Almost everyone, if they’re being honest, has a little fashionista in them: a curiosity about the wild fashions you see on the runway, a desire to be ahead of the curve with what’s happening next in the fashion industry, and the hope that some of those clothes stuck in the back of your closet will someday come back in style. 

Well, Fashion Week El Paseo returns to Greater Palm Springs and is a must for all fashion-savvy folks.

This immersive fashion experience returns March 14-19, 2025, at The Gardens on El Paseo in Palm Desert and includes everything from nightly runway shows and cocktail receptions to pop-up shops and designer meet-and-greets. 

Sure, it’s fun to dress up while taking in the latest fashions, but Fashion Week El Paseo also benefits local nonprofits. This year’s slate of charities include: Bighorn Bam, Desert Cancer Foundation, GirlFriend Factor, Shay’s Warriors, and Think Together. 

Here's your guide to making the most of Fashion Week El Paseo 2025. (Ticket and more information on the various events are available at fashionweekelpaseo.com.)

RUNWAY SHOWS

The bread and butter of Fashion Week El Paseo are the six runway shows: one per night, each preceded by a cocktail party. Tickets for each show cost $95 for general seating and $200 for second row. Here’s the impressive lineup: 

Bienvenue Pierre Cardin

When: Friday, March 14, 7 p.m. cocktail reception, 8 p.m. fashion show

Celebrating the visionary designer Pierre Cardin who passed away in 2020 at age 98. Rodrigo Cardin will present Cardin’s Spring 2025 collection and select archival pieces from the brand’s Heritage Collection. It will be the first time this show has appeared in the United States. 

Ace Harper Presents Talking Flowers

When: Saturday, March 15, 7 p.m. cocktail reception, 8 p.m. fashion show

Ace Harper’s dreamlike designs embody her philosophy that “in life, as in dance, momentum is everything.” She has a background in dance and that comes through in her show and her designs with a hint of fluidity and airiness. Expect her signature punk nouveau aesthetic.

Summer Colony Living Presents LaQuan Smith

When: Sunday, March 16, 7 p.m. cocktail reception, 8 p.m. fashion show

Are you a fan of luxury and power that seamlessly transitions from daytime to evening attire? Then Smith’s 2025 collection is for you. He’s known for his sensual and glamorous designs blending feminine touches with a bold modern feel. Inspired by nature, expect earthy tones, snake prints, and leather. 

Running Wild on El Paseo

When: Monday, March 17, 7 p.m. cocktail reception, 8 p.m. fashion show

This one is a little different in that it’s not one designer’s work but a collective helping you find your next desert-inspired wardrobe. El Paseo retailers take over the runway, with Dawson Cole Fine Art Gallery setting the scene with paintings by artist Hunt Slonem. Expect to see the latest fashions from Chrissy’s on El Paseo, Chrissy’s Kids, Coco Rose, Connie Roberson, Deebiani’s Menswear, Democracy, Eileen Fisher, Grayseful, Tommy Bahama, and more. 

Istituto Marangoni Miami Expansion

When: Tuesday, March 18, 7 p.m. cocktail reception, 8 p.m. fashion show

This fun show features student designers debuting their first couture collections. These next-gen designers always bring it, showing off the latest trends in fashion and creativity that will shape the future of the industry. The variety and ingenuity of these designers is remarkable every year, and you’ll see works from 18 different up-and-comers.

The Best of Saks Featuring Etro Spring 2025

When: Wednesday, March 19, 7 p.m. cocktail reception, 8 p.m. fashion show

Forget the future, forget the past — this is what’s happening right now in the world of designer fashion. Saks Fifth Avenue shows off its spring/summer menswear and womenswear from the top brands and featuring Italian designer Etro.

FASHION WEEK EL PASEO TRUNK SHOWS & IN-STORE EVENTS 

While it's always fun to attend the runway shows to see the latest trends, Fashion Week El Paseo is also a great opportunity to take that inspiration and do some serious shopping as well. Designer trunk shows take place the day after their respective runway show and provide an opportunity to purchase fashions from the actual runway designers. So if you really liked something you saw, you can actually buy it!

The Pierre Cardin, Caftanes Galore of Mèrida, and Stephanie Lake Jewelry Pop-Up Shop
March 15, 11:30 a.m. - 2 p.m. at The Gardens of El Paseo

The Ace Harper Pop-Up Shop
March 16, 11:30 a.m. - 2 p.m., The Gardens on El Paseo

The LaQuan Smith Trunk Show
March 17, 12:30 - 3 p.m., Summer Colony Living, 73061 El Paseo, Ste. 6

There are also a variety of shopping experiences at the various retailers, restaurants, and art galleries located along El Paseo. Many are offering special perks such as artist/designer meet and greets, bubbly, wine, treats, and discounts. Doesn’t that sound divine? Sipping some bubbly while browsing the racks of the latest collections. 

A few must-attend events include: 

Anthropologie: At 11 a.m. on March 15, Anthropologie is offering a look at their Spring collection alongside “sips” and “treats.”   

Dominique Cohen: From 2-5 p.m. on March 18, a book signing with Donald J. Pliner, footwear designer. Enjoy cocktails and bites while you wait for him to sign his book. 

Skidmore Contemporary Art: From 4-6 p.m. on March 14-19, check out midcentury modern home paintings while sipping sparkling wine. 

Bottega Veneta: On March 13-14, browse the Summer 2025 collection while enjoying champagne.  

FASHION WEEK EL PASEO PRO TIPS

Take it from someone who has attended Fashion Week El Paseo each year for at least a decade, it’s an exhilarating experience to pretend like you’re a New York City fashionista rubbing shoulders with the fashion world’s glitterati if only for one night.

Without fail, my favorite show every year is the one that features the student designers (taking place this year on Tuesday, March 18). It’s fascinating to see what they come up with and it features so much variety from so many different brilliant young minds. 

Don’t forget about the cocktail receptions before each show. Try to get there in time to enjoy yourself and walk around. Often there will be some fun activation and/or photo opportunity to try out, plus tasty bites to keep you satiated during the show. 

Oh and don't be afraid to dress up! Treat this is as a night to try on that dress or outfit that you thought might be a little too “out-there” for other occasions. Go wild! Have fun. That’s what Fashion Week El Paseo is really all about.