Bloglander

Fashion Week is riding high in New York City, but on Saturday you can get a taste of local fashion designs at Runway Renegades. Previously held during the Garland Block Party, the 8th annual fashion show — which includes more than 125 local artisans working together — is taking to the runway at Northern Quest Resort & Casino for the first time.

Ronnie Ryno, of Glamarita Clothing & Accessories, says the move to a new location was a more efficient way to raise funds for the event’s charity, Blessings Under The Bridge, as before they couldn’t charge for tickets. Having it at the casino also means native designers are participating for the first time and, best of all, the new digs are inside.

“This is the first time I’ve been able to do this event with jackets,” Ryno says. “Before I never made them because I didn’t want any models to pass out from the heat.”

Ryno started Runway Renegades after being turned away from other fashion shows for not having a boutique. She did open one eventually in the Garland District, bit it closed last September.

Shuttering her shop was like having a death in the family, Ryno says. But now she’s back at it, inspired to design again and hopefully get a mobile bus version of the store up and running by spring.

“I loved Glamarita and we had a loyal following but we… I don’t want to bash Spokane at all. There wasn’t enough people coming in often enough,” she says.

Now back in action with Runway Renegades, Ryno is amazed at how far the event has come.

“I look back at pictures from our first couple years. We didn’t know what we were doing at all,” she says. “Every year we learned something, and this move is the next step to continue to grow.”

Pre-sale general admission tickets are $20, or $25 at the door. Blessings Under The Bridge, which works to serve the homeless, will receive 50 percent of the event proceeds. Fashion fans can also check out the vendor market happening today through Sunday in front of the pavilion at Northern Quest. A fashion show after-party is happening at Club Impulse and is $10.

Here’s a look at the designers:

Ronnie Ryno, Glamarita Clothing & Accessories (partnering with Assassin Apparel)
This collection has a 1970s rock ‘n’ roll/glam vibe.

Lynne Blackwood, Blackwood Art Clothing & Accessories 
Inspired by the 10 most infamous queens in history, this collection is called “Dancing Queens.”

Chet Bluff and Angelena Campobasso
Heading up two different Kalispel Tribe design teams, their looks will include modern native wear as well as more traditional pieces.

Gianna Morrill, Kuriio
This seasoned local designer went with a Startribe theme for this year’s show.

Linda Graff and Patricia McClain Osborne, A Sewing Shoppe
The designers experimented with hand-dyed techniques for their collection.