Techno music pulses as international and indie designers parade new collections on waterfront runways. Swimsuit models strut a glowing catwalk wending through a cocktail lounge. At a gallery, living mannequins slowly change poses as an artists paints their bodies. A curbside car show features Jaguars, not hot rods. Edgy public artworks rise from street corners; bus shelters incorporate sculpture.
This isn’t Milan, London or New York, but downtown Scottsdale, Ariz.
A fashion-forward vibe reigns in the Sonoran Desert’s style capital year-round. “That’s why we chose to open in Scottsdale,” said Katie Brashear, marketing executive at the mod-luxe W Scottsdale, which has filled rooms despite the recession since opening last fall. Distinctive W events vary from dog fashion pageants to this evening’s denim-and-drinks fashion show that packed the W’s rooftop infinity pool deck.
A few blocks south along Marshall Way and Main Street, dozens of galleries stay open late for Thursday evening ArtWalk. Wine flows, and local guitarists and pianists fill the air with song. “Weekly ArtWalks have been a Scottsdale tradition for three decades,” says Katarina Kovacevic at the city’s visitor bureau. During Scottsdale’s Fashion Week in early November, the theme was art attire. Future ArtWalk themes include sports, living green and haute cuisine.
Many patrons of the revitalized SouthBridge district’s gastropubs can pass for models, and some are, confirms Bitsy Susich, who coordinates Fashion Week. Retail therapy is the great equalizer, and the recently expanded Fashion Square downtown offers trendy selections at prices reasonable by East Coast standards.
The rugged mountains — including aptly named Camelback — can be explored by foot, bicycle or hot-air balloon. Wild burros roam the 16,400-acre McDowell Sonoran Preserve, and Desert Botanical Garden offers a cactus paradise just south of the city.
Scottsdale’s long roster of spas now includes Joya at InterContinental’s Moroccan-themed Montelucia Resort. Since opening last November in Camelback Mountain’s Paradise Valley foothills, “the resort has become a hot spot for girlfriend getaways and weddings,” says Kristen Schaefer, who was drawn to a communications position there by the exotic architecture, pools and fountains.
“Scottsdale is not just about Botox and Range Rovers. We’re more cowboy boot than Jimmy Choo,” Biz Boynton says while shopping at Old Town’s Saturday morning Farmers’ Market. “Our style goes beyond fashion, and you can even see it here.” Boynton gestures to tables featuring tastings of award-winning regional wines, vinegars and olive oils, artisan breads, gourmet fried chickpeas, and fresh apple cider.
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