Stylish parties show off fall fashion

Finally, after a summer events season that could be described as anemic at best, the Valley's party season is in full swing.

This weekend alone, Scottsdale hosted the SMoCA Nights party dedicated to selecting Designer of the Year for the upcoming Scottsdale Fashion Week.

The W Scottsdale Hotel & Residences hosted its one-year anniversary party in outrageous “Alice In Wonderland” style.

And, Scottsdale hosted three nights of Phoenix Fashion Week shenanigans at the Hotel Valley Ho, Suede, Axis/Radius and Acua.

Refreshingly, the parties were crowded and the crowds were stylish. It felt as though Valley scenesters had been waiting all through our long, hot summer for occasions worthy of their most fabulous fashions.

Friday night, child star-turned-racecar-driver Frankie Muniz was partying at the W Scottsdale, and so was Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb. The party also featured a colorful, crazy-pants cake by Tammie Coe Cakes measuring about 6 feet tall and 2 feet wide. The Wonderland-inspired creation served as a spectacular centerpiece while guests indulged in tasty cupcake versions.

But perhaps the standout element of the party was the staircase that had been converted into a rabbit hole that you “fell-up” as you walked up the staircase to the party outside.

Phoenix Fashion Week, as usual, was more about partying than it was about prêt-a-porter. But the series of shows and after-parties were well executed, even if some of the fashions weren't. Guests looked great. Think: patent leather Chanel thigh-high boots, crystal-encrusted bow ties, feathered accessories. And they loved the easy-to-wear styles from local lines such as Rebel Yell, even if I felt a bit been-there, done-that about the tees. The events drew about 5,500 people across the three nights, with the finale after-party cramming 700 into Acua. (And Muniz attended all these shows, too.)

And at the SMoCA Nights event, 10 Valley designers showed styles ranging from totally wearable, convertible jersey dresses to avant-garde, heavily ruffled gowns with coordinating headpieces.

Along with modern artist Nick Cave, Phoenix Art Museum curator of fashion design Dennita Sewell and others, I served as a judge for the show. (I know, I felt outclassed, too.)

It was an honor and a thrilling delight to see so much interesting work from local artists who have strong points of view, and who stick to them so compellingly. I also loved hearing my name said by the emcee, preceded by the words, “Let's hear it for …”

Check out the weekend party pics here on Metromix, then head to azcentral.com/style, where you can vote for your favorite Scottsdale Fashion Week Designer of the Year until Sunday.