Behind The Scenes: VMarie Prive' Fall 2009 Collection 3
The VMarie Prive’ Fall 2009 Collection Runway Show was the last day of my VMarie Fashion Backstage Journey.
Image by Anderson B Wilson
Rickie Gonzales of VMarie Fashion showed 2 collections at the VMarie Prive’ Fall 2009 Fashion Show at Sporting House on Saturday, March 21, 2009. The first collection was the line’s historical VMarie Newport Resort 2010 collection which will be VMarie’s first mass produced collection. The resort line includes radiant and cool fabrics which integrate hints of gold and navy as well as pinks, blues, yellows and other spring colors. My favorite look (below) was a eye-catching floral print strapless dress.
Image by Anderson B Wilson
The second collection shown was the VMare Prive’ Fall 2009 collection. The VMarie Prive’ Fall 2009 is a spectacular and dramatic interpretation of Rickie’s signature design techniques. Dark colors, daring prints, and vivid fabrics dominate this collection. My favorite? To be honest I loved every single look… however if I had to pick one (below) it would be the one shoulder black blouse accessorized with a bold red belt and ruched red leggings. This chic design was topped off with a bold yet effortless black floppy hat. Talk about fierce!
Image by Anderson B Wilson
Below are the images before the show, backstage, and my favorite looks from each collection (Press play then click bottom right button to view full screen):
All Images by Anderson B Wilson
It’s official… VMarie is one of my favorite collections! I can’t wait to see VMarie’s upcoming Phoenix Fashion Week Show this October… Stay tuned here for all the details.
From one Fashionista to Another,
Tierra M Wilson
Behind The Scenes: VMarie Prive' Fall 2009 Collection 2
I left my camera case at the VMarie Model Casting Call. I was really upset with myself because I couldn’t get my images off my camera to post because my usb card was in that camera case. You see… this was supposed to be one article; but the camera case incident happened for a reason. I got to spend an evening with Rickie and get an inside look at his life away from the hustle and bustle of the fashion industry.
Heading to get my camera I’m thinking about how I ended up meeting Rickie. I just moved to Phoenix 6 months ago and I meet Ricky at a Phoenix Yelp party. I had heard of his designs but had never seen any of them. I was under the assumption that he was just another “designer” struggling to make it, dreaming of New York… you know?
To get to know him a little better I kind of forced myself an invitation to his birthday party. However, after the birthday party I still hadn’t got a look at VMarie Designs until months later at Scottsdale Fashion Week. I was blown away. Wow…he was really good. I mean really good.
I arrive to Rickie’s and Thomas’ apartment around 7:45 pm. Thomas Smith is Rickie’s partner of 4 years and not only is he the love of his life but the foundation of VMarie Fashions. According to Rickie, “Thomas is so supportive! He keeps me grounded, handles all the finances and lets me have creative freedom.”
After viewing Rickie’s studio, checking out the couple’s apartment and Rickie’s Barbie Doll Collection we headed to FEZ on Central for a fabulous dinner.
Me: So Rickie, what’s your connection to FEZ? You had your birthday party there too?
Rickie (incredulously): TW, my partner is the GM of FEZ!
Once we arrived at FEZ I meet Rickie’s partner Tom. With a heart as big as his sense of humor, after 9/11 Thomas moved to NYC to help his brother open his first restaurant in Jersey City called Basic Food and Beverage. When he moved to Phoenix in 2004, Tom found his dream job as GM of FEZ and he fell in love with downtown Phoenix.
Not only does Tom love food, he has a great sense of humor (he does standup comedy and emceeing) and he loves Hello Kitty. His most prized Hello Kitty possession is a Hello Kitty portrait given to him by Rickie for his birthday. If you ever run into Tom make sure you ask him to tell you his “Floating Chicken Pot Pie” story… it’s hilarious.
The evening was perfect and the food was great. I had the lemon caper chicken (pan seared with lemony caper butter sauce, sautéed organic spinach and spring vegetable rice pilaf…yummy!) and the Strawberry Shortcake. I also learned that Rickie is really passionate about what he does but he’s also no dummy. He’s very careful about who he meets and who he lets into his circle. He’s fully aware of how important every design he creates is and how scary this business can be. He knows pain, he knows how quickly everything can be taken away and he knows how important “now” is. On top of all the pressure he continues to be influential and is known for setting a very high bar for other designers.
As a result, TW, my new Arizona nickname given to me by Rickie, has stuck. He’s just that contagious. If you are in Arizona and you love fashion you don’t want to miss his show tomorrow night, so get your tickets today.
Behind The Scenes: VMarie Prive' Fall 2009 Collection
This week I had the pleasure of going behind the scenes as VMarie owner Rickie Gonzales prepared for his VMarie Prive’ Fall 2009 Show coming up this Saturday. The VMarie Prive’ Fall 2009 Collection is a turning point for Rickie, who is known as one of the hottest designers in Arizona. Not only is he showcasing his Fall collection, but he is introducing the launch and mass production of the VMarie Newport Resort 2010 Collection, a first for the growing company.
However, through it all, Rickie stays grounded and focused, never letting the fame get to his head and always taking care of those next to him. My first stop on my behind the scenes journey was the VMarie model casting call. I enjoyed meeting the VMarie staff and getting an inside look at Rickie’s design process.
Stay tuned as this 3 part series continues including a behind the scenes look at Rickie’s studio and a front row seat at the VMarie Prive’ Fall 2009 Show.
And remember, if you haven’t got your tickets yet to one of the hottest shows in town…get yours today by heading over to www.vmariefashion.com more details or purchase your tickets today.
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