There's no bursting the Pin Show's bubble, as the local runway event starring emerging indie designers moves into larger digs at downtown's Union Station on Thursday.

Two local designers, Julie McCullough Kim and Rachel Nichelson, founded the event to give artists in every corner of the fashion industry – from stylists and photographers to retailers and buyers – a forum to promote their brand. It also gives the public a rare peek into an independent fashion event.

This year's Pin Show – the first was held at The Door in Deep Ellum last July – will herald the apparel of 25 up-and-coming designers.

But who designed the indie event's quirky name?

"We wanted the name to have some kind of relation to fashion, but with some kind of meaning and without being too cliché," Nichelson says. "Somehow we came across pins and needles, and then it got shortened to PINS, but we call the event the Pin Show. And we like to think we are pinning the industry together."

Here's more from co-founders Nichelson and Kim on stitching the show together.

Q: Why did you feel there was a need for an event like the Pin Show in Dallas?

Nichelson: I think we knew this was something Dallas needed to put it back on the fashion map. But most importantly we felt like Dallas' independent designers were not getting the exposure and recognition they needed. We hope that the Pin Show will fulfill both.

Q: How do designers get the opportunity to show their garments there?

Kim: Independent designers from anywhere can apply for the Pin Show. We have an advisory board that helps us go through all the applicants. Our definition of independent designer includes designers who are ready to work for it, can create their first samples, produce their garments in their local communities and really want to be a part of a growing group that will have an impact on their local economies.

Q: How has this year's event changed or evolved from your inaugural one last year?

Kim: Last year's event was insane – we had no idea what to expect. We got slammed the night of the show, and we never expected that. This year, we are better organized and people know what the show is about, and so the involvement from the fashion industry and retailers has been much more concentrated. Our goal is to continue to grow those relationships between retailers, buyers and designers.

Q: Both of you will be sending your own designs down the runway. As co-founders, do you feel a bit of pressure, as if the bar is way higher for you as producers of the event? Do you get nervous on show day?

Kim: Of course we feel the pressure to deliver a stellar show and put out an original and progressive collection. However, this show is about more than just us, it's about the independent fashion industry, and that is much more pressure than my own collection. I would be lying if I said I haven't been nervous for weeks. This is very important for Dallas, and we want to deliver a quality show.

Nichelson: I think we felt the pressure starting after the show in July, when we saw the response from the industry and community. Since then the knots in our stomachs come and go with stress and excitement. I definitely feel the pressure to produce an amazing collection.

Q: Would you say Dallas right now is generally supportive of emerging designers?

Kim: Dallas has really made us proud. They have responded with overwhelming support, especially for our first show – we sold out and packed the house. We look forward to seeing this support evolve into the retail environment.

Pin Show

Doors at 7 p.m. on Thursday, fashion show at 8. 400 S. Houston St. inside Union Station. $18. 214-845-0881. thepinshow.com.