Though we are about 2,400 miles West of NYFW, it seems fitting to spotlight some of the talented designers here in the desert who are making a global mark with their own unique pieces. I’ve spotlighted the sustainable fashion of Laura Tanzer and the youthful creations of Jaime Edwards so, here are two other amazing women to watch:

Shahida Parides

Shahida Parides’s fairy-inspired caftans and jewel-toned, flowy dresses have been worn by celebrities, actors and socialites, including Paris Hilton. The Tucson-based designer, whose website features her with luminaries such as Rachel Zoe, Priyanka Chopra and Real Housewife Lisa Rinna, has since expanded her lines to include a ready-to-wear, red carpet and luxury collection, called Shahida. This past year, she designed a signature scarf for Tucson Fashion Week, that I snapped up and have worn numerous times. She could be one of this city’s secret fashion treasures.

Theo Doro Fairyland

A native of Greece who trained in Athens and Poland, the flame-haired Dorota Zglobicka fell in the love with the Southwest and moved to Vail, Ariz. launching her namesake fashion brand, Theo Doro Fairyland. Creating whimsical, feminine clothing for the modern woman, Zglobicka has become a fashion week fixture of the Western region, including Tucson, San Diego and this year’s Phoenix Fashion Week. Her beautiful cocktail dresses and gowns have a feminine, fairytale quality that will take her well-beyond the saguaro-dotted landscape.