Meet the Team
Madison Van Der Lingen
Executive Runway Producer & Designer
Madison Van Der Lingen is an innovative runway producer and fashion designer known for her exciting contributions to the fashion landscape of New Mexico such as Absolute Rubbish: a trash fashion show at Meow Wolf Santa Fe, and Unknown Garden: a fashion experience held at the Shriner event center. With a passion for creativity and a keen eye for detail, she merges her artistic vision with the dynamic Haute couture, bringing unique concepts to life on the runway.
A New Mexican from birth, Madison’s journey in fashion began at a young age, influences by the vibrant colors and rich cultural heritage of the land of enchantment. She honed her skills at UNM where she received a BA for design in performance and new media, as well as apprenticed under amazing seamstresses and designers such as Kathleen Chavez of “I Heart Couture,” Patricia Michaels “Project Runway & Project Runway Allstars,” & Arshy Manukyan of David’s Bridal. In 2019, She started her own Label, MadVan Design. Her designs are characterized by bold patterns, intricate textures, and a deep appreciation for sustainability.
As a runway producer of Albuquerque Fashion Week, Madison has redefined the event, transforming it into a platform that celebrates local talent and innovation. Her dedication to fostering emerging designers and her commitment to inclusivity has made her a pivotal figure in the New Mexico Fashion scene. When Madison is not orchestrating runway shows, she enjoys mentoring young designers and collaborating with local artisans, ensuring that the spirit of Albuquerque’s vibrant culture is woven into every garment. Follow her journey and witness the future of fashion unfold in Albuquerque New Mexico.
Christine Mitchell
Co-Producer & Creative Director
Christine, aka “April June,” is a self-taught fashion designer whose work blurs the line between clothing and storytelling. Raised on the whimsical fantasy of Alice in Wonderland, her designs channel a dreamlike curiosity, blending theatricality with DIY innovation. April earned a degree in architecture, which continues to inform her structural, avant-garde approach to garment design. Her early professional years were spent at Earthship Biotecture, where she worked as both an architectural and graphic designer—experiences that deepened her understanding of sustainability and design systems.
After relocating to Albuquerque a few years ago, April found creative kinship with designer Madison Vanderlingen. The two, along with fellow designer & style renegade Cassidy Kuroswki, launched their first fashion show, Unknown Garden, in 2024—a surreal, unconventional multimedia fashion experience showcasing local & upcoming fashion designers & whisking the audience away to a delightful interactive space of eccentric creatures & upcycled textile art.
April’s aesthetic is bold, gender-fluid, and infused with camp and fantasy. Her work reimagines discarded materials into wearable sculptures, creating fashion that feels both playful and politically charged. Whether it’s pastel fairytale ensembles or deconstructed silhouettes built from hangers and fruit-bag hosiery, each look tells a story—one rooted in radical self-expression, queerness, and rebellion against fashion orthodoxy.
Cassidy Kurowski
Co-Producer & Creative Director
Born and raised in Albuquerque, Cassidy has always been a creative soul. From a young age, she could be found crafting, making, and dreaming up new ideas—a passion sparked by her grandmother, who taught her how to sew. That early love of fabric and design has stayed with her, growing into a lifelong pursuit of creativity and craftsmanship.
Cassidy spent two years as a bridal consultant, where she learned how to style women in gowns that truly fit and flatter their unique shapes. During that time, she also earned her Associate Degree in Business, blending her creative interests with a strong foundation in entrepreneurship. After graduating, she became an events manager at a local venue, where she planned everything from intimate gatherings to large-scale collaborations.
Now designing under the name Fizzbam Fabrications, Cassidy continues to explore bold, expressive fashion that celebrates individuality. She’s endlessly grateful for the friends and family who support her vision and give her space to create.As co-producer of Albuquerque Fashion Week, Cassidy is excited to help grow the local creative community. Her goal is to build a space where artists, designers, and makers can come together to share their work, find inspiration, and create something truly special.
Nicole Rose
Makeup lead
Hello beauties I’m Nicole Rose or as some call me “Mama Coco.” I’m a local salon owner here in Albuquerque as well as a cosmetologist for ULTA Beauty, the fashion industry, and being an on call mortuary cosmetologist here in New Mexico.
Opening my business Bruja Beauty LLC has granted me amazing opportunities here in the cosmetic industry. It has been a journey bouncing from bartending, construction, and hospice work but I found my true calling finally in the beauty world. I cannot wait for these next opportunities to come, see you soon.
Blake Austin Monticello
Media Director
Born in Lake Charles, Louisiana and raised in New Mexico, Blake Austin Monticello — also known as Saint Monti — is a multitalented creative force in the world of fashion, music, and film. A proud member of the SAG-AFTRA union, Blake has established himself as a dynamic presence on screen, on stage, and on the runway.
With deep roots in the Albuquerque creative scene, Blake’s artistic journey spans acting, modeling, and music. When not on set, he channels his talents through Saint Monti Entertainment, offering freelance production services including photography, videography, drone operation, and content creation. His unique blend of style, storytelling, and vision continues to inspire the next generation of artists across New Mexico and beyond.
Blake’s participation in Albuquerque Fashion Week reflects his commitment to creative excellence and community empowerment — bridging culture, expression, and high fashion in the heart of the Southwest.