When most people think of Spokane, Washington, fashion isn’t usually the first thing that comes to mind. Yet two local visionaries, Mackenzie and Sophia, are determined to change that perception—one runway show at a time. As co-founders of Fashion Week Spokane, they’re building a movement that celebrates creativity, diversity, and the art of self-expression through clothing.
Trending Northwest is proud to be an official media sponsor of this year’s Fashion Week Spokane, and in a recent podcast episode, I sat down with Mackenzie and Sophia to talk about the city’s emerging fashion scene, the cultural evolution of the Inland Northwest, and how art can become the thread that unites a community.
“Spokane needs something—a space where all kinds of creatives can collaborate.
Mackenzie Priest
That’s how we started Fashion Week Spokane.”
The Art of Community in Motion
In January 2025, Fashion Week Spokane officially became an LLC and quickly made its debut with a bold inaugural event. But as Sophia explained, their vision was never about a traditional runway. “Our tagline is ‘More than a fashion show,’” she said. “We wanted a full creative experience—runway, live music, art, and performance.”
The event featured Coil Studios performing aerial arts, a live set from Madrana Hollow, and a vendor space that blended fashion with floristry, jewelry, and fine art. One highlight was the collaboration between a local florist and designer who created handcrafted floral pieces that adorned models as they walked the runway—an organic expression of Spokane’s collaborative creative spirit.
Since that debut, the founders have hosted Model Boot Camps at River Park Square—offering both aspiring and seasoned models the chance to learn the fundamentals of runway walking and photography while connecting with Spokane’s growing fashion network.
“It’s about joy,” Sophia said. “Adding whimsy to the world—especially right now—feels essential.”
Style for Every Body – Inclusive Practices
At the heart of Fashion Week Spokane’s mission lies a commitment to diversity and inclusivity—values that resonate deeply in a city that’s redefining its creative identity. For their upcoming November 8th event at the historic Davenport Hotel, the team has intentionally sought models “of all ages, all genders, all sizes.” “The boutiques and designers we work with want that too,” Mackenzie said. “They want every body.”
That spirit of inclusion extends to the local businesses they feature. The lineup this year includes:
Nomadic Knots, led by leather artist Alyssa, debuting her first handmade garment collection. SAUVAGE ZSA® is a returning boutique that emphasizes women-owned brands and inclusive sizing, and Swank Boutique is known for its interactive events and permanent jewelry experiences. They will be showcasing trending fashion that is accessible for our Spokane market.
Together, these boutiques represent a diverse cross-section of Spokane’s independent creative economy—proof that fashion can be both local and revolutionary. Rebel Hart will also be showing outfits and their signature trucker hat bar.
Redefining Spokane’s Style Identity
Spokane’s fashion community may still be young, but it’s growing fast. The founders see Fashion Week as a catalyst for that evolution, connecting neighborhoods and creative sectors that are rebuilding and reimagining their place in the city’s story. “We want to highlight parts of town that are working to build themselves back up,” Mackenzie shared. “Like Hillyard—it’s full of people working to showcase its beauty again.”
“Right now, we say it twice—‘all sizes, all genders, all ages,’” Sophia said. “It’ll be amazing when we don’t have to say it anymore, because everyone already knows they belong.”
Sophia Calhoun
Their vision echoes broader movements in the fashion world: sustainability, vintage revival, and the power of styling what already exists. Both founders admire designers who bring high concept to everyday wear—Christian Siriano’s architectural drama, Elie Saab’s opulence, and, as Mackenzie laughingly admits, Sophia’s own designs.
“My favorite designer is Sophia Calhoun,” she said. “I’ve worn her pieces, walked in them, and every single time, I feel amazing.”
A Fashion Future Built on Collaboration. Four years from now, what would success look like? For Sophia and Mackenzie, it’s a world where Spokane’s creative scene no longer needs to announce its inclusivity—it just is. That sense of belonging may be Spokane’s greatest style statement of all.
Learn more about Fashion Week Spokane:
🌐 fashionweekspokane.com
📸 @fashionweekspokane
🎧 Listen to the full conversation on the Trending Northwest Podcast
Special thanks to River Park Square, Spokane’s downtown hub for shopping, dining, and entertainment, for their continued support of local creatives. Visit riverparksquare.com for more.