Behind the Scenes at Honkytonk Catwalk, Austin’s Electric Western Fashion Show
Inside the runway show bringing Western glamour and live music to Sagebrush
“Do you think I need another bobby pin?” Pecos Jane Vintage stylist Olivia Berger asks, reaching for the glittering rhinestone “Texas” barrette fastened in her hair.
It’s 10 minutes until showtime at Sagebrush’s seasonal Honkytonk Catwalk. In moments, the event’s organizer and emcee — country musician and owner of Ramblin’ Rose Co. Paige Plaisance — will welcome the night’s models, including Berger, to the stage to show off one-of-a-kind looks from Austin-based brands. But for now, the runway’s soon-to-be stars linger backstage, checking outfits one last time, swapping final swipes of lip gloss and polishing off any pre-show drinks.
Plaisance founded the Honkytonk Catwalk in 2021, and the event has since brought together a growing roster of Austin-based designers, vintage sellers and fashion devotees. The show blends ATX style with live music: Models strut the runway to bold, twanging remixes of country classics, and each showcase is followed by performances from local musicians.
How the Honkytonk Catwalk started
The models reflect the city’s creative spirit. Most are photographers, designers, stylists and musicians eager to command the catwalk in clothing they know and love — pieces they’ve often sourced, reworked or chain-stitched themselves.
Plaisance, who operates her Ramblin’ Rose Co. trailer and frequently performs at Sagebrush, conceived the show on a humid September afternoon at the bar. She and her vintage-seller friends were sporting oversized fur coats from a particularly successful sourcing trip when Sagebrush’s bartender joked, “What are y’all, on a runway or something?”
“I looked at the stage, and it clicked,” Plaisance recalls. “We’re going to have a runway in here.” She immediately texted Sagebrush’s owner, Denis O’Donnell, and the name “Honkytonk Catwalk” came to them almost instantly.
Since that first show, the event has only grown. Honkytonk Catwalk has partnered with high-profile Texas brands such as Allens Boots and Lone Star Beer and was named Texas Fashion Industry’s 2025 Show of the Year.
A celebration of fashion and music
Plaisance has noticed a broader cultural shift, too. “A lot of people, whether they realize it or not, are looking to Texas for style right now,” she says. “Even high-end fashion runways are subtly nodding to Western culture — and I think Austin is a real center for that.”
Beyond fashion, the evening doubles as a celebration of Austin’s music scene. After the runway portion concludes, staff swiftly deconstruct the catwalk so local musicians can take the stage.
“This event celebrates Austin culture,” Plaisance says, “because it combines the style that’s already here with our two-steppin’ and country music. It’s created this really special community.”
As a female musician, she also prioritizes booking women performers whenever possible. Past acts have included Summer Dean and Marley Hale.
RELATED: Austin’s Best Shops for Western Wear, Cowboy Boots and Other Texas Treasures
Supporting small local businesses
Even as the Honkytonk Catwalk expands, its commitment to small businesses remains steadfast. Plaisance hopes the event reminds audiences of the “human connection behind shopping” — allowing them to see up close the love, creativity and time woven into each garment. She encourages attendees to follow featured brands on social media and experiment with styles that inspire them from the show.
The Honkytonk Catwalk embodies what makes Austin’s fashion scene distinct: its ethos of collaboration, connection to live music and support for small businesses. The event is a reminder that fashion should feel personal — both as a testament to the artists who craft each garment and to the way we choose to wear it.
“Have fun with it,” Plaisance says. “That’s what fashion is all about.”
We couldn’t agree more.
The next Honkytonk Catwalk takes place later this spring. Follow the event on its Instagram for up-to-date information.
RELATED: Audrey Scheck’s Expert Picks for Navigating the Round Top Antiques Fair