With the back-to-school season approaching fast, Scottsdale Fashion Square is planning a big celebration to spotlight first day styles. The interactive experience will offer plenty of ideas to help students put their best fashion foot forward as they head back to school, but stylists will offer inspiration for an array of other “firsts,” as well. The high-energy “First Day, Best Dressed” experience on Saturday, Aug. 9, presented by Dang Fine Rentals & Designs and in partnership with Ford/Robert Black Agency, celebrates moments including the first day of school, first day of practice, first job and even the first day of retirement.

Leading up to the interactive event, beginning on Tuesday, Aug. 5, Ford/Robert Black Agency Influencers will kick off a “First Looks” social media campaign highlighting an array of first-day styles featuring brands like Frame, BOSS, Kate Spade, Toca Madera, Gucci Men’s, AG Jeans, Lids and more, along with a series of $250 gift card giveaways. Follow along as the campaign unfolds on Instagram and Facebook (@scottsdalefashionsquare).

Then, the interactive experience will kick off with a special Fashion Panel at 11 a.m., Saturday, Aug. 9, hosted by Camera Ready with Sheree Hartwell, of Ford/Robert Black Agency, will deliver the latest fashion advice and inside tips on products, beauty must-haves and insights into the modeling world. Panelists include:
• Style expert Sarah Sommer, who will share her top fashion advice
• Beauty expert Nicole Smith, talking about her favorite products and beauty must-haves
• Sheree Hartwell, Owner & Director Ford/Robert Black Agency, with insights into the modeling world
• Matt Englehart, On-Camera Talent Agent, breaking down what they’re looking for at the Model + Influencer Search

A Model + Influencer Search is taking place from 1 to 3 p.m. on the Luxury Balcony in the shopping center’s West Wing. Agents will be scouting models of all races, sizes and genders, ages 5 to 35; no experience is necessary. In addition, agents are scouting aspiring influencers and content creators who have at least 20k followers on a social platform; are active on at least two social platforms; and create daily content on at least one social platform. Candidates are asked to arrive dressed in a neutral, form-fitting outfit.

Pop-Up Style Corners featuring Sephora, Lids and Retail Therapy will allow guests to get hands-on with products, techniques and advice to help them look and feel their best for those “first day” moments, while an Outfit of the Day Photo Mirror and MISGIF Photo Booth will give guests the opportunity to capture and share their favorite style pics. Guests can also explore ideas for creating an uplifting environment for working or learning with a scent station by Aroma 360.

In addition, a series of Customization Stations will allow attendees to put their own stylish touch on a selection of cool items to dress up their first day looks. Artist Kicks by Kenna will offer a curated menu of designs that can be added to pre-purchased sneakers or bags, and shoppers can select custom screen-printed tote or shirt designs from Cream Design & Print (free with a $50 purchase at participating retailers or donation to The Foster Alliance). Retail Therapy is inviting guests to create personalized accessories and shoppers can sport a unique look with custom embroidery or patches from Lids.

Attendees can also take advantage of “Shop the Look” displays and giveaway raffles through QR scans, tagged photos and retailer purchases.

Throughout the event, a DJ will keep the vibes bouncing with high energy music and live shoutouts for content creators. And, when they need a break from all the excitement, parents can hit up the Parent Lounge, a chill zone with seating and energizing coffee.

In addition, as part of this year’s back-to-school celebration, Scottsdale Fashion Square has pledged raise at least $5,000 in support of The Foster Alliance, providing essentials like backpacks and school supplies to more than 3,000 children in foster care. Make your contribution at fashionsquare.com/backtoschool.

INFO: One of the nation’s premier shopping destinations and a true jewel of the desert, Scottsdale Fashion Square recently completed an expansion that extends its luxury presentation beyond the original luxury wing to encompass a redefined south wing and multi-lane luxury valet service. With 1.9 million square feet and more than 200 shops and restaurants, Scottsdale Fashion Square features nearly 60 unique-to-market retailers and upscale culinary concepts, as well as more than 40 of the world’s finest contemporary luxury brands including Louis Vuitton, Dior, Saint Laurent, Gucci, Christian Louboutin, Cartier, Bottega Veneta, Bulgari, Prada, Versace, Balenciaga, Salvatore Ferragamo, Jimmy Choo and Burberry. Additional information about Scottsdale Fashion Square can be obtained by visiting fashionsquare.com.