Fashion shows are getting smaller, and smarter. As luxury brands cut guest lists in half, the focus is shifting from viral moments to value. But how do you balance the prestige of the front row with the power of the checkout button?

Bellevue Fashion Week’s 19th annual show was a stylish spectacle, featuring looks from top brands like Banana Republic and Tommy Bahama. An unexpected invite to sit in the press section reignited my love for the local fashion scene. With a travel theme and $56,000 raised for KidsQuest, it was a night to remember!

As far as the collections were concerned, Show I featured Profanity by Lillzkillz serving up camo and cargo in denim and earth tones; Su Golden giving what I could only describe as “alien glam” with its “use of sparkly sheer fabrics, bold layered shapes, and the clash of tight versus oversized silhouettes”; and CHIDORI presenting “gimmicky designs” that wowed the audience.