Putting on a fashion week in Madison is about as awkward as deer hunting in Manhattan. Yet, unlike the impossibility of hunting game in NYC, apparently, a fashion week in Madison is achievable. Though an obvious sense of uncertainty is felt when putting the words, fashion and Madison, in the same sentence.

The ambivalence stems from the fact that the two entities barely know each other and people rarely dare to introduce them. Living in the Midwest, you think we’d be used to hearing "fashion" said with discretion. It wasn't even until 2006 that Chicago, the Midwest's honorary fashion capitol, finally began hosting their own fashion week. And, just two years later, the Midwestern metropolis known better for cheese than clothes, followed suit.

In April 2008, Madison, Wisconsin held their very own fashion week. Runways, models, after parties and all! I was there, intrigued, hopeful and still apprehensive.

To make one thing clear, it wasn’t so much a fashion week as it was an extended weekend of fashion-inspired events. Workshops including, “Careers in Fashion”, “Celebrity Styling” and “Runway Ready Hair”, were intertwined with two runway events and an accessories show.

The main event was on a Saturday. Upon arrival I scanned the room to see what I was in for. Immediately, I noticed the sod-laden runway, which quickly went from charming to cheap. As I took my seat, I glanced over at my fellow front-rowers. I was overwhelmed with the lack of fashion forward youth. Isn’t that who the front row is for?

Instead, there was an abundance of “over 35” ladies dressed in poly-blend blouses and flared black pants, adorned in gobs of silver jewelry. Not that I think fashion should have an age limit but the entire week(end) seemed to lack the innovative youth culture that Madison is built on.

Down the row, I finally spotted a fellow fashionista. The woman, probably from out of town, wore a crisp white trench coat, black skirt, tights and heels. Her hair, impeccable, in a long, sleek ponytail.

After spotting the singular style maven, I started to believe that the event must have been poorly promoted. While I’m sure it was difficult to target the right demographic, the fact stands that a more youthful crowd should have been in attendance. I don't think any of them even knew the events were taking place.

For the show, both designers and retailers from the Madison area showed their goods. The only inventive designs on the runway came from 18 year-old local, Kayla Garland. Garland is the driving force behind Maverick Clothing, a line of uniquely reconstructed garments inspired by the designer's vintage finds.

On Maverick's runway, models were styled with hippie-ish knit hats, thin headbands with feathers, and vintage neck scarves, channeling the bohemian vibe that the rest of the weekend’s events were desperately lacking.

Obviously, there were obstacles, but Madison Fashion Week achieved what should have been their greatest goal. Through the events, they changed the perceptions of many style uncertain locals. I think with re-targeted promotion and due time, Madison Fashion Week has the ability to be the launchpad for making its city another great indie style destination.