Next Event
Behind The Seams
Details
- Date: Thursday, September 24th, 2026
- Time: 6:00PM - 8:00PM (MST)
- Location: FABRIC 711 W. Broadway Rd., Tempe, AZ 85282 (Important location and parking info HERE. North side of NOVO Broadway Apartments - Entrance facing Broadway Rd. Park in office lot or overflow at Arbys next door)
- Tickets: https://events.humanitix.com/behind-the-seams-or-kristin-bjorge Free with suggested donation
- While the session will be live-streamed, the best experience is in person at FABRIC. Our in-person audience gets access to valuable insider moments we reserve just for the room, plus the powerful networking opportunities that Behind The Seams is known for.
- Watch past recordings below
Learn | Connect | Promote - For FREE
This project is partially sponsored by a City of Tempe - Community Arts grant
Come join us at the end of each month for an intimate conversation with fashion industry rockstars.
A different industry professional is interviewed in front of a live audience. These interviews are filmed and shared below. They share their unique journey to becoming an industry pro or an expert while teaching us something about their trade.
- Network with other industry pros and fashion lovers before and after the event including designers, brand owners, consultants, stylists, models, photographers, manufacturers, FIDM AZ Alumni, students, and more.
- Apparel Entrepreneur Members get to introduce themselves and their business to the audience. Must be an officially registered AE Member of FABRIC.
- AE Members: FREE with suggested $5 donation
- Students: FREE with student ID and suggested $5 donation
- Non-Members/Public: Free with suggested $5 donation
An intimate chat
with Fashion
Industry Rockstars.
Past Events & Speakers
Textile Circularity in Arizona - Dianna Voisin
A conversation about Sew-cular Exchange, a new initiative designed to keep textiles in circulation and out of landfills.
Featuring textile re-homing expert Dianna Voisin.
Mary Zarob of Q. Contrary | Men's Tailoring
New York–trained designer, tailor, and founder of Q. Contrary. With more than two decades of experience studying how successful professionals present themselves, Mary has built a reputation for helping men and women dress with confidence for the moments that matter most.
Nadine Bedwan of Citrine Trademark Services | Fashion Trademark Attorney
Your brand is more than a logo…and if you don’t protect it early, it can cost you later. In this session, Nadine breaks down essential trademark concepts every fashion brand should understand, including:
• Trade Dress
• How to conduct a knockout trademark search before you invest in branding
• Common trademark mistakes
• When and how to protect your brand as you grow
Cat Rone of Hellcat Metalworks | Metalsmith & Jewelry Designer
Known for bold, statement jewelry that blurs the line between adornment and wearable art, Cat has been working with hot metal since 1993 and officially launched Hellcat Metalworks in 2003. Cat’s career has taken her through galleries, trade shows, commissions, and juried markets, giving her a deep well of experience and insight into the realities of building a creative business. Her work is driven by experimentation, craftsmanship, and innovation, including two patent-pending jewelry setting techniques.
Theresa "Nacho" Montiel O'Donnell | Branding Expert
"Nacho".... Over-achieving, design-wrangling, academic rodeo clown... is a branding expert and former art director turned educator. In this month’s program, Nacho helps emerging and established creatives understand how to define the core visual assets of their brand so they resonate with the right audience. She also guides attendees through shaping their personal brand identity, recognizing that as entrepreneurs, they are often the face of their company.
Nick Wetta of West Major | Brand Owner
Nick Wetta, a third-generation Phoenix native, is the founder of West Major, an Arizona-based menswear brand specializing in vintage-inspired American-made western shirts. Since launching in 2019, he's designed, produced, and sold over 7,000 shirts - all cut and sewn throughout the Southwest. His pieces have been worn by artists like Post Malone and Thomas Rhett, and are carried in select stores across the U.S. and abroad.
