Scottsdale Brings the Heat with AZFW and Art Hearts Fashion

SCOTTSDALE, AZ- Last month, Arizona Fashion Week held an open casting for Las Vegas Swim Week and New York Fashion Week in collaboration with Arizona-based influence app Elite List. Powered by Art Hearts Fashion and Kendall Jenner’s 818 Tequila, the auditions and party, held at Maya Day + Night club, began with models in their finest swimsuits and quickly transformed into a high-energy showcase of local talent. Aspiring models walked the runway before a panel of industry professionals, while guests, influencers, and fashion lovers networked poolside. The event highlighted Arizona’s growing role in the national fashion scene, connecting emerging talent with opportunities on some of the industry’s biggest stages.

Elite List, the co-host of the event, brought forth the business side of the industry, bridging the gap between influencers and businesses in Arizona. The app, founded by entrepreneur and software engineer Sumeet Jain, intends to help businesses gain traction with the help of influencers. “What we did is make [an app] where it's like a barter system. [Businesses] can give their free services or goods in exchange for influencer marketing,” Jain explains. “The crowd here is very influential.”

Erik Rosete, President of Art Hearts Fashion and fashion designer, comes to Arizona to find unique personalities. He expresses his adoration of the state’s rich diversity and the unique perspectives it brings to the fashion industry. Rosete, who just landed that morning from China, has loved creative directing, even during his earlier days doing real estate and modeling. He opened up AZFW’s show at the JetSet Hangar with his brand, Mister Triple X. Rosete’s return to Arizona underscores his ongoing commitment to cultivating a platform for local talent while connecting the state to the global fashion stage.

As the event came to a close, guests danced the rest of the night away, sipping on an espresso martini or margarita made with 818 Tequila. The music, models and event marked another step toward positioning Arizona as a hub for innovation, inclusivity and style.

Stay tuned for New York Fashion Week, powered by Art Heart Fashion, September 10-14.