NextStep Runway brings New York fashion energy to Minnesota

NextStep Runway made a bold Minneapolis debut Sept. 19–21 with a three-day fashion camp and runway show that brought together emerging models, designers, and industry professionals for a weekend of training, creativity, and celebration of Minnesota’s growing fashion scene.

The inaugural event, founded and produced by creative director and fashion photographer Charles Jah, drew more than 20 local models and four designers to a downtown venue transformed into a fashion hub. Over the course of the weekend, attendees sharpened their skills, built their networks, and stepped into a professional environment that felt more like New York Fashion Week than a first-year event in the Midwest.

The experience began with a two-day fashion development camp that set the tone for the showcase to come. Models participated in intensive runway coaching sessions, learning everything from posture and walk to facial expressions and timing. Styling tutorials and panel discussions gave participants a deeper understanding of the industry, including how to prepare for casting calls, collaborate with photographers, and market themselves in a competitive field. The camp also featured a portfolio-building photo shoot Jah dubbed “The Muse Session,” which paired models with photographers for high-quality images they could use in future auditions and brand pitches.

“It was like a crash course in the business of fashion,” said one participating model, who described the weekend as both nerve-racking and empowering. “We were treated like professionals from the moment we walked in the door. By the time we hit the runway, we felt ready.”

Sunday’s runway show brought the training to life in front of a packed audience of family, friends, and local fashion enthusiasts. Twenty-two models of varying skill levels, ranging from first-time walkers to agency-signed professionals, took their turns on the catwalk, wearing collections from four Minnesota designers. Each designer styled four to six models, unveiling looks that spanned cutting-edge streetwear, gender-fluid designs, and sleek ready-to-wear pieces. The result was a vibrant, high-energy showcase that demonstrated both the range and sophistication of Twin Cities fashion.

“This was about creating access and opportunity,” said Jah, 27, who has spent years photographing fashion and portraiture in New York and Minnesota. “I wanted to bring a New York Fashion Week–level experience to Minnesota, but with a community-driven approach. There’s so much untapped talent here, and they deserve a platform to show what they can do.”

Jah’s path to launching NextStep Runway reflects the collaborative spirit of the event. A self-taught creative, he began experimenting with photography as a teenager using only a phone camera. His early passion earned him a scholarship to New York University, where he immersed himself in film, photography, and multimedia projects. After graduating, he returned to Minnesota determined to help local creatives sharpen their skills and gain exposure. Much of his work has involved organizing free or low-cost photo sessions, often on a Time For Print basis, where neither model nor photographer is paid in order to give participants professional-quality images for their portfolios.

That emphasis on mentorship and accessibility carried through every part of the weekend. Workshops featured hands-on guidance from modeling coaches, stylists, and hair and makeup professionals. Panelists offered real-world advice on how to navigate castings, negotiate contracts, and use social media to build a personal brand. Jah said he wanted attendees to leave not just with polished runway skills, but also with the confidence and practical knowledge needed to sustain a creative career.

“It’s not just about looking good in front of a camera,” Jah said. “It’s about understanding the ecosystem, how to network, how to collaborate, how to show up professionally. Those are the skills that take you from hobbyist to working creative.”

For the designers, the event provided a rare opportunity to debut collections in a professional setting without leaving the state. Several expressed excitement about the chance to connect directly with models, photographers, and potential clients in their own backyard. “Minnesota has incredible talent, but we don’t always have spaces to show it,” said one participating designer. “NextStep gave us that stage.”

While this was the first official event under the NextStep Runway banner, Jah views it as the start of something bigger. His long-term goal is to develop the platform into a year-round hub for creatives, photographers, designers, stylists, and other fashion professionals; offering workshops, mentorship, and ongoing showcases. “If we keep building on what we started this weekend, there’s no reason Minnesota can’t become a fashion destination,” he said.

Funding remains a key challenge. Much of the weekend was financed out of pocket or through modest model fees, and Jah is calling on sponsors and supporters to help sustain the momentum. “With more investment, we can take this to an even higher level,” he said. “Imagine a Minnesota Fashion Week that draws people from across the country. That’s the vision.”

For Jah, the success of the debut event was measured less in ticket sales than in the growth he saw among participants. “Seeing models walk out of here with new skills, new photos, and new confidence, that’s the real payoff,” he said. “This is about giving people their next step, whether that’s their first professional booking or simply believing they belong in this industry.”

As the lights dimmed on the final runway walk, the weekend left an impression that extended beyond fashion. NextStep Runway’s debut proved that Minnesota’s creative community is ready to command the spotlight, and that with the right support, its next step could be even bigger.

For more information on the NextStep Runway visit the instagram page, @nextsteprunway. Those interested in partnerships, sponsorships, or future model opportunities are encouraged to reach out via the page as well.

Jasmine McBride welcomes reader responses at jmcbride@spokesman-recorder.com.