Fashion Week El Paseo

[Gordon Parr]

FASHION WEEK EL PASEO TURNS 5

WITH A NEW PAIRING: “FASHION FOOD & WINE”

“The Most Anticipated Week of the Year!”

PALM DESERT, CA — The fifth annual Fashion Week El Paseo will unfold in Palm Desert with a delectable new addition: Fashion Food & Wine (March 22-28, 2010). The venture will pair everyone’s favorite passions — seeing the best in fashion design and enjoying impeccably prepared food with ultra-premium champagnes Schramsberg and Piper Heidsieck, as well as some of the world’s top varietals and vintages, including Sonoma-Cutrer, Hess Estates, and Silverado Vineyards.

Fashion Week El Paseo will unfold in the Big White Tent located at Larkspur and El Paseo, March 22-28, 2010. Here are program highlights:

Monday, March 22: Runway Bar El Paseo Fashion Show featuring designs from 15 top El Paseo stores. A sellout each year, this show ranges from one-of-a-kind designs by local designers to name brands from around the world. Its narrative impresses as El Paseo’ sophistication comes to life as a dynamic, world-class fashion destination.

Tuesday, March 23: ASID Project Runway has top ASID-member interior designers using materials from their trade — fabrics, tiles, and paints — to design innovative creations in high fashion. Inspiring and entertaining, the show brings home style to life.

Wednesday, March 24: Fashion design from around the world converges on El Paseo for an evening of adventure. You will be guided to known centers of design — Paris, [New York, London, Milan, and the emerging Bahamas, Africa, and California to discover the latest in well-known styles and hidden gems of emerging artistry.

Thursday, March 25: Top graduating students of Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising (FIDM) present their collections in the West Coast design juggernaut Debut 2010. If you want to stay ahead of the curve and see what truly is next as interpreted by California’s premier design school, you want a front-row seat. All designers will be in attendance to provide a special chance to hear what inspired them.

Friday, March 26: Men’s Night. Rugged, refined, sexy, and sophisticated men’s fashions take to the runway in one of the most spirited evenings of the week. (Designer to be announced)

Saturday, March 27:

• Fine Dining and Premium Wine Tasting featuring 10 celebrity chef demonstrations, 35 of the top fine dining restaurants from throughout Southern California, and more than 40 premium wine and champagne purveyors courtesy Young’s Market-The Estates Group. 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

• Designer of the Week Fashion Show on stage, featuring a couture fashion designer. 7:30 p.m.

Sunday, March 28: Live Fire Grilling with Wine and Microbrewery featuring 10 celebrity chef demonstrations; 30 of the top grill, brick oven, and live fire restaurants throughout Southern California; and more than 25 wines and beers and lagers. Noon to 5 p.m.

For more information, tickets, or sponsorship opportunities, contact Michael Mathews, Marketing Director, Palm Springs Life, at 760-325-2333 or via e-mail at [e-mail]. Updates and tickets at www.fashionweekelpaseo.com.