Have a passion for fashion? When someone says “runway” do you think of supermodels and not airplanes? Do you know what “haute couture” means AND how to pronounce it? Then this is the event for you. 

For the 17^th year, Fashion Week El Paseo presented by Agua Caliente Casinos returns to the desert, transforming the Gardens at El Paseo into a miniature Milan with runway shows, pop-up shops, meet-and-greets, and cocktail receptions. Fashion Week El Paseo is known as the West Coast’s largest consumer fashion show and, with the consumer in mind, delivers seven stimulating days of runway shows, cocktail receptions, and trunk shows. Many of the events also provide an opportunity to meet the designers in person. Fashion Week El Paseo runs from March 15-21 and offers everything for visitors and desert residents to channel their inner fashionista. Here’s what you can expect.

THE DESIGNERS

You can’t have a week of fashion without high-end designers and four dynamic dignitaries in particular are being highlighted this year. Runway shows start at 8 p.m. but are always preceded by a cocktail party at 7 p.m. You don’t want to miss the pre-party, which is a wonderful time to socialize with other fashionistas, and in some cases peruse some fashion and accessories that can be on display before the runway shows. 

LEON KLAASSEN BOS

When: Saturday, March 16 – 7 p.m. cocktail party, 8 p.m. runway show.

The Netherlands-born Klaassen Bos is noted for mixing sophistication with sensuality. He has a knack for creating innovative sculptural pieces that also complement the human body. In 2017, Leon became the creative director of LeonLeon a company that specializes in wedding wear for men and women with a specific nod to suits for same-sex couples. His show this week is called Sensual Rhapsody.

CYNTHIA ROWLEY

When: Sunday, March 17 – 12:30 p.m. cocktail party, 2 p.m. runway show.

The American designer will present a collection that leans more toward the sporty side of fashion, wearable, pretty, and carefree. Her styles are flirty and fun with bright colors and modern fabrications. A woman of many skills, Rowley has written five books and has even appeared on Celebrity Jeopardy.

SIMON UNGLESS

When: Sunday, March 17 – 7 p.m. cocktail party, 8 p.m. runway show.

A fashion pioneer and friend of Alexander McQueen who collaborated with the late designer on his first 10 collections. Ungless specializes in prints and is at the forefront of sustainability when it comes to choosing his textiles and accessories. He runs two design companies — one called “When Simon Met Ralph,” focused on apparel and textiles, and “Blackened” which is more about accessories and home goods. He’ll be showcasing his latest designs in a runway show that is sure to feature his emphasis on original prints.

SCOOTER LAFORGE

When: Tuesday, March 19 – 7 p.m. cocktail party, 8 p.m. runway show.

Beyonce, Boy George, Miley Cyrus, Rihanna, Nicki Minaj, and Madonna have all worn the designs of LaForge. He is a painter and sculptor from New York, an artist who moonlights in the fashion world. For LaForge, the clothes are the canvas as he creates unique, one-of-a-kind pieces that are reminiscent of graffiti, and high in style.

BUDDING FASHION PLATES

Fashion Week El Paseo is not just about the established designers showcasing their latest lines, it’s also a chance to see the fashion stars of tomorrow.

That’s why a fan's favorite show every year is the student collections. Each year one night is dedicated to the designs of students enrolled at one of the noted fashion institutes across the United States. This year the spotlight is on the students of Istituto Marangoni Miami in Florida (IMM) who are shaping the future of fashion.

THE IMM SHOW

When: Wednesday, March 20 – Cocktail party 7 p.m., runway show 8 p.m.

This is a can’t-miss night because fashion fans can see 12 different designers in one show for an array of wildly different artistic styles, textiles and genres.

INSIDER TIPS & WHERE TO STAY

Tickets for all the runway shows are $95 for general admission or $200 for “second-row” seats that offer the best view of the chic designs. They can be purchased at fasionweekelpaseo.com.

If you want to go all-in, you can also purchase the “Diva Package” that gets you two front-row seats to every show during Fashion Week El Paseo, nightly access to the VIP lounge, VIP parking and invitations to exclusive events. 

With tickets in hand, you may be looking for a place to stay nearby. Fashion Week El Paseo is held at the Gardens on El Paseo in Palm Desert, smack dab in the geographic center of Greater Palm Springs, so anywhere you stay from Palm Springs to Indio is a perfect driving distance. 

If that's the case, you'll want to try Hotel Paseo  which is located across the street from The Gardens on El Paseo in Palm Desert. It's also located within walking distance of many shops and restaurants. Other options nearby include Omni Rancho Las Palmas  in Rancho Mirage, Embassy Suites  by Hilton in Palm Desert and Sands Hotel & Spa  in Indian Wells. 

OWN THE FASHION YOURSELF

Want to buy some of the designs you see on the runway, or at least window shop? That’s part of Fashion Week El Paseo, too. If you see a look you like on the runway, go to the trunk show and buy it. The pop-up trunk shows in most cases are held the day after the designer’s runways show and are an opportunity to peruse their designs and meet the designers. Each featured designer has a pop-up shop open during the day for fans to peruse and purchase. Those are free and open to the public. 

Here’s the schedule:

Leon Klaassen Bos: Sunday, March 17 (11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the reception tent).

Cynthia Rowley: Monday, March 18-Saturday, March 23 (at Summer Colony Living, 73061 El Paseo, Suite Six).

Simon Ungless: Monday, March 18 (11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the reception tent).

Scooter LaForge: Wednesday, March 20 (11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the reception tent).

Want to enjoy even more fashion fun this spring? Check out our Guide Through El Paseo Shopping District to discover the hottest stores to shop while in Greater Palm Springs.