Runway MKE - A Runway Show
On September 18th, Runway MKE hosted A Runway Show at GATHER at the Deer District in the heart of Milwaukee. It was the first runway show ever hosted in this gorgeous venue and I must say, it lived up to the hype! Live music, twelve local designers with a wide range of style, and dozens of the area's best up and coming and established models all in a breathtaking venue with views on views...I'm beyond flattered that Runway MKE reached out to include me in this event and gave me the opportunity to walk for and showcase the designs of four very talented designers. I haven't walked in a show since February 2020, so I was feeling a little rusty but it felt so good to get back on the runway, especially for such a spectacle of a show! I had to give you a longer peek at the looks I got to wear and a little behind the scenes action, while we're at it! These photos were taken by a few photographers on the media team at the show, including Michael Tucker, Charlie & Taylor Photography, Finfrock Photography, and my makeup artist, Bre Jenkins. She did a fabulous job getting me ready for the runway, and I still can't get over those dang lashes!
I had the privilege of walking for the first two and last two designers, opening and closing the show, and the first designer was one of my favorites! Mishka by Maria Olsson brought the edge to the show with her collection, Emptiness, featuring PVC, leather, and neutral tones to embody the concept for this elevated streetwear collection. I loved the tough details and the thought and intention behind each piece in her line!
The second designer that I walked for was BUILT by Stacy, featuring her Valley of the Dolls collection. I got to wear this striking sequin set - you know my favorite part was that hood! It happened to fall down while I did my initial walk and one of my biggest regrets was not putting it back up at the end of the runway! I think I was just too in my head at the time, but it stayed up for my final walk. The look was complete and this set got the attention it deserves!
The third designer that I walked for, the second to last of the show, was Ratchet Luxury Apparel. This line featured chic, comfortable, ready to wear styles that are currently in production and ready for you to rock off the runway! I loved the plunging neckline and how comfortable this fabric was, and, every girl's favorite...pockets! The entire line was so wearable and chic, I was a huge fan.
My last look to close the show was a stunning bridal swimsuit line for T&F Co Swim, and it had me feeling nearly every emotion out there - I've never showcased a swimsuit line before and my look was a surprise until the last minute, so I was pretty nervous about how this was going to go! Being so far out of the game for a few years had me a little anxious, but when I put that suit on I knew I wanted to do it justice! I'm a little bummed that I lost my lashes in the outfit change frenzy, but that's showbiz baby and I have to laugh it off. After seeing the photos and reliving the moments, this might've been my favorite design to walk in!
All in all, I think this sold-out show was a smashing success and one of my favorite fashion shows that I've gotten to walk in! I'm a huge fan of all of the designers, and they certainly showed up for the city of Milwaukee that night. It felt great to be a part of that show energy again, and I love looking back on it in all of these amazing BTS pictures that Charlie & Taylor Photography took! My fellow models were buh-ringing the fierceness that night.