Fashion enthusiasts from all walks of life flocked to a sold-out runway show Saturday evening, marking the grand finale of the inaugural Wheeling Fashion Week. Hosted at Waterfront Hall and featuring a glamorous red carpet, the event celebrated Wheeling’s emerging fashion scene with style and flair.
The runway showcased collections from local designers and brands including Payton’s Pretties, North Fork Jewelry Design, Two Times: Clothing and Collectibles, ALPHASTORE, House of Rouse, Rinnifus Rae Designs, Bebot, Vindeezy, and Mia D’Amico. Local models brought the designs to life, captivating an audience that spanned generations—from children attending with their parents to fashion veterans who have witnessed countless trends.
“This is the whole idea of fashion week,” said Suzanne Quinn, a local lawyer and the host of Tuesday night’s fashion panel. Quinn, along with many others, expressed enthusiasm over Wheeling’s unexpected emergence as a hub for high fashion events.
Some attendees admitted surprise at discovering an active fashion community in Wheeling. “I think fashion week is a great thing in Wheeling,” Quinn added. “It’s a community affair that brings us back to connecting with each other in meaningful ways. Fashion is culture, and if we can engage young people, just imagine the possibilities.”
Quinn herself was a standout, wearing a vintage gold, glittery dress she has cherished since the 1970s. She shared a treasured photo of herself wearing the same dress alongside Ted Kennedy at a law school event and revealed that she even wore it on her wedding day in 1981. Her shimmering gown, marked with the stains of many years, perfectly illustrated how fashion connects generations and memories. “I’m hoping some vintage experts can help me restore it,” she joked. Completing her look, Quinn donned a feather boa gifted by two young women in Madrid in 1968.
Other attendees embraced a wide range of styles, from sharp blazers and towering heels to whimsical flower crowns and flowing skirts, underscoring the event’s vibrant diversity.
The night concluded with an energetic after-party hosted at Waterfront Hall, sponsored by the Friendlier City Project and local nonprofit Why Don’t You Stay Awhile, where guests celebrated the success of Wheeling’s first-ever Fashion Week and looked forward to its future.
Related Topics:
