Fashion Forward

NWA Fashion Week promotes local charities...

Friday, February 28, 2014

Eighteen-year-old Elizabeth McGarrah wasn't sure what to expect when she walked into auditions for next week's Northwest Arkansas Fashion Week.

"I had no idea what I was getting myself into," she says with a laugh. "There were hundreds of models auditioning there. We all had to walk like we were on a runway in front of 50 people. They were the vendors. It was really exciting."

FAQ

Northwest Arkansas

Fashion Week

WHEN — Events begin Monday and Tuesday with “Shopping Night Out” in Bentonville and Fayetteville, an industry Launch Party Wednesday night and three nights of runway beginning at 8:30 p.m. Thursday-March 8

WHERE — Downtown Bentonville

COST — $75

INFO — nwafw.com

"It was a simple audition," says 17-year-old Bentonville High School student Regan Laird. "Just a few walks in front of store owners and designers. Last summer I went to Los Angeles with some other aspiring models with N.c.K. Talent Academy. It gave me a small glimpse into the industry. I've gotten pretty used to auditions, and for me it's all so fun, so I'm not usually nervous. It was not much to be nervous over but still very fast paced."

"It was a pretty quick audition," adds McGarrah. "We walked in, registered and did the headshot. I was pretty nervous, but it is such a great opportunity for me to audition and maybe be in the show."

Both teens joined more than 250 models who auditioned in January for the annual charity fundraising event and were chosen to join more than 150 other models on the runways of the 2014 Northwest Arkansas Fashion Week.

"I started freaking out," says McGarrah upon learning she was chosen for the show. "I told my mom, and she got really excited too. I feel like this is really a good opportunity for me to step out of my comfort zone and help me with my self-confidence and modeling experience."

"Runway is so upbeat and just a lot of fun," says Laird. "And everything is good experience for a portfolio. It's always good to take a chance for experience, and runway is a major confidence booster. It may sound cliche, but it gives me such a thrill walking down the runway. Nothing like it!"

Fashion Week, highlighting local and regional boutiques, designers and artists, opens Monday in downtown Bentonville. Now in its third year, the weeklong event provides more than an opportunity for aspiring models.

"Fashion Week started because a lot of boutiques in the area were putting on their own fashion shows," says Jordan Garner, design and operational director for the event. "They were promoting local charities, but four or five shows a year are very expensive. So we created a unified front that cross-promotes the 11 charities we are supporting."

Those local charities will be highlighted and directly benefit from the fashion show.

"It's not only a great way for the models to get their name out there, but it's a great opportunity for the local charities to connect with the area," says Garner. "They will all be there, representing themselves."

Although proceeds from the event will benefit the charities, local volunteers have donated their money, time and energy to create this fashion-forward event.

"The ticket sales do not cover production costs," says Garner. "The money from the tickets goes straight to the charities. Everyone involved is trying to put a little into the pot for these charities. Everything is on a volunteer basis and donated. People donate their time for this event and these charities. We have such a large group of people coming together for charity, and a huge group of models. It's really exciting for us and really exciting for Northwest Arkansas.

"We want people to come and take part in this show," she adds. "And we just want everyone to have a fun time. This is really special for the models and the artists. It's really special to the area."

"It seems like a whole lot more than just a runway show," says McGarrah. "It's overwhelming and exciting. It's big deal!"

NAN What's Up on 02/28/2014