phoenix fashion

in chinese culture, if dragons represent the men, the phoenix is then symbolic of the women.

Phoenix Rising

the phoenix is a mythical sacred fire bird that can be found in the mythologies of the arabian, persians, greeks, romans, egyptians, chinese, turks and indians. it is described as a bird with a colorful plumage and a tail of gold and scarlet (or purple, blue, and green according to some legends). it has a 500 to 1000 year life-cycle, near the end of which it builds itself a nest of twigs that then ignites; both nest and bird burn fiercely and are reduced to ashes, from which a new, young phoenix or phoenix egg arises, reborn anew to live again. the new phoenix is destined to live as long as its old self. 

in some stories, the new phoenix embalms the ashes of its old self in an egg made of myrrh and deposits it in the egyptian city of heliopolis (literally 'sun-city' in greek). it is said that the bird's cry is that of a beautiful song. the phoenix's ability to be reborn from its own ashes implies that it is immortal, though in some stories the new phoenix is merely the offspring of the older one. in very few stories they are able to change into people.

while it is going to sound corny, i am going to feature the city of phoenix.

welcome to Phoenix

the history of phoenix as a city begins with jack swilling, a confederate veteran of the american civil war (1861–1865), who had come west to seek wealth in the 1850s, and worked primarily in wickenburg. on an outing in 1867, he stopped to rest at the foot of the white tank mountains. swilling observed the abandoned river valley and considered its potential for farming, much like that already cultivated by the military further east, near fort mcdowell. the terrain and climate were optimal; only a regular source of water was necessary. the existence of the old Hohokam ruins, showing clear paths for canals, made swilling imagine new possibilities.

the city of Phoenix by night

swilling had a series of canals built, which followed those of the ancient native american system. a small community formed that same year about 4 miles (6 km) east of the present city. it was first called pumpkinville, due to the large pumpkins that flourished in fields along the canals. later it was called swilling's mill in his honor, though later renamed to helling mill, mill city, and finally, east phoenix. swilling, being a former confederate soldier, wanted to name the city 'stonewall', after general stonewall jackson. others suggested the name of 'salina'. however, neither name was supported by the community. finally, lord darrell duppa suggested the name 'phoenix', as it described a city born from the ruins of a former civilization.

but how does the city of phoenix relate to fashion? if you have not heard of phoenix fashion week, you are pardoned (because i was just as ignorant). in order that we don't fall too far behind, here are a few clips from this year's phoenix fashion week.

fash'on... BAM!