Roanoke Fashion Week
Exclusive to The Roanoke Tribune
When Roanoke Fashion Week was founded, the vision was simple yet powerful: to create opportunities for models and designers who never imagined themselves on a major runway.
That vision continues to thrive as Roanoke Fashion Week models and designers now step onto some of the most prestigious stages in the fashion world—including New York Fashion Week (NYFW) and Philly Fashion Week (PFW). These opportunities prove that homegrown talent from Roanoke can compete, connect, and create on a global level.
The Experience
New York Fashion Week is often seen as the ultimate fashion destination, but what many don’t realize is that it’s not just one show—it’s an entire network of events spread throughout multiple hotels and venues across New York City.
From the Westin Hotel in Times Square to the New Yorker Hotel near Penn Station along with many others. NYFW brings together beginner, intermediate, and top-tier shows:
- Beginner & Emerging Designer Shows give new models, children, and first-time designers a chance to experience the big stage and gain confidence.
- Intermediate Shows feature semi-professional talent and rising designers who are building strong portfolios and professional connections.
- Top-Tier Shows are the luxury, celebrity-filled events with household-name designers and high-profile media coverage.
Each level plays a vital role in fashion’s ecosystem—every designer, model, and stylist starts somewhere.
Roanoke Fashion Week Models Take the Big Apple
This year, Roanoke Fashion Week proudly celebrated its models who made their mark at NYFW.
Model Coach Kim Tucker Preston, worked with the children for Roanoke Fashion Week’s kids’ show.
Twin sisters Kamiyah and Kaleya Eary, first graced the Roanoke Fashion Week Children’s Fashion Show where they got to walk for designer Tanisha Jenifer of Glam2Glo.
It was after modeling for Glance to Glow at Roanoke fashion week that they were then asked to model again for Glam to Glow at The Westin Hotel in Times Square.
Tanisha was so impressed by their confidence and professionalism that she offered them an opportunity to return and walk for her again during NYFW 2025.
Enijah Smith and Tameeka Clark, two of our adult models, also walked the runway for Beauty Is Everywhere, held at The New Yorker Hotel. Both represented Roanoke with poise and confidence, sharing the stage with models from across the country and showing that small-town talent can stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the best.
“Seeing our kids and adults in New York proves that what begins on our runway can take you anywhere.” said Erica Jenkins, founder, Roanoke Fashion Week
The Truth About Paying to Model
There’s much debate in the fashion world about paying to model. Many people still hold the belief that “models shouldn’t have to pay to walk.” While that may have been true in the 1980s and 90s with social media, the industry has changed dramatically.
Today’s modeling world is highly competitive, and participation fees or ticket requirements are often part of the business model. These costs are not about paying for validation—they are investments in exposure and opportunity.
Models who pay to participate in fashion shows typically receive:
- Professional photography and video footage for their portfolio.
- Access to high-level networking with designers, stylists, and industry media.
- Exposure to national and international audiences that can lead to paid opportunities down the line.
Furthermore, ticket or membership fees are pretty common across most fashion weeks.
If a show does not require models to sell tickets, they often charge membership or registration fees in exchange for additional exposure or benefits.
How Roanoke Fashion Week Differs
At Roanoke Fashion Week, our approach is about fairness, inclusivity and opportunity. Rather than charging participation or membership fees, we simply ask each model to sell five tickets to help support production costs.
To put that into perspective:
- 20 models = 100 tickets.
- Our venues seat 250–400 guests.
- That’s only 20–30% of total capacity, a modest requirement compared to many other events.
This system not only helps sustain the show but also teaches marketing, community engagement, and responsibility—skills that serve our models far beyond the runway.
Most importantly, Roanoke Fashion Week never excludes anyone who cannot meet that goal.
We understand that life circumstances vary, so while participation is a team effort, we only ask that models make a genuine effort to try.
“Our mission has always been about opportunity, not exclusion. As long as our models try, we make sure they still have a place on our stage.” said Jenkins
Even though Roanoke is a smaller city, Roanoke Fashion Week reaches big-city audiences and delivers big opportunities.
Participants gain more than just runway experience—they gain mentorship, exposure and a sense of community that prepares them for the next level in fashion and beyond.
The benefits of being part of Roanoke Fashion Week:
- Professional Growth • Portfolio Development • Industry Connections • Confidence & Empowerment • Community Impact • Pathway to Major Markets.
Roanoke Fashion Week may be based in a small city, but its vision, influence and heart reach the world.
Philly Fashion Week: A Whole Vibe
If New York Fashion Week is about spectacle and scale, Philly Fashion Week is about soul, diversity, and community.
This year, Roanoke Fashion Week made history when Terrisa Vaughn, winner of Roanoke Fashion Weeks 2025 City Vibez Designer Competition, was personally chosen by guest judge Kevin Parker, co-founder of Philly Fashion Week, to showcase her collection.
Philly Fashion Week was Terrisa’s major fashion week experience, and she made an unforgettable debut. Her designs captured the audience’s attention and showcased her creativity.
Two of Roanoke’s own models, Tanya Alleyne and Simone Bryant, also represented our city proudly by walking in Terrisa’s show. Their poise and professionalism were a perfect reflection of the Roanoke Fashion Week standard of excellence.
Why It Matters
From our twin child models walking in Times Square, to our adult models shining near Penn Station, to our designer debuting in Philadelphia, Roanoke Fashion Week talent is proving that dreams are not limited by geography.
This is more than fashion—it’s about empowerment, confidence and breaking barriers. Roanoke Fashion Week is building a bridge between local creativity and global opportunity.
Looking Ahead
As Roanoke Fashion Week prepares for its 7th season in April 2026, our mission remains steadfast: to create meaningful opportunities, empower individuals, and remind the world that fashion belongs to everyone.
“Dreams don’t just happen here—they take you everywhere.” said Jenkins
The Power of Teamwork
Behind every successful runway show, designer debut and modeling opportunity is a team of dedicated people who make it all possible.
Roanoke Fashion Week would not be what it is today without the tireless efforts of Thomas Page of NFX, all present and former models and coaches, hosts, DJs, hairstylist, make up artist, committee mebers and the unwavering support of families, volunteers and SPONSORS.
Their time, love and commitment fuel every success story. From helping models prepare backstage to cheering them on at casting calls and fundraisers, our team embodies the spirit of unity that defines Roanoke Fashion Week.
(Suggested closing statement) “It takes a team to make dreams happen. Without such support, endeavors like this would never be possible,” Jenkins said.
