< PreviousMonths before the Season III fashion show took place in April 2023, four designer teams custom-made their runway-ready design lines. The team thought about each detail for the show, from the audience’s earth- tone dress code to the venue interior’s cavelike ambiance. We chatted with Glennie to get a behind-the-scenes look at what it took to transform a backyard get- together into a sold-out event at Union Station in downtown Phoenix. AZF: What inspired the creation of the Atlas Handcrafted Fashion Show? LG: I love community. The inspiration behind the whole show was gathering people together for a creative purpose. Showcasing up- and-coming designers and giving them a platform to showcase their work allows fashion to become more accessible for everyone. Atlas opens up opportunities for people like me and others to attend a fashion show without living in big cities like New York City or Paris. Atlas turned into something that is for everyone. AZF: How did the Atlas team prepare for Season III’s sold-out show? LG: Our team is built up of a bunch of passionate people who have different skills. The two months leading up to the show were busy, to say the least. Everyone on the team has full-time jobs, so we planned the show in our free time after our jobs. AZF: How has Atlas transformed from the first to the third season? LG: One of the coolest things that happened this year was that we had everything buttoned up by show day. In the first season, everyone was helping out and running around like crazy making sure everybody walked out at the right time and all the designs were finished. Everyone was prepared by the time the show came around, so the whole team watched the final show. AZF: What was your favorite moment from the Atlas show? LG: Seeing each one of the designers with the biggest smiles after displaying their work to the audience was amazing. Just seeing how much joy the designers got from watching the audience react to their work was super cool. AZF: Atlas celebrates local Phoenix fashion designers and gives them a space to let their work shine. What is your advice to up-and- coming designers hoping to participate in the next season? LG: Hone your craft and start designing. It’s easy to have an idea, but you need to start executing it. Put your feet on the pavement and get going. In terms of getting involved with Atlas, it’s open-ended. People have walked up to me after previous shows and asked how to get involved. If they are a good fit for the show, then that’s as easy as that. More to come about the upcoming Season IV show coming this October. Follow @atlas.fashionshow for updates. n , L O G AN GLENNIE 90 AZFOOTHILLS.COMBY MENTAL HEALTH CENTER OF AMERICA Those sunny Arizona days are not just great for day trips and adventure. While sunshine makes for a beautiful day, it can also make us healthier, both mentally and physically. Living in the Arizona desert provides ample opportunities for residents to soak up the sun, a natural source of Vitamin D. Getting enough of this hormone is essential to maintaining a healthy immune system. Vitamin D is naturally produced in the skin from exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet rays. Few foods naturally contain it, which is why it is hard to get enough through food alone. Fortunately, we live in a state with no shortage of sunny days and according to the health experts of Mental Health Center of America (MHCA), we enjoy mental and physical health advantages like the following: Reduced symptoms of depression. Vitamin D deficiencies have been linked to depression and anxiety. According to Medical Provider Raul Rivera, P.A. of MHCA, “Vitamin D deficiency is frequently found in patients with depression or anxiety. Getting enough Vitamin D can help prevent the onset of depression and anxiety as well as help patients cope with their symptoms.” Reduced stress. Just get outside, walk, hike, bike or simply find a nice outdoor space to read. Spending time in nature can help you destress and refocus your mind. It can lead to