Fashion Week, Food and Wine Festival launch on El Paseo

Fashion Week El Paseo is underway in Palm Desert with events throughout the week. Tuesday, Michael Costello returned to the desert for a question and answer panel and his annual Project Runway fashion show.

Costello got his start in Palm Springs, opening his first boutique when he was 15-years-old. Now, he’s competed on Project Runway and dressed international stars.

“It just brings back so many memories growing up here,” said Costello. “It’s so nice to come and get such a warm welcoming to the desert.”

Costello says to look out for versatility and big shoulders in his new collection, Harper.

Michael Costello and his Project Runway Friends Fashion Show

Cocktail Reception and Trunk Show, 6:30 pm. Tuesday, March 19 Show starts at 8 pm Trunk Show 11 am – 2 pm, Wednesday March 20

Costello brought fellow Project Runway contestants, Seth Aaron, Mondo Guerra, Viktor Luna, and Anthony Ryan on-board for this year’s show. Each designer will show their looks on the runway Tuesday night.

Aaron, Season 7 and All Stars contestant, shared his hopes to call the desert home in the next year, bringing his newest designs with him.

“Comfortable jumpsuits, rompers, stripes, so it’s very resort. It’s very Palm Springs, and I love it here. This is my third year participating in this, and it would fit right in on the main street in Downtown Palm Springs,” said Aaron. He is currently the design director for Fin Fun. He said he hopes to bring a brick and mortar store to the desert.

Later this week, the catwalk will transition, making room for Palm Desert Food and Wine Festival . Twenty local chefs are expected to bring samplings for foodies and wine lovers to enjoy.

Executive chef and owner of Copley’s on Palm Canyon and AC3 Restaurant + Bar, Andrew Copley said he’s planning on preparing a hazelnut mousse dessert that resembles a potted plant and ceviche. AC3 will also premiere a new beer at the festival on Sunday, the El Paseo Blonde.

You can catch Chef Andrew on Saturday morning with a cooking demonstration of a spicy parsnip soup.

All Fashion Week El Paseo events: https://www.fashionweekelpaseo.com/events/

All Palm Desert Food and Wine events: https://www.palmdesertfoodandwine.com/experience/