Victoria models, Hazel and Janay, are rehearsing their catwalks as they prepare to rock the runway at Victoria’s premiere fashion party next month. “It will be my first runway,” explained Hazel at a media event this week. “My first fashion show was Vancouver Fashion Week,” said Janay. “I fell in love with it, and then I thought I have to do it again.” While you may not put Victoria in the same category as New York, London or Paris – Victoria Fashion Week organizers say the Capital City has the “it” factor. “We’re at that level now,” explained fashion director Natahlie Down. “Hundreds of people are ready to come together to celebrate fashion.” “We’re providing a platform to show everything that you can buy right here in Victoria.” Vancouver Island fashion will take the spotlight at their upcoming fashion show called Strike Midnight. The after-hours event at the Bay Centre will have three runways featuring evening holiday wear, cruise attire and lingerie.“We want people to feel that it’s okay to wear your stilettos out in Victoria,” said art director Christina Robev. “Just because Birkenstocks are comfortable doesn’t mean they’re the only option.” All of the clothing will be provided by local designers and boutiques. “We’re trying to cultivate this feeling that Victoria does have a fashion scene,” explained Robev. “We’re launching fashion week as a platform for the local fashion scene whether it be models, designers, makeup artists or hair stylists.” Bringing together elements of Victoria’s diverse and growing design community, no angle of the show will be left untouched. “We’re working on the backdrop for strike midnight,” explained parametric designer Andrew Azzopardi. “As the models walk towards the entrance and exit from the back of the stage to the runway, you’ll actually be able to see their shadow kind of shimmering in behind the a cage-like structure.” Strike Midnight takes place at the Bay Centre in Victoria at 8 p.m. on Nov. 4. Victoria Fashion Week is slated for March of next year.