lower levels of stress and improve focus and mental clarity. Dr. Soffia Palsdottir, chief clinical psychologist at MHCA encourages her patients to spend as much time as they can outdoors. She considers it a strong piece of their treatment. Increased productivity. “Exposure to natural environments can improve working memory, cognitive flexibility and attentional control. It can even lead to increased productivity and creativity,” according to Dr. Palsdottir. Stronger bones. Vitamin D plays a vital role in the body’s absorption of calcium. With enough sunlight, calcium is absorbed more effectively, and the bones and joints are stronger as a result. According to Rivera, “Vitamin D helps with maintaining calcium and bone homeostasis, resulting in overall stronger and healthier bones.” A stronger immune system. Ever wonder why they call the winter months cold and flu season? One reason more people get sick during the winter months could be a lack of Vitamin D found in sunlight. Vitamin D helps the body function more effectively, thus protecting and enhancing immunity. Improved sleep. Our sleep pattern is regulated by our circadian rhythm that is naturally tied to the sun’s schedule; therefore, spending spending too much time inside away from natural light can disrupt our sleep pattern. “Specifically, direct sunlight in the early morning works with our neurochemistry to support a wide range of mechanisms, one of which being sleep hygiene through the support of our circadian rhythm,” says Dr. Palsdottir. Preventive health. Studies show that those who do not get enough Vitamin D are more likely to suffer from osteoporosis, cancer and Alzheimer’s. Getting enough sunlight has also been linked with the prevention of diabetes, autoimmune disorders, multiple sclerosis and heart disease. Arizona is a gorgeous, exciting place to live. With its sunshine-filled days, warm climate and beautiful scenery, it offers ample opportunities for residents to get outside, soak up the sun and enjoy the physical and psychological benefits of desert dwelling. “While Arizona is an amazing place to live, it is up to us to take advantage of those benefits,” says Dr. Palsdottir. “Get outside and enjoy the sunshine and nature. The benefits to your mental and physical health are immense.” n Mental Health Center of America is located at 7600 N. 15th St., #100, Phoenix, Ariz. 85020. Learn more by calling (602) 704-2345 or visiting www.mentalhealthcenter.com FOR THOSE OF US FAMILIAR WITH THE ARIZONA LIFESTYLE, WE KNOW THAT DESERT LIVING IS UNBEATABLE. FROM THE BREATHTAKING LANDSCAPES TO THE FRIENDLY LOCALS IN EVERY TOWN AND CITY, ARIZONA IS A GREAT PLACE TO LIVE, NO MATTER YOUR AGE OR INTERESTS. IN ADDITION TO THE EXCITEMENT AND BEAUTY OF THIS GREAT STATE, LIVING IN THE DESERT ALSO PROVIDES SIGNIFICANT ADVANTAGES TO HEALTH AND QUALITY OF LIFE. The Health Benefits of Desert Living , GET T Y IMA GES 92 AZFOOTHILLS.COM, F OUR SEASONS RESOR T SC O T T S D ALE A T TROON NOR TH “STUDIES SHOW THAT THOSE WHO DO NOT GET ENOUGH VITAMIN D ARE MORE LIKELY TO SUFFER FROM OSTEOPOROSIS, CANCER AND ALZHEIMER’S.” @AZFOOTHILLS #AZFOOTHILLS 93CONSIDERED TO BE ONE OF THE BEST STATES FOR HIKING IN THE U.S.,* ARIZONA HAS AN ABUNDANCE OF SCENIC TRAILS—FROM LEISURELY DESERT STROLLS TO CHALLENGING CLIFF-HANGER CLIMBS—TO EXPLORE THROUGHOUT THE STATE. WHETHER YOU’RE A LOCAL OR A VISITOR, ADD THESE MUST-HIKE TRAILS ACROSS THE GRAND CANYON STATE TO YOUR BUCKET LIST. By Bennett Silvyn The Best Hiking Trails In Arizona Camelback MountainTom’s Thumb Camelback Mountain One of the most popular hikes located in the heart of the Valley, Camelback Mountain stands tall at 2,706 feet. The roundtrip hike takes around two hours from both trailheads, Echo Canyon Trail and Cholla Trail. While parts of the hike can be challenging to maneuver through and over rocks, the breathtaking view overlooking all of Phoenix is well worth the effort. 