Scottsdale forecast calls for fashion

Kerry Dunne upped the ante when planning this year's Scottsdale Fashion Week. The three-day event, now in its third year, will feature more designers and runway shows than ever, said Dunne, the event's co-producer.

This year's extravaganza, which runs Thursday through Saturday, will once again set up shop along Scottsdale's waterfront.

But Dunne said there will be a new element to this year's shows.

"Designers were asking for more of a New York feel," Dunne explained, alluding to the New York Fashion Week runways housed in large, white tents at Manhattan's Bryant Park.

So Dunne and his fellow Scotts-dale Fashion Week co-producer, Reed Glick, will put up a stellar white runway tent at this year's Scottsdale show. Dunne said the event's trademark outdoor runway will also be featured in nearby SouthBridge for those who enjoy watching models strut under the stars.

Unlike New York Fashion Week, Dunne said the Scottsdale event will continue to be easily accessible to local and visiting fashion lovers alike.

"It's inclusive, not exclusive. You don't have to be a designer or celebrity to come," said Dunne, who is expecting more than 30,000 people to attend the 50 runway shows offered this year. He said the event has come a long way since its 2006 debut. At the inaugural show, Dunne said 6,000 people came to watch. Dunne said the number of spectators last year swelled to around 20,000.

Dunne said this year's highlights include Rebecca Weinberg, a fashion stylist from the TV series "Sex and the City." After the Friday Dillard's runway show, ticketholders will get to meet Weinberg and ask her their most pressing fashion questions.

Fashion followers will also have an opportunity to see the works of designers including Scottsdale's Angela Johnson and the internationally known Zang Toi, who will be showing his collection of couture designs.

The event is not for women only. The Nordstrom show at 8 p.m. Saturday will feature menswear, offering a number of labels includingJoseph Abboud and Michael Kors. If attendees see something on the runway they like, Dunne said ordering can be done at the designer booths at the event.

Dunne said for those who have never had the opportunity to watch fashions glide down the runway, the entertainment, showmanship, and of course, the dazzling clothes, are worth the trip. "It will be one big party in downtown Scottsdale," he said.

Ticket information

Thursday: Free access from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. for the Wearable ArtWalk on the SouthBridge runway and from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the luxury shopping pavilion.

Friday and Saturday: Free access from noon to 6 p.m. at the SouthBridge Runway and Luxury Pavilion.

Evening tent and outdoor runway shows range in price from $25 to $400. For ticket information and complete event schedule, visit www.scottsdalefashionweek.com

Friday, Nov. 7

4 p.m. Runway magazine. Runway magazine opens the tent shows with the fashions of celebrity Esther Nash, who will model her designs. "American Idol" finalist David Hernandez will entertain during the show's intermission. Festivities also include fashions from The Limited, Socratti and Peter Kent.

5 p.m. Bridal and evening fashions. The latest bridal and evening wear from fashion houses including Monique Lhuillier, Carolina Herrera and Oscar de la Renta.

6 p.m. Fox 10 Designer of the Year/Garage children's clothing show

New fashion-forward designers compete for title of SFW '08 Designer of the Year. Immediately following is a children's fashion show presented by Garage.

7:15 p.m. Estilo Boutique & Twist

8:15 p.m. Moody Blues. "People's Liberation" designer Daniel Guez presents his new denim label "Dylan George," which debuted on MTV's "The Hills" in February. Guez also is known for his William Rast brand that he launched with business partner Justin Timberlake.

9 p.m. Dillard's. Dillard's will present a high-energy fashion show featuring the latest in contemporary apparel presented by special guest Rebecca Weinberg, a fashion stylist from a show known for its fashion, "Sex and the City."

Saturday, Nov. 8

1 p.m. Theory by Neiman Marcus. The spirit of this collection is all about vibrant color - piranha, urchin and koi balanced with crisp white and navy - as described by the event's organizers.

2 p.m. Banana Republic. Celebrating three decades of style, the Banana Republic show will feature "City Style" on the runway.

3 p.m. Marciano. This collection couples bold, strong styles with stunning footwear.

5 p.m. Metropark. Fall and holiday fashions on the runway include dark and edgy color combos, studs, buckles and zippers. Key colors include cobalt, teal and hints of fuchsia.

7 p.m. Jhane Barnes by At Ease. See the limited edition works by fabric designer Jhane Barnes for her masculine take on high style.

8 p.m. Nordstrom. Nordstrom's dazzling menswear lineup will include BOSS Black, Joseph Abboud, Zanella, John Varvatos Star USA, Michael Kors, 7 Diamonds, Hickey Freeman.

9 p.m. Rolf's. Rolf Lohse delivers a modern collection of couture hair, makeup and fashion inspired by 20th-century American glamour icons.

10 p.m. Zang Toi. Internationally acclaimed designer Zang Toi makes his debut at Scottsdale Fashion Week presenting his dramatic couture line.