RUNWAY TULSA
much more than just a show
Fashion is a $1.2 trillion global industry,
with more than $250 billion spent annually on
fashion in the United States . . .
Complimenting and building on Tulsa’s rich retail
environment — Runway Tulsa is Oklahoma’s most
comprehensive inroad to the substantial fashion
marketplace.
By now, most Tulsans are aware of Runway Tulsa as an
annual week of fashion culminating in a Runway Finale
show featuring designers from across the country as well
as Oklahoma’s best homegrown talent. While the finale is
certainly the most visible of Runway Tulsa’s efforts it is just
one piece of the bigger picture organizers have in mind.
“We love putting on a great show,” says Runway Tulsa
Producer Jon Terry, “And continuing to build Runway Tulsa’s
Finale into a nationally recognized event will remain a goal –
but we have a lot more in mind.” Beyond the glamour of the
organization’s events during the week of fashion, Terry cites
economic development, educational and cultural goals as the
measure of Runway Tulsa’s long-term success.
Runway Tulsa is a comprehensive program committed to:
• educating, mentoring and developing Oklahoma’s
fashion-related talent,
• producing events that bring top fashion designers
and the industry’s attention to our market,
• working in concert with Tulsa’s existing artistic
community to strengthen and enrich it, and
• using new and traditional media to publicize our
emerging fashion presence to the global market.
The Runway Tulsa staff is comprised of diverse and
experienced individuals with backgrounds in all areas of
the fashion world as well as event production, marketing,
retail, publishing and education. The wholly Tulsa-based
organization exists to build bridges to the national and
international fashion communities, work with existing retail
and wholesale partners and develop others and join the other
art groups already thriving downtown in creating a vibrant
state-of-the-art fashion district in Tulsa.
Education is a key area of focus for Runway Tulsa with
the group already establishing partnerships with Tulsa Public
School’s Central High School and Clary Sage College. They
are pursuing similar relationships with Oklahoma State
University, University of Central Oklahoma and Tulsa
Technology Center, all of whom offer fashion-related
programs. Through these partnerships, Runway Tulsa will
provide hands-on training and mentorship to students. The
mentoring program, run in conjunction with ExcellStyle
Magazine will serve up to 25 students per six week session
and will include graphic arts, event planning, video and
photography as well as fashion design. A three-tiered
scholarship program is in development that will provide
financial aid to students at the high school, college and
graduate levels. “The mentorship program, scholarships and
the relationships built, in conjunction with them, will serve as
the foundation for Tulsa’s fashion district,” says Education
Director Shari Tisdale. “Additionally our organization will
facilitate youth activities, after-school mentoring, and
assistance with business development for small and start-up
fashion design and related retail and wholesale businesses.
We will also continue to partner with organizations willing to
join us in helping those who are economically challenged in
pursuing post-secondary education and training.
Events are the most visible of Runway Tulsa’s programs
and offer a little bit for everyone during their annual fashion
week. This year’s slate features six primary events from
September 14-18.
The week officially begins Wednesday, September 14 with
a Media Night / VIP Event at the Lexus of Tulsa showroom.
The invitation-only event allows VIPs, media and special
guests to gather and kick off the week’s festivities with local
boutiques showing some of their latest fashions.
RUNWAY TULSA SPECIAL EDITION
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