drop-off at the AAC office or elsewhere locally. To donate clothing in the Rio Rancho area, please contact Amy Stoker at 505.301.2683.
 

Announcements:

The annual Industry Meet & Greet will be held Thursday April 14th 7-9pm at the Albuquerque Apparel Center office and adjacent indoor courtyard area.

Located in Downtown Albuquerque, the event will be held at First Plaza Galleria - 20 First Plaza Center, 240 2nd Street Northwest.

This is an excellent opportunity to meet casually with other fashion-forward individuals, ranging from designers, models, industry representatives, NMFW staff, to guests.

Dress fashionably, and come expecting to make new friends and connections!
 
Looking ahead to 2017: We are currently welcoming designers, vendors, and sponsors for  NMFW17. Please contact us via email, or check out our website   for more information.
 
List your Business!
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NMFashionInfo.com makes it easy to locate fashion related businesses, products, services, supplies, clubs, and events throughout the Land of Enchantment.  Please visit  NMFashionInfo.com  
for more information.
About AAC
AAC 2x2square 2012 10Oct15
The mission of the Albuquerque Apparel Center is to foster the growth of New Mexico's apparel and accessory industry by connecting New Mexico companies and individuals within the industry, offering learning facilities in the community,  provide assistance to
design and production start-ups,
hosting workshops, publishing an
online directory, and hosting
fashion shows and other events.

Fashion's where you find it!

We have an outstanding opportunity to be the next fashion center of the United States, but only if
New Mexicans work together to make it happen!

Creativity and Talent 

New Mexico is a wealth of inspiration and ideas that come from its diverse backgrounds and environments. 

Fashion here is based on what we have, not based on what we have seen in stores, magazines, etc.  
That's just following trends.  We have created the trends seen all over the world.  The elegant Southwest, Native American and Santa Fe style, to the Wild West, Cowboy and Indian are popular New Mexico styles known and produced all over the world.WE should be the ones producing and benefiting from this! 

Cost of Living

New Mexico has a lower cost of living than most other states in this country which, during these 
current rough economic times, is a huge advantage.  We can start small, providing fair wages 
that we can survive on that other states can't, and raise wages as businesses grow.


Albuquerque Apparel Center
New Mexico Fashion Week
NMFashionInfo.com
505.803.6966
AbqApparelCenter.com
NewMexicoFashionWeek.com
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