Wheeling, West Virginia, made a bold entrance into the fashion world on Saturday night as it hosted the debut of its very first Fashion Week at Waterfront Hall. The event marked a major milestone for the city, selling out three times and drawing over 150 enthusiastic attendees. For many local models, it was a rare and thrilling chance to walk a professional runway in their own community.
Emily Rouse, the event’s founder and chair, returned to her hometown with a vision shaped by her time in New York City. Inspired by the energy of major fashion capitals, she was determined to bring that same passion and creativity to Wheeling. Rouse expressed her belief that fashion isn’t limited to cities like New York and Los Angeles. Smaller cities like Wheeling, she said, are emerging as new hubs for dynamic, local fashion movements. Her goal was to showcase the growing style scene in Wheeling and prove that the Friendly City has something to contribute to the wider fashion conversation.
The event’s runway featured designs from nine local creatives, including both boutiques and accessory designers. Notable participants included stores like Two Times Clothing and Collections, which were eager to present their latest looks to a local audience. Payton Bourgeois, owner of Two Times Clothing and Collectibles, was moved by the community’s response. She noted that the strong turnout demonstrated how deeply people in Wheeling care about fashion and how it sets the stage for even greater events in the years to come.
Wheeling Fashion Week was organized as a nonprofit initiative and was brought to life by a group of young, passionate locals. Committee member Spencer Porter emphasized how the event reflected the energy, spirit, and creativity alive in the city. He described the fashion week as a celebration of Wheeling’s vibrancy and a collective effort to inject fun and culture into everyday life.
After the overwhelming success of this inaugural showcase, organizers are optimistic and already looking ahead. Plans are in motion to bring Wheeling Fashion Week back next year, at the same time, with hopes of an even bigger and more inspiring celebration of local style.
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