By: Haley Berley
FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. — Local models, designers, and boutiques all came together to put on the semi-annual NWA Fashion Week in an airport terminal this weekend.
Among the attendees lining the runway was former Editor-in-Cheif of Nylon Magazine, Gabrielle Korn and Coach Eric Musselman’s wife, Danyelle Sargent. “This is the future of fashion,” Korn said.
Robin Atkinson, CEO and Creative Director of NWAFW took over the show to rebuild and redesign it in 2017. “Since we have revived the organization, we have switched the vision to be specifically about supporting creative producers, there’s a non-profit involved now, Arkansas Arts and Fashion Forum, really about growing and embedding an apparel industry in NWA.” Atkinson said.
The show, which ran from Thursday to Saturday night, displayed the work of up-and-coming designers wanting to stand out in the fashion industry. Calling models of all shapes, sizes and ethnicities to participate, previous runway experience was not a requirement. Fashion ranged from everyday wear to avant-garde, or “new and unusual”.
Gabe Nixon, an NWA resident who has recently discovered his interest in the modeling industry said it’s his niche. “It’s just like walking down the runway, you see people on the side of you, but you take that stare and wanna look at ’em, but its like tunnel vision but at the same time you got all that attention & it’s like focused on you, so that’s what I love about it.” Nixon walked for four different designers.
Around the runway included a VIP space with catered snacks and a lounging area. As well as a bar with cocktails crafted by Pink House Alchemy, a local brand that specializes in syrups, bitters and shrubs. Guests were free to roam about the terminal to visit with designers and models and other attendees during the show.
Atkinson said she hopes the show will shine light onto the apparel industry in Northwest Arkansas. “I definitely love the idea of bringing the attention of a much broader audience to the area. I’m very geographically ambitious, but I’m most passionate about growing what we have here. So it’s really about trying to create a talent pool and a community here that draws people from outside the area.”
All proceeds from the show benefit the Arkansas Arts and Fashion Forum.