Elizabeth Parker | Wearable Artist
Elizabeth has been an artist her whole life, and for the last 12 years she’s brought her passion for art and fashion together to create some of the most playful and unforgettable wearable art pieces Arizona has ever seen. From gracing the runway at FABRIC fashion shows since our very beginning to being worn by notable figures in AZ’s high society, Elizabeth’s work is as bold and expressive as her personality.
This was one of our most energized, colorful and comical BTS events yet! You get a front-row seat to Elizabeth’s journey, her vibrant creativity, and a sneak peek at the wearable art + textile surface design classes she’ll soon be teaching right here at FABRIC.
Alexis Chait | Trend Forecaster, Sourcing Expert & Fashion/Textiles Educator
Alexis has worked with top brands like Rebecca Minkoff, Theory, Ralph Lauren, Macy’s, Walmart, and more. She’s a global fabric sourcing expert, trend forecaster, and passionate sustainability advocate. Her work even helped debut collections at Vegan Fashion Week 2023 in Los Angeles.
Liz Long | Nearshore
With so many materials, trims, and factories located overseas, it can be confusing to understand how new tariffs might impact your brand. At our next Behind The Seams event, we’ll demystify these changes and introduce a valuable resource to help you find manufacturing partners and navigate this evolving landscape.
Our featured speaker will be Liz Long from Nearshore—an organization that’s not only helping brands bring production closer to home but is also offering a $5,000 manufacturing grant to support emerging apparel entrepreneurs. Plus, when you go through FABRIC to work with Nearshore, you’ll receive exclusive benefits, including preferred pricing and one free sourcing service. Nearshore: Building supply chains, closer to home. AI-enabled marketplace of 3300 of the best factories across the US, Latin America and EU Liz Long:
With over 20 years of experience helping brands—from startups to global brands —Liz knows exactly how to navigate global manufacturing and turn ideas into market-ready products. Tap into her expertise across the USA, Latin America, Europe, and Asia, and get your sourcing questions answered.
Tony Giroti & Erin (Martin) Dorf | EcoStance
We’re taking you behind the seams of sustainability for a very special edition of our monthly series — just in time for Eco Fashion Week 2025! 🌿
🌱 Tony Giroti – Founder of EcoStance, the innovative platform helping brands measure, mitigate, and certify their carbon footprint with ease. FABRIC has partnered with EcoStance to become the first NetZero Sustainability Accelerator for fashion, and Tony will show you how to make your brand carbon neutral, compliant, and future-ready.
🐑 Erin (Martin) Dorf – Director of Sustainability at Anodyne Wool, a family-owned wool trading firm with 80+ years of heritage. With her deep experience in sustainable sourcing and traceability across the global supply chain, Erin will share how natural fibers like wool can be sourced with ethics, transparency, and purpose.
Renata Marchard | Designer
FABRIC’s next Behind The Seams event will feature Renata Marchard, a fashion designer with an impressive career spanning major brands and innovative roles. A graduate of Otis College of Art and Design, Renata started as a Senior Innovation Designer for Nike and Hurley, where she pushed the boundaries of performance apparel. She later became the Senior Art Director of Content for Barbie Entertainment, blending fashion with storytelling. Her journey then led her to Dixxon, where she served as the Women’s Design Director, shaping the brand’s signature style. Now a designer at FABRIC, Renata works closely with clients to refine their ideas into sellable products. Attendees will get an inside look at her career path, the lessons she’s learned in the fashion industry, and key insights into the design process. Whether you’re an aspiring designer or just curious about the behind-the-seams world of fashion, this event is an opportunity to be inspired and informed by one of our fashion community’s most versatile creatives.
Shar Madsen | Looking Glass Noir
Join us for an exciting Behind the Seams session with one of FABRIC's most talented sample makers and costume designers, Shar Madsen.
With over 25 years of professional experience in sewing, crafting, and design, Shar has brought countless creative visions to life — from expertly constructed garments to intricate costume designs. Her deep understanding of fabric manipulation, garment structure, and creative problem-solving makes her an invaluable resource for anyone interested in the art of clothing construction and design.
