Sidebar: Tucson Fashion Week 2013

Of course this year’s Tucson Fashion Week includes fashion. That’s a given. And the three-day event also ropes in art, food and drinks, and shopping.

“What we didn’t want to do is replicate other events that had happened here before. We wanted to move Tucson Fashion Week forward and make it this communitywide event,” said Paula Taylor, who’s organizing the showcase with co-creative director Melanie Sutton. “It’s really a creative event that encompasses more talent than just the local designers.”

Each night offers something different. Things kick off Thursday at the Tucson Lifestyle Desert Art Museum, 7000 E. Tanque Verde Road, and highlights work from Pima Community College and Art Institute of Tucson students along with local designers.

On Friday, the Tucson Museum of Art is the backdrop for a culinary event that highlights top chefs and mixologists creating food and drink inspired by designer Betsey Johnson’s collections. The Hub Restaurant and Creamery is even concocting a special ice cream flavor, Taylor said.

The legendary American designer will be part of the night’s festivities, which include a runway show.

Saturday’s finale at La Encantada features designer Bert Keeter from “Project Runway” along with a marketplace that gives event-goers a chance to shop.

“What’s exciting is you can talk to the designers,” Taylor said of the wrap-up event. “The last night will be more intimate, even the way we’re doing the show.”

Ticket prices start at $15, for standing room only, on Friday. General admission to individual events is $35, with discounts available. VIP packages are also available. For more info, go to tucsonfashionweek.com

Tucson Fashion Week features a charitable component, too. Proceeds from the sales of the $30 Tucson Care Card — which offers discounts at restaurants and retailers through Oct. 20 — benefit the Steven M. Gootter Foundation. To purchase the Tucson Care Card and see a complete list of participating businesses, visit tucsoncarecard.org

Kristen Cook