From Bench to Runway: My First Fashion Show at the Fort Worth Stockyards

There are moments in business where you realize you’ve stepped into a new version of yourself. For me, that moment happened under runway lights at the Fort Worth Stockyards during the Fashion Frontier show with Runway 817 Fashion.

And it was an opportunity I created for myself.

A few months before the event, I saw an Instagram post announcing open applications for fashion designers. I reached out to ask if they were open to working with a jewelry designer. After connecting with the producers and sharing my work, I was invited to be part of the show. This would be my very first runway experience.

Building a Runway Collection Without Endless Resources

About two weeks before the event, I received photos from the Russian knitwear designer I was paired with. The partnership immediately felt right. Her textures and color palette created the perfect foundation for my jewelry to stand out while still feeling cohesive and elevated.

Together, we sent eight looks down the runway.

Each look featured at least two pieces — a necklace or bolo paired with rings or earrings — creating complete, intentional styling from head to toe.

Because I create one-of-a-kind jewelry, I don’t work from endless stone inventory. Every design choice matters. In the months leading up to the show, I invested in some of the highest-grade turquoise I’ve ever purchased specifically to prepare for opportunities like this.

Two pieces became the stars of the collection:

• A natural Damale turquoise bolo and ring set featuring some of the highest-grade stones I’ve worked with
• A torque collar and pendant — a silhouette I designed for the first time for this runway collection

Both pushed me creatively and technically — exactly what a runway collection should do.

The Drive, The Fittings, The Butterflies

My husband and I left Houston at 6:30 AM and drove to Fort Worth to set up my booth space before heading into fittings and rehearsals.

The models were incredible to work with — kind, professional, and excited about the jewelry. Because clothing and jewelry fittings were separate, grabbing girls as they became available throughout the day since most had multiple designers to walk through, we didn't see the jewelry and knitwear styled together until the models were about to walk the runway, and it was surreal seeing the full vision come to life.

Right before the show, the nerves hit. The kind of butterflies that only show up when something really matters.

And then I learned something I wasn’t expecting — I would be doing the final walk with the models for the grand finale.

Seeing My Jewelry Fully Realized for the First Time

I was proud of every single look that walked that runway.

Each one was unique. Each one was intentional. Each one felt like it belonged.

Seeing my jewelry styled with professional hair, makeup, and full wardrobe elevated the pieces in a way I had never experienced before. Having the collection professionally photographed was equally powerful — capturing the scale, presence, and luxury feel of the work.

The models and attendees gave incredible feedback, but more than anything, something shifted internally.

For the first time, I truly felt like a professional designer 

Building More Than A Social Media Jewelry Brand

In a world where success is often measured by how fast a collection sells online, my vision is bigger.

I am building a luxury turquoise jewelry brand rooted in craftsmanship, intentional design, and one-of-a-kind stones.

My goal is to help define what modern turquoise jewelry looks like — first locally, then nationally.

This runway show didn’t just give me exposure.
It gave me clarity and confidence in where this brand is going.

What Comes Next

This experience made one thing very clear: runway and fashion collaborations are going to be a bigger part of my future.

This was the first show.
It will not be the last.