During this session, Shar will share insights from her extensive career, including techniques for building durable, beautifully crafted samples and costumes, as well as tips for navigating custom design work in today's fast-changing fashion landscape.
Alexandre Orr | ALEXANDRE
Let's catch up with Alexandre Orr @alexandreorr , a rising star in sustainable fashion, for our next Behind the Seams event!
Alexandre’s journey is a masterclass in hustle, heart, and resourcefulness. From volunteering and seizing every opportunity to crafting sustainable designs that showcase his innovative vision, Alexandre is redefining what it means to be an emerging designer in today’s industry. This is your chance to hear his inspiring story, learn from his experiences, and connect with the creative minds shaping the future of fashion.
Tricee Thomas | The Garment League
A visionary leader with over 30 years of expertise in the fashion industry. As the Founder and CEO of The Garment League, Tricee has dedicated her career to empowering underserved youth through innovative fashion education, workforce development, and industry trade programs.
A graduate of the prestigious Fashion Institute of Technology, Tricee has shaped The Garment League into Arizona’s premier youth fashion industry camp, impacting the lives of over 600 young creatives each year. Her efforts have transformed the local fashion scene through celebrated events like On Central, Phoenix Swim Week, and Phoenix Man, each designed to showcase talent, spark collaboration, and generate support for the nonprofit's mission.
Cory Martinez | Luxie Vintage
An inspiring deep dive into the world of vintage fashion with Cory Martinez, owner of Luxie Vintage and a 20-year expert in the vintage clothing scene. From humble beginnings selling online to owning multiple successful vintage boutiques in Arizona, Cory has built a reputation for curating rare, timeless pieces and breathing new life into fashion.
Whether you’re a designer, vintage enthusiast, or small business owner, this Behind the Seams event is packed with tips on sourcing, restoring, and selling vintage clothing. Hear Cory’s journey, learn her strategies for running a sustainable fashion business, and gain insight into the art of curating a unique, authentic brand. 🌿✨
Diane Aiello | Professional Editorial Fashion Styling MUA
We’re excited to welcomeDiane Aiello to FABRIC for an exclusive Behind the Seams event. With over 20 years of experience styling top celebrities and working with elite brands like Vogue, Elle, and Vanity Fair, Diane knows what it takes to create iconic looks and build a standout brand.
Join us to learn how to craft your personal brand, master the art of styling, and gain the insights needed to thrive in today’s fashion industry. Whether you're just starting out or looking to elevate your business, this event is packed with practical tips and industry secrets to help you succeed.
Sherri Barry | Adea - Mastering Sales & Fulfillment
In this session, Sherri will provide a deep dive into the essential elements of running a successful fashion e-commerce business. From mastering both wholesale and direct-to-consumer sales to optimizing inventory management and streamlining shipping processes, Sherri will reveal the tools and strategies that have made Adea a standout brand.
This is the perfect opportunity for small business owners and fashion entrepreneurs to learn actionable insights that can elevate your business to new heights. Whether you're looking to refine your operations or scale your brand, this event is packed with valuable takeaways to help you succeed in the competitive world of fashion e-commerce.
Christian Oswald | Rainf4ll - Fashion Transparency
Summit
The demand for brand transparency in the fashion industry grows more important every day. Rainf4ll enabled items allow you to own physical objects that contain a unique digital certificate of authenticity and ownership, as well as a comprehensive event history that grows over time.
At Rainfall, Christian leads the charge in merging cutting-edge technologies with sustainable fashion initiatives, demonstrating a profound commitment to both style and security. His work in integrating AI with blockchain technology not only redefines smart fashion but also enhances transparency and efficiency in the fashion supply chain.
SPECIAL EDITION FOR ECO FASHION WEEK:
Amanda McCarty | Clotheshorse Podcast
Bill McRaith & Christian Birky | Eco Fashion Parc Summit
Let's talk about the unsustainable problem that is the fashion industry and hear from the incredible people trying to fix it.
