Artown in fashion

Reno is making a mark in the fashion industry with the upcoming annual Reno Fashion Show, an Artown event.

Two hundred local models will display the designs of 12 local and international designers on the runway Saturday, July 18 in the Atlantis Casino Resort Spa’s Grand Ballroom. Doors open at 6 p.m. and the show starts at 7 p.m.

“It’s a great event that highlights the local pacemakers and trendsetters,” Brian Aranda, the Reno Fashion Show coordinator, said. “The Reno Fashion Show will feature everything from high-end evening gowns to everyday wear.”

This year’s show will feature up-and-coming designer Sophi Kim for the first time. Only 16, she already designs her own brand of junior’s dresses called SophiMoya.

“She is very talented,” Aranda said. “It is some of the best quality of work to come out of Reno that I have seen. She is really going places.”

Kim designs many homecoming and prom dresses, which are very popular for her age group.

Another young woman and model named Cailean Sterling will return to the catwalk for the fourth year after having a brain tumor removed last year. Seventeen-year-old Sterling had to learn how to walk again and was invited to model this year on crutches. She will be wearing a dress designed by Reno resident Ashlee Bushee, who is the founder and lead designer of a Christian clothing company called Wrath Warrior. The funds from sales of the dress will go toward brain cancer research.

Prior to the creation of the fashion show, there was no other Artown event that displayed the fashion of northern Nevada at this capacity.

“We were able to create this platform, which added to the fashion scene in Reno,” said Aranda. “Before the Reno Fashion Show there was no show as large as this” to showcase the designers of the Reno and northern Nevada area.

The event will also feature a performance by Naima Mora, winner of America’s Next Top Model, who will preform her new single “Hour Glass.”

Tickets for the Reno Fashion Show cost $25 if purchased in advance and $30 at the door. Pre-sale tickets are available at the Banana Republic in Sparks or at www.renofashion.brownpapertick ets.com.