Why I Started Fashion Week MN: It Was Never About Fashion
When I started Fashion Week Minnesota, it wasn’t about expensive brands, flashy runways, or following in the footsteps of New York Fashion Week. It wasn’t about status, exclusivity, or making a name for myself.
It was about people.
It was about creating something that didn’t exist in the Midwest—a space where fashion was a vehicle, not the destination. A space where people could feel seen, loved, valued, and respected, no matter who they were, what they wore, or where they came from.
Fashion Week MN wasn’t about fashion. It was about belonging.
And I couldn’t have done it alone. Jahna Peloquin, my co-founder, was instrumental in shaping Fashion Week MN into the community-driven event it became. Her vision, creativity, and dedication to amplifying local talent brought so much heart to this project. Together, we shared the belief that fashion was about connection—and Jahna made that connection even stronger.
Here’s the thing: Anyone can buy fashion. But nobody can buy authenticity.
What I’ve learned over the years is that showing up authentically—whether it’s on a runway, in a creative space, or in your everyday life—is a superpower. It’s magnetic. It’s inspiring. And it’s real.
Fashion Week MN wasn’t about creating spaces for people to show off. It was about creating spaces for people to show up—as themselves, in their own unique way.
When I think about what made those events so special, it wasn’t the clothes or the aesthetics (though those were often breathtaking). It was the conversations in the corners, the moments of connection, and the way people walked into a room and felt, maybe for the first time, that they belonged.
Over the years of running Fashion Week MN, I’ve met some of the most incredible people. Designers, models, stylists, creatives, and dreamers who poured their hearts into their craft.
I’m grateful for every long night, every blood-sweat-and-tears moment, every tough conversation, and every beautiful collaboration. Those years weren’t easy, but they were worth it.
Because through Fashion Week MN, I was reminded over and over again that fashion is about more than clothes. It’s about the stories we tell, the people we meet, and the connections we make.
When Jahna and I started Fashion Week MN, we wanted to do something different. Fashion can feel intimidating, exclusive, or even superficial at times. But we wanted people to see it through a different lens.
We wanted to show that fashion can be inclusive. That it can celebrate individuality and authenticity. That it can create spaces for people to come together and feel inspired—not by trends, but by each other.
The heart of Fashion Week MN wasn’t the runway shows or the parties. It was the community.
It was about creating spaces where people could be seen and celebrated, not just for what they wore, but for who they were. It was about breaking down barriers and building connections. It was about showing that the best fashion is the kind that reflects your authentic self.
Jahna and I wanted people to feel like they mattered. Like their voice, their story, and their creativity were worth sharing. And I hope that’s what Fashion Week MN gave to those who were part of it.
Fashion Week MN wasn’t about expensive brands or status symbols. It was about people. It was about moments of connection, sparks of creativity, and the power of community.
Fashion might have been the excuse, but authenticity was the purpose.
To everyone who was part of Fashion Week MN: Thank you. Thank you for showing up, for bringing your stories, and for trusting me and Jahna with your creativity. Thank you for reminding us, year after year, that fashion is just the beginning.
Fashion Week MN taught me that the most beautiful thing we can wear is our authenticity. And the most meaningful spaces we can create are the ones where everyone feels like they belong.
With love and gratitude,
Sarah Edwards