BTS PART 1
An Intimate chat with Clotheshorse Podcast founder Amanda Lee McCarty
BTS PART 2
Amanda Lee McCarty Interviews Bill McRaith & Christian Birky
A powerful discussion on the future of supply chains, circular fashion, and the actions taking place to change the future of the fashion industry. Moderated by Amanda Lee McCarty.
Oscar De la Salas | Renaissance Man of the Modern World
From Columbia, to Spain, to Arizona....For almost three decades, Oscar De las salas has designed and directed projects in the world of design as a respected architect and Interior designer and has been repeatedly recognized for his many contributions. His insatiable conquest to an elevated world of style, makes him one of Arizona's most recognizable fashion icons.
Ryan Johnson | Sneaker Collector
Enrique Urrutia | Cobbler
A sneak(er) peek into the world of shoe collecting and customizing with a sneaker enthusiast and a cobbler.
Live sneaker customization on site featuring work by Enrique Urrutia and hair/makeup artists Tracie Stanley as well as audience participation.
Zach Frisbie | Upcycle Fashion Designer
Zach Frisbie is the designer of Bye Frisbie, an upcycled clothing and accessory brand. Zach is best known for making intricate bags out of thrifted jeans and his virual videos of the process. Each design in a one-of-a-kind piece of art that is a quickly becoming an iconic collectible.
Ashley LaRae Sampson | Celebrity Stylist
Ashley is best known as a fashion stylists who has styled celebrities like Jay-Z and Kanye West. Ashley is the founder of StylePHX and is currently focusing her energies on teaching others about mindfulness and meditation.
Saskia Jorda | International Fibers Artist
Saskia is an award-winning, international, fiber artist who creates installations, soft sculptures, and drawings. Saskia’s installations have been featured globally in galleries, museums, and various locations including FABRIC. Explore the world of fibers, textiles, embroidery, felting, surface design, dyeing, and coiling/basketry techniques as well as their role in art in this month's Behind The Seams of Fiber Art.
Hermann Plank | Co-Founder & CIO of MetaXFashion
Hermann is the Co-Founder and Chief Innovation Officer of METAXFASHION Inc. – the bridge to the metaverse for fashion brands and is creating an NFT ecosystem for fashion brands on the Algorand blockchain.
Rachel Malloy | Owner of Bunky Boutique
Rachel is the owner of an independent boutique called Bunky Boutique. For 14 years Bunky has been serving up fresh & unique styles to the Phoenix community. Bunky specializes in desert style, accessories, home goods, and gifts for men, women, and kiddos. Join us as we go Behind The Seams with a retail entrepreneur who has created one of AZ’s most iconic shops.
Uli Beator | Director of Design and Development at FABRIC
From tailoring in Germany to Pattern Making, Technical Design, and Production Management in the US, Uli Beator brings senior level experience at high volume brands such as Old Navy, LL Bean, Athleta and more to AZ’s emerging designers. Learn of her journey from Germany to Maine to San Francisco and why she decided to head to Arizona where she creates patterns for hundreds of emerging fashion brands at FABRIC.
Angela Zdrale | Owner & Design of Liv Tall
Angela Zdrale has spent her entire career in fashion. With nearly 20 years' experience, Angela has done it all from sales to management, fashion marketing, styling, event production and so much more. She worked for brands such as Kate Spade, Tory Burch and Saks Fifth Avenue to name a few. At 6'1", clothing was always a struggle, and after being laid off in 2020 due to COVID, she decided to follow her dreams and create a fashion line designed exclusively for tall women. Liv Tall is proudly made in Arizona at FABRIC and is focused on fashionable choices for tall women, made sustainably and ethically.