1 Tom’s Thumb The 4-mile round-trip hike is located near Rio Verde and is named after the first member of the Arizona Mountaineering Club to climb it, Tom Kreuser. The trail has a fantastic view of the McDowell Mountains and the city of Phoenix. The moderately challenging hike does not have any water, so be sure to pack plenty of liquids for those who wish to take their furry friends. 2 *Forbes , GET T Y IMA GES , MA T T KALINA | MAD DESER T TREKKING, SC O T T S D ALE, ARIZ. | MADDESER T .C O M , GET T Y IMA GES , RA YREDS T ONE.C OM 94 AZFOOTHILLS.COMSeven Falls Piestewa Peak Devil’s Bridge Seven Falls When you’re in Tucson, experience the Seven Falls hike at Sabino Canyon. This hike is on the longer side at 8.2 miles and takes around three hours to complete. The hike is well worth the time to see all the beautiful scenery and the waterfall that awaits at the top. Another reward at the finish is the opportunity to swim in the chilled pool of water that the waterfall pours into. Make sure to go after storms or once the snow has melted to get the full experience of cooling off in the natural pool. 3 Devil’s Bridge Located in Sedona, Devil’s Bridge trail 120 is 1.8 miles, taking approximately 45 minutes to complete. The hike is named after the largest natural sandstone arch in Sedona. Despite the name, many people describe the views from the hike as heavenly. While the journey to the top is not difficult, the hike starts at an elevation of 4,600 feet with a 400-foot incline in altitude throughout the trail—but it won’t leave you as breathless as the rewarding views from the top of the bridge. 4 Piestewa Peak The second-highest point in Phoenix behind Camelback Mountain, Piestewa Peak stands at 2,612 feet. The Summit Trail is a 2.1-mile road trip that takes just under two hours to complete. Despite being on the shorter side, the hike is challenging with various levels of incline and constant zigzags but still provides unique views of the Sonoran Desert. Very popular in Arizona, the hike is best between October and March to have the perfect weather with a vibrant and colorful view. n 5 , GET T Y IMA GES @AZFOOTHILLS #AZFOOTHILLS 95ATTENTION ADRENALINE JUNKIES, NEAR AND FAR! SOME OF THE MOST THRILL-SEEKING ACTIVITIES CAN BE FOUND IN ARIZONA. WITH FAST RIDES AND BREATHTAKING VIEWS INCLUDED, THERE IS SOMETHING TO SATISFY EVERY DAREDEVIL’S ITCH FOR ADVENTURE. FOLLOWING ARE SOME OF THE BEST UNDER-THE-RADAR ADRENALINE ACTIVITIES TO GET YOUR HEART RATE PUMPING AROUND ARIZONA. By Bennett Silvyn Activities in Arizona To Get Adrenaline Coursing Through Your Veins , RADF ORD RA CING SCHOOL , D A VID M LANGDON , S T ONEMAN CLIMBING C O . , H2-WHO A.C OM , AD VENTURES IN SKYDIVING SCHOOL A T SKYDIVE ARIZ ONA 96 AZFOOTHILLS.COM Car Racing Anyone looking for the excitement of speed on a racetrack, look no further than Radford Racing School. The Chandler-based racing school offers various lessons on its private track such as high-performance driving, Formula 4 lessons, a four-hour throttle therapy experience, private instruction with your own car, go-karts and event space for groups and parties. All of these experiences will give any risk-taker the rush of speed, power and control as the car darts around the track. Radford Racing School is located at 20000 S. Maricopa Road, Gate 3, Chandler, AZ 85226. radfordracingschool.com Hang Gliding From speeding down a racetrack to gliding a few thousand feet in the air, Sonora Wings has it covered from the skies. Experience a unique hang-gliding experience while looking down on the beautiful Sonoran Desert. With no experience necessary, participants must be between the age of 10–90 years old and weigh 40–230 pounds. The flight packages range in height from 2,000 feet up to one mile (5,280 feet). Sonora Wings is located at 11934 N. Russell Road, Maricopa, AZ 85138. sonorawings.com Rock Climbing Looking to ascend in the air but closer to the ground? StoneMan Climbing Company has you covered with climbs all over Arizona. StoneMan Climbing’s mission is to provide safe, accessible and gratifying climbing adventures to every client, while making a sport for the physically elite enjoyable for recreation by