I was paralyzed by fashion, my nerves about to snap like a violin that’s been strung too tight. On Saturday, I found myself in Spokane for my first red carpet event covering Spokane’s Next Top Model. 

Not knowing who I would meet at the event, I decided to look my best in a choral mid-calf chiffon dress and nude blazer (both purchased for under $50 at Forever 21), paired with my favorite Steve Madden 70s-inspired tribal print platform sandals. 

I accessorized my ensemble with bright orange nails, an ornate gold ring and gold chain-link necklace. I was going for a “vintage 70s reporter on a safari” look.

I arrived about an hour early to get my press pass and was immediately snatched up by red carpet photographers asking me to model for lighting test shots. Needless to say, I enjoyed myself. 

Upon entering the Knitting Factory venue, I was a little stunned by the flashing lights and runway music, so I plopped down at the end of the runway right before the show to give my feet a break. Having worn 6-inch heels for the past two and a half hours, I was beginning to feel the burn. 

The show was split into two rounds with a break in between. I spent this break shooting furtive glances over my Coach glasses frames at especially fashionable individuals and feverishly taking notes.  

I glanced around at the buzzing crowd and started to notice models intermingled, fiercely posing like post-apocalyptic mannequins. The theme of the show was, “2012: The End is Only the Beginning,” a reference to the predicted end of the world this December. 

I found the high-energy show really entertaining, and  a few moments really stuck out to me. 

For example, one model styled by local boutique Glamarita came out with a sledgehammer and posed, swinging it at the end of the runway.

Another memorable aspect of the show was the mile-long yarn hairpieces worn by models dressed in looks styled by Sparrow Boutique. They looked a little heavy, but it was a really interesting idea and the models definitely capitalized on the posing opportunities. 

The boutique Veda Lux sent a model down the runway holding a sweater-clad Yorkshire terrier, which was very cute and fit the boutiques quirky style. 

I could have sworn that I saw one model chewing gum (a big no-no), but that was one of the only negative things I could say about the entire experience. 

One thing I learned was to never again bring a satchel to a standing room only event. However, my Native American inspired Fossil bag held my brown leather Rainbow sandals, which were a tender relief around hour four in my Steve Maddens. 

Once I surrendered to the pain and sported the sandals, they gave my outfit a softer Havana-vibe, which somehow thankfully worked. 

After the show was over, phones lit up as the audience voted for their favorites. They announced the winning model, salon and boutiques, who took their final walks down he runway to soak up the glory of their victory. 

Many pictures, interviews and blister Band-Aids later, I left the Knitting Factory in high hopes of another fashion show experience in the near future. Watching Spokane’s Next Top Model made me fall in love with fashion all over again and reminded me why I am a fashion columnist in the first place.

To be completely honest, I did not arrive at the event with incredibly high expectations. Being from Seattle, it was hard for me to imagine that places surrounded by wheat fields could offer anything to the fashion world. However, the Spokane fashion scene is a growing force to be reckoned with.