Opening Doors: Boise, Idaho, Fashion Week Show 2025 Celebrates Emerging Talent - Recap from the Arbiter

Boise Fashion Week 2025 transformed the historic Boise Depot into a vibrant runway and creative incubator over three sizzling days in early June. From local students to budding designers and cosmetology hopefuls, the event was a showcase of grassroots artistry—and a testament to the thriving creative culture in Boise. arbiteronline.com

A Vision Takes Form

Founded in 2023 by Erica Becker, the nonprofit Boise Fashion Week was born out of a recognition that Boise lacked a platform for its burgeoning creative community.

“There’s a lot of creatives that have an interest [in the beauty and fashion industries] but there was nowhere to showcase those interests,” Becker explained. arbiteronline.com

Becker describes Boise as being embedded with an “artistic, creative culture” — a spirit she’s excited to see elevated through events like this. arbiteronline.com

Spotlight on Student Designers at Boise, Idaho, Fashion Week Show

The Student Designers Showcase was undeniably the heart of the event, offering emerging talent a chance to shine.

One standout was Paige Householder, a recent University of Idaho graduate whose sustainable collection, “REKINDLED,” wowed the audience. arbiteronline.com

Inspired by vintage camping aesthetics and anchored in sustainability, her collection featured innovative, multifunctional designs—like a retro mini skirt that quickly converts into shorts with a tug of buttons, and a patchwork bag that transforms into a vest via a zipper. arbiteronline.com

Notably, her collection was sponsored by Cotopaxi, which challenged her to work with fabric swatches and end-of-life sample pieces—an exercise in creativity and responsibility. arbiteronline.com

Householder described the experience as transformative:

“I went in today knowing nothing—now I feel like I could do that again, easily.” arbiteronline.com

Now working as a technical surface design intern at Hanna Andersson, she’s energized and more confident about pursuing a career in fashion. arbiteronline.com

Backstage Magic: Cosmetology in the Limelight

The behind-the-scenes team—cosmetology students from Paul Mitchell The School in Boise—was another pillar of the event. What started as a simple outreach by Becker turned into a partnership that offered career-building opportunities for dozens of students at Boise, Idaho, Fashion Week show. arbiteronline.com

One student, Kira Jackson, recounted styling model Savannah Belle, who requested “massive, voluminous curls” to go with her Barbie-pink dress:

“It was so much fun.” arbiteronline.com

After the show, Jackson found her work receiving attention on social media, earning congratulations from local salons—a powerful validation of her skill. arbiteronline.com

Another student, Bailey Franco, emphasized how much the event reinforced the importance of networking early in one’s career:

“[Fashion Week] opened a lot of opportunities and showed me how much networking can really do for you early on.” arbiteronline.com

Growing a Creative Community

Now in just its third year, Boise Fashion Week continues to outgrow expectations. Becker acknowledges the moment when the event’s impact becomes clear:

“It’s hard to take a step back sometimes and think about how [Boise Fashion Week] is getting way bigger than we expected … It is cool to see on social media that we have students sharing those types of things and saying their experience was a dream come true.” arbiteronline.com

Why It Matters

• Empowering Creatives: From students to hair and makeup artists, BFW is removing barriers and building visibility.

• Sustainability & Innovation: Designers like Paige are being challenged—and rising—to repurpose materials thoughtfully.

• Community-Driven Growth: What started with one person’s initiative has evolved into an annual beacon for Boise’s creative economy.