BY SOPHIA STARACE

Arizona Fashion Week (AZFW) isn’t just about runway shows and glamorous outfits; it’s also leading a movement that prioritizes health, wellness, and sustainability in the fashion industry. This year’s AZFW went beyond aesthetics, curating a unique experience for models, sponsors, and the community through initiatives that promote physical and mental well-being.

One of the highlights was AZFW’s Health and Wellness Day — an event that perfectly encapsulated the ideals of holistic wellness. Joseph Leeds, a key coordinator and speaker at the events, shared his profound thoughts on the connection between creativity and well-being. “Creativity is the bridge between chaos and clarity. When I immerse myself in

the process of creation, the noise of life fades, and I find an unmatched sense of peace. It’s not just about making something beautiful; it’s about rediscovering balance, focus, and stillness within.”

The day began with a rejuvenating Pilates class, which also included advice from a nutrition specialist who educated attendees on the impacts of food, movement, and mindfulness in daily life. The session, led by local instructors, demonstrated the powerful connection between physical health and mental clarity.

This was seamlessly followed by a soul cleansing sound bath and healing meditation, where participants immersed themselves in calming vibrations that encouraged emotional release. “Wellness isn’t just about what you eat or physical  fitness, but also mental well-being, and we embrace the importance of that,” explained Alex Salazar, founder of Arizona Fashion Week, Lux Model Group, and Luxe and City.

Wellness Day also featured a mobile cold plunge and sauna experience in collaboration with Timber Arched, which quickly became a crowd favorite. This experience, topped off with tarot card readings from The Tarot Room for a personal, introspective touch, reflected AZFW’s dedication to holistic health.

PROMOTING WELLNESS IN FASHION

The fashion industry is notorious for its demanding, fast-paced nature, making wellness essential. “Wellness is the power of balance,” said Salazar. “It’s about honoring your mental, physical, and emotional health equally, especially in an industry that moves so fast. When you find harmony within yourself, you create the strength to thrive no matter the pace.”

This commitment to wellness resonated with the vision behind AZFW’s Wellness Day, as Leeds explained, “In the fast-paced fashion industry, taking time for wellness isn’t optional — it’s essential. We’ve showcased incredible ways to prioritize self-care, proving there’s no excuse not to invest in your well-being.”

SUSTAINABILITY AS A CORE VALUE

AZFW’s commitment to better living extends beyond health — it’s about creating a sustainable future. Designers like Tiffany Rae emphasize longevity and quality in their work. “For me, sustainability is making a product that will actually sustain and won’t just fall apart after you buy it,” she explained. “I focus on making designs so well that the person cherishes them for years — maybe even passing them down as heirlooms.”

This year’s AZFW also showcased innovative designers like Lena Mars, who deconstructs and reconstructs existing materials to create something entirely new. “We need to present sustainability in new ways to make a lasting impact,” noted Salazar.

A COMMUNITY-DRIVEN MOVEMENT

Arizona Fashion Week is more than an event — it’s a platform for change. Designers like Tiffany Rae bring this vision to life through community involvement. As a costume designer for films, Rae actively connects local talent to opportunities. “When I got hired for a feature film here in Arizona, the first thing I did was seek opportunities for others in my community to be involved. My success is my community’s success,” she said. This commitment to collaboration extends to AZFW’s work with sponsors, wellness brands, and metaphysical partners. “We’ve partnered with medspas, IV services, and wellness groups to ensure we’re promoting not just fashion but well-rounded living,” Leeds shared.

CRAFTING A BETTER FUTURE

Arizona Fashion Week is more than a celebration of fashion — it’s a call to action for a better world. By weaving together health, wellness, sustainability, and community, AZFW challenges us all to rethink what the fashion industry can be. It’s not just about what we wear; it’s about the stories we tell, the lives we touch, and the legacy we leave behind.

In a world that often prioritizes speed over substance, AZFW reminds us that what we create matters. It has the power to inspire, to heal, and to transform society. This movement isn’t just necessary — it’s revolutionary. Through intentional design, mindful practices, and unwavering dedication to progress, Arizona Fashion Week is crafting more than fashion — it’s crafting the future. For more information and upcoming events visit www.arizonafashionweek.com