Echoing an iconic Marilyn Monroe photo shoot from 1951, a Pocatello native and celebrity yoga instructor returned to her roots during New York Fashion Week by donning Idaho-inspired apparel for the “Haute Potato Collection.”

The bespoke burlap sack creations were designed by Idaho native Cartier Dior Eliasen, who drew inspiration from the Gem State. Hand-crafted and meticulously painted, the colorful tie-dye fabrics were inspired by Monroe, Eliasen's background in haute couture and her family's history of potato farming in American Falls.

The Idaho Potato Commission intended for the collection to be a celebration of Idaho potatoes and the farmers behind them.

Event organizers invited Kristin McGee, a celebrity influencer and yoga instructor, to showcase the Haute Potato Collection beneath the grand vaulted ceiling of Vanderbilt Hall at Grand Central Terminal in New York City on Feb. 11.

McGee is a Pocatello High School alumna who grew up in the Gate City before leaving Idaho to study acting at the Tisch School of the Arts at New York University. She remained in the Big Apple, eventually gaining fame by launching Peloton’s yoga program and establishing herself as a celebrity fitness, yoga and Pilates instructor.

“It was a really cool, full-circle moment when I heard from the Idaho Potato Commission that they were doing this haute couture fashion show for New York Fashion Week