Bios by Brooke Bynum
Photos by Sadie Rucker
A hangar at the Drake Field airport in Fayetteville was filled with about 200 talented people and hairspray fumes each night Sept. 20-22. Fashion designers worked anxiously to perfect each model’s look, makeup artists focused on their creations with quick hands, and models reminded themselves to breathe as they waited for golf carts to transport them to where the show was taking place.
Northwest Arkansas Fashion Week kicked off Sept. 20 with its second fall show under the branding of Robin Atkinson, CEO of NWAFW, since 2016. Each night was different, highlighting student designs, cultural tributes, local designers, local boutiques and couture pieces.
DESIGNER: Abbey Ramsey
Senior Abbey Ramsey, a designer from Camden, Arkansas, was one of three women who showcased their “Jam” collection for the first time. Among her own designs, she considers a tailored jumpsuit with a pleated belt and mixed pattern to be the most inspirational to her. Ramsey’s love for art began at a young age with drawings of clothes. She is currently working on a 10-piece collection for the Apparel Merchandising and Product Development Department’s spring show, Enclothe, and works as the inventory manager for Impressions Boutique.
MODEL: Emily Edwards
Sophomore Emily Edwards, a model from Bentonville, wore pieces by designers Dasia Rose and Felix Bui. A crystalised dress she wore for the finale of Bui’s showcase inspired her most out of all the designs showcased, she said. She referred to Bui’s designs as being glamorous and high fashion. Meeting the designers, makeup artists and other models is one of her favorite parts of being a part of the shows. When Edwards walks down the adrenaline rush of the runway all she can think is, “I just hope I don’t fall,” she said.
MAKEUP ARTIST: Natasha Muniz
Natasha Muniz is a freelance makeup artist from New York City who lives in Fayetteville with her husband. Muniz sees Felix Bui’s designs as having a New York edge that feel like home to her. Muniz has worked as a makeup artist for four years and has participated in both the spring and fall shows for NWAFW. Looking at her covered table of various shades of foundations, blushes and eyeshadows, it might be surprising to hear she treasures Vaseline above the rest. “Vaseline is my favorite because moisturizing the lips is very important after having a heavy lip product on,” she said. Muniz enjoys exploring different looks to match the designer’s vision while adding her own personal touches.