all. StoneMan guides give safe adventures while practicing the “Leave No Trace” principles established by the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics to preserve and respect the environment by leaving the land better than you found it. StoneMan Climbing Company is located at 2926 E. Shangri La Road, Phoenix, AZ 85028. stonemanclimbing.com Whitewater Rafting Take on the Salt River rapids with Mild to Wild. The thrill of experiencing splashes from class two, class three and class four rapids on Mild to Wild’s multi-day trips is open to all above the age of 8. The river drops over 20 feet per mile through the 2,000-foot-deep canyon, providing thrillseekers with eye-catching views and the rush of a whitewater adventure. Trip options include a half- day, a one-day and two–five day overnight trips for both groups and individuals. Mild to Wild Salt River Outpost is located on Primitive Road, Whiteriver, AZ 85941. mild2wildrafting.com Lake Pleasant Water Slide Home to the world’s largest floating water slide, Lake Pleasant offers an opportunity to cool down while having an adrenaline rush through your veins. Sitting atop of Lake Pleasant, the slide has three different lengths, with the tallest slide standing at 34 feet in the air. Guests will enjoy plenty of airtime flying into the lake, striking poses mid flight. Looking for a fun night activity? H2-Whoa lights up at night, allowing people to cannonball into the evening sky with stars reflecting down on the water. Opening in May, make sure to mark your calendar to experience Lake Pleasant like never before. H2-Whoa is located at 40202 N. 87th Ave., Peoria, AZ 85383. h2-whoa.com Marble Canyon Bungee Jump Marble Canyon provides daredevils the opportunity to experience Grand Canyon National Park in an exhilarating new way. As one of the top bungee jumping destinations in the country, the bridge sits atop a 467-foot canyon, giving jumpers a 200-foot freefall experience. Bungee Expeditions is the only bungee jump company in Arizona that provides this unique jump. For more information, visit bungee-expeditions.com Solo Skydiving Eloy, Ariz. is home to the world’s largest skydiving facility, Skydive Arizona. For many first-timers, it’s the perfect place for a safe tandem skydiving experience. If tandem jumping isn’t enough of an adventure, Skydive Arizona offers the Accelerated Skydiving Program. Students are required to make a tandem skydive and then work with coaches to obtain their USPA license after a minimum of 25 jumps with an instructor. Upon completion of the program, graduates will obtain their A license and are able to solo jump! Adventures In Skydiving is located at 4900 N. Taylor St., Eloy, AZ 85131. adventuresinskydiving.com n , MILD T O WILD RAFTING , BUNGEE-EXPEDITIONS.C OM @AZFOOTHILLS #AZFOOTHILLS 97Nominate a deserving local nonprofit to be awarded the AZ Foothills Nonprofit of the Year through the end of May. Voting begins in June! Then, the sunny season’s off to a sizzling start with Summer Escapes online, where we share some of the most luxurious resorts to escape to in Arizona and beyond. Have your best furry friend named “Top Dog,” among other exciting prizes, in the Dog Days of Summer contest beginning July 1. Looking ahead, stay tuned for a special issue dedicated to all things Home & Design this fall. Get the latest at azfoothills.com and @azfoothills. n What’s On Next Talavera 98 AZFOOTHILLS.COM , F OUR SEASONS RESOR T SC O T T S D ALE A T TROON NOR TH fin THAT ’S ALL, FOLKS.comfort controls window treatmentslighting control audio video systems outdoor entertainment smart automation DESIGNING SMART SPACES At Wipliance, we provide the latest automation services for our very discerning clients in Washington and Arizona. We know attention to the details matter. We work with homeowners and business owners to offer the latest in advanced lighting and shading control, audio video systems, and smart automation solutions. We’ll help you discover the solutions that work for your lifestyle. TM 480.771.5500 I wipliance.comNext >