C E N T R A L
CELESTETAUILO
FEATURED MODEL OF THE YEAR 2025
FOUNDERS MESSAGE
ON CENTRAL WAS NEVER JUST ABOUT A RUNWAY IT WAS ABOUT CREATING SPACE SPACE FOR DESIGNERS TO BE SEEN, FOR MODELS TO BE DISCOVERED, AND FOR A CITY TO RECOGNIZE ITS OWN CREATIVE POWER NINE YEARS LATER, THAT VISION HAS GROWN INTO SOMETHING MUCH GREATER WHAT STARTED AS A SHOW HAS EVOLVED INTO A PLATFORM—ONE THAT CONTINUES TO EXPAND THROUGH THE HOUSES, OUR CREATIVE ECOSYSTEM DESIGNED TO SUPPORT DESIGNERS, MODELS, AND INDUSTRY PROFESSIONALS AT EVERY STAGE OF THEIR JOURNEY.
AS WE CONTINUE TO BUILD, WE ARE PROUD TO INTRODUCE WHAT’S NEXT: THE EXPANSION OF OUR EDUCATIONAL PIPELINE THROUGH PATTERN FASHION INDUSTRY TRADE SCHOOL (PFITS) AND FASHION HAUS MICROSCHOOL SPACES DEDICATED TO HANDS-ON LEARNING, WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT, AND REAL ACCESS TO THE FASHION INDUSTRY. BECAUSE FOR US, FASHION HAS ALWAYS BEEN MORE THAN EXPRESSION IT’S OPPORTUNITY.
A PORTION OF TONIGHT’S PROCEEDS DIRECTLY SUPPORTS OUR FASHION INDUSTRY YOUTH INITIATIVE (FIYI), ALLOWING US TO PROVIDE PROGRAMMING, RESOURCES, AND SCHOLARSHIPS FOR YOUTH ENSURING THAT SOME STUDENTS CAN PARTICIPATE AT NO COST
THIS IS HOW WE CREATE PATHWAYS
TRICEE THOMAS, FOUNDER
SELENAVILLANUEVA
FEATURED YOUTH MODEL 2025
FEATURED MODEL 2026
GLO IN
SHOW BOSS
SUNSHINE ACRES VINTAGE
DowntownPhoenixInc workstostrengthenand promotetheheartofthecitythrougheconomic development,creativeprogramming,and communityengagement It’seffortshelp positiondowntownasathrivinghubforculture, business,andinnovation
DOWNTOWN PHOENIX INC.
SCHEDULE+RUNOF SHOW
T H E C R E A T I V E T E A M
THE CREATIVE BEHIND THE MOVEMENT
The Valley Metro campaign was more than a photoshoot it was a collaboration of vision, talent, and intention, brought together to capture fashion in motion at the heart of the city.
Led by visionary and executive lead Tricee Thomas, the concept came to life through a carefully curated team of creatives, each contributing their expertise to shape the narrative and visual identity of the project
Creative direction and model development were guided by Fania Johnson, whose eye for movement and presence ensured each frame carried both strength and story. Beauty direction was led by Chantel Hardison, who oversaw both hair and makeup while also curating the overall mood and aesthetic of the shoot. Supporting the beauty team, Alex Nemer brought a refined approach to soft glam and radiant skin, while Anna Liljestrand, a Phoenix-based hair artist, contributed to the polished and cohesive look seen across the campaign.
Behind the lens, Jeff Otto, one of Phoenix’s most respected photographers, captured the essence of the campaign balancing edge, elegance, and authenticity in every frame. Assisting on set, Madison Miller supported the visual execution while also contributing her talents as a graphic designer, bringing the campaign full circle through the creation of the final wrap layout
The models—Issy Rodriguez, Celeste Tauilo, Selena Villanueva, Armani Johnson, and Aurelia Zaba each brought their own presence and individuality to the shoot, embodying the spirit of the city and transforming the train into a moving runway
This collaboration would not have been possible without the support of the Valley Metro team, including Hillary Foose, Chief of Marketing and Communications, Sahian Garcia, Marketing and Program Coordinator, and Ricardo Tejada, Senior Representative of Rail Operations Their partnership and belief in the vision helped bring this moment to life in a way that bridges fashion, community, and movement.
Together, this collective of creatives turned a concept into a statement—one that reflects the energy, talent, and future of fashion in Phoenix
JEFF OTTO
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