Cindarellaesque robes, dresses made from recycled and dyed jean bands, local designers, and a first class fashion show complete with drama and towering models….

I would never have guessed that I could have seen these things in Casper, Wyoming. They belong in New York, LA or at the Magic Apparel show where I attend market twice a year. And yet, just last Saturday several hundred Casperites had the good fortune to see just such a fashion show.

Indeed, I feel grateful to have been invited to participate and dress 10 models in new fall fashions from Fashion Crossroads. But the highlight of the night for me was getting to see the collections of Nicholas Anthony Clothing and Elime by Amanda Wilson. With a runway lined on either side by rows of chairs, flashing cameras at the end, and pulsing music I truly felt transported! And WOW was it fun!

Although the likelihood of seeing many of those designs on the streets of Casper is small, several of the gowns just might grace the floors of some fundraising galas in 2015. But even if you don’t see a local woman wearing Nicholas Anthony or Amanda Wilson, keep an eye on those names because you just might be seeing them in the fashion world. And you’ll be able to say, “They got their start in my home town!”