WNY Women's Foundation Hosts Fashion Event at Highmark
The annual What She's Made Of event celebrated women-owned businesses and women's contributions across Western New York at Highmark Stadium.
Updated on Nov. 6, 2026 in Women’s Clothing
The WNY Women's Foundation hosted its annual What She's Made Of event at Highmark Stadium on Thursday night, its first time at the venue. The evening featured a runway show with Buffalo fashion icon Mara Hoffman, in partnership with the Buffalo Bills Women's Association, and funds raised support the foundation's mission.
Why it matters
The event highlights women-owned businesses and local design talent in Buffalo, giving the region's fashion community a visible platform. Fundraising from the show supports the foundation's work helping women thrive throughout Western New York.
The event was held at Highmark Stadium for the first time this year, with a runway show in partnership with the Buffalo Bills Women's Association. Buffalo State fashion design major Kaylee Starkweather showcased bridal and formal wear collections.
The players
WNY Women's Foundation
A Western New York nonprofit organization focused on helping women thrive across the region through programming and fundraising.
Mara Hoffman
A Buffalo-based fashion designer and industry figure whose work has drawn regional recognition.
Kaylee Starkweather
A fashion design student at Buffalo State who showcased bridal and formal wear at the event.
The details
Buffalo State fashion design major Kaylee Starkweather presented bridal and formal wear collections during the evening. The night combined networking, conversation and fashion, with the runway show featuring Mara Hoffman.
Timeline
Thursday, November 5, 2026: What She's Made Of event held at Highmark Stadium.
Season Trajectory
Events like this one connect emerging student designers at Buffalo State with established regional talent such as Mara Hoffman. Showcases of this kind give Western New York's fashion pipeline a public outlet that existed alongside the foundation's broader women's programming.
Buffalo shoppers and fashion followers can look to local women-owned businesses and student designers showcased at the event for new brands to explore. The runway show offers a clear view of the bridal and formal wear styles currently being presented in the region.
The takeaway
Supporting local women-owned businesses and emerging designers like those featured can help sustain Western New York's fashion community. Readers interested in bridal and formal wear can keep an eye on regional showcases for new talent.
Further reading
For more on local designers and style, browse Women's Clothing coverage.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WKBW.