Helen Jean | Curator of Fashion Design at PHX Art Museum
Trained in theatrical costume design as well as museum studies, Helen dove right into the world of curating fashion at Phx Art in 2007 as an assistant to the collection and after 5 years and a dozen exhibitions supported, life handed her new opportunities such as leading the fashion design program at the Art Institute of Phoenix and working in the costume shop at Arizona Opera.Now she’s back at Phoenix Art Museum as the Jacquie Dorrance curator of Fashion Design, working to craft stories and exhibitions that illustrate how clothing connects us all through a web of unique culture and exquisite craft.
SPECIAL EDITION FOR ECO FASHION WEEK
Panel with Aimee Heuschkel of Gerber/Lectra | Dr. Kevin Dooley of ASU & Chief Scientist of the Sustainability Consortium | Jessie Kosak of Sustainability Consortium | Sherri Barry FABRIC Co-Founder
As part of Eco Fashion Week, we be dedicated April's event to go behind the seams with a panel of experts to discuss sustainable fashion. From production to consumer sustainability efforts are becoming even more important as consumers start demanding brands to be more environmentally aware and the manufacturing traditions of the industry have to shift into a more technology driven and sustainable landscape to save the future of fashion.
Brian Hill | Executive Director of Phoenix Fashion Week
Brian works with 100's of emerging fashion designers each This month we'll be chatting with the man who created PHOENIX FASHION WEEK], Brian Hill, to get the inside scoop on what it took to build it from the ground up. We'll catwalk through the journey from the early startup years to the present-day glamour and experience the highs and lows of building a brand that builds brands. Learn what really goes into executing a seamless event and network with the industry pros who make Arizona's fashion scene so incredible.
Heather DeSimone | Designer & Owner of Leetie Lovendale
Leetie Lovendale is a jewelry brand born of leftovers. Made using vintage plastics & lucite, Leetie Lovendale is a sustainable collection of statement necklaces, hoop earrings, minimalist stud earrings & so much more. We design pop-of-color jewelry fit for today, with a nod of nostalgia to the retro era of our materials. Established in 2010, founder Heather DeSimone has been designing jewelry for Leetie Lovendale using salvaged vintage parts left behind by jewelry designers of the past.
Sherri Barry and J.Kirby | On-Demand Manufacturing
Sherri and Kirby are putting Arizona on the fashion map by creating the first factory in North America to offer apparel entrepreneurs On-Demand print, cut, sew, pack and ship direct-to-consumer within 5-7 days. This sustainable, technology-driven, apparel manufacturing solution, where a garment is not made until purchased, is a “Sell one-Make one” system that offers customizable orders by fit and print.
Jessica & Jay McPhaul | Naked Rebellion Intimate Apparel
Jessica and Jay are the proud Co-Foudners of the pioneering brands Naked Rebellion. Naked Rebellion was making undergarments in every shade of "nude" well before the big brands jumped into the market in an effort to be inclusive. Jess and Jay started Naked Rebellion out of the FABRIC Incubator and today have gained national attention and run their own retail store in Arizona.
Amelia Walsh | FABRIC Creative Director
From fashion designer to President of a luxury denim company to fashion professor at ASU to Creative Director of FABRIC....this experienced professional has done it all!
Jared Yazzie | OXDX Owner
From the walls of the Smithsonian and pages of Vogue & WWD, to collaborations with The Hundreds, Eighth Generation, and Jamie Okuma.
Kate Anderson | Director of Product Management
From merchandising, buying, and retail, to technical design and apparel production management in Los Angeles, Kate Anderson brings senior level experience at high volume brands such as Target, Forever 21, and Reformation to AZ’s emerging designers.
Sherri Barry | FABRIC Co-Founder
From running 350 retail stores as divisional VP, to starting her own fashion brand while earning an MBA at ASU, the difficulties of manufacturing in LA, ignited Sherri's passion for co-founding FABRIC.
Angela Johnson | FABRIC Co-Founder
From LA’s design and manufacturing world to advocate for AZ’s fashion industry, FABRIC co-founder Angela shares her story, and what it took to build an industry and have a successful fashion career.