Fashion meets the forest: Local designer Brennah Strange hosts trailblazing outdoor runway show

Brennah Strange, who grew up in Park City and attended Park City High School, highlinghted her designs at a recent fashion show held outdoors in Big Cottonwood Canyon. Photo: William Reed (@oldwilliamreed)

PARK CITY, Utah – At just 23 years old, Park City local Brennah Strange is making waves in the outdoor fashion scene. A University of Utah student and founder of the apparel brand Hookchute, Brennah hosted a one-of-a-kind Trail Fashion Show over a weekend in the forest near Brighton Resort in late September.

The event showcased her passion for outdoor culture and creativity, featuring 30 models in original outfits, all designed and hand-sewn by Brennah herself. With companies like Black Diamond and Kuhl paying attention, Brennah’s influence in outdoor fashion is growing fast.

“It has been an idea that I’ve had in my brain for a few years, and in early June this year, I had some free time, and I thought I might as well just do it. And so I have four collections that I have made over four years or over three years that I decided to pull together for the show.”

Strange’s aesthetic is decidedly a bold outdoor-chic look with a contemporary athleisure twist. Think, Lululemon meets the avant-garde—perfect for those embracing active lifestyles with a fashionable edge.

Strange, who was the fashion club president at Park City High School, said her father taught her how to sew when she was young.

“Once I learned the basics, then I slowly progressed into clothes when I got to high school. And then after high school, I started getting into outdoor wear,” Strange said.

As an avid skier, backpacker, and trail runner, Strange’s evolution to designing technical clothing for adventure was natural. Once she got to college, she thought, ‘Why don’t I start designing stuff I can use?’

The common thread through her four most recent collections is the use of bold colors, which she said is a departure from the norm.

Looking toward the future, Strange said she will be busy with school for the foreseeable future and will continue to use Hookchute to showcase her work. If you like what you see and want to buy it, Strange said you’ll have to wait.

“I don’t sell anything currently because I hand make everything, plus I’m a full-time student and have another job, but eventually, I want to start my own company with Hookchute and start selling things there.”

There’s little doubt that once Strange moves in this direction, the aesthetic and following she is building with the brand will take off. In the meantime, Strange will continue to do shows as a venue to see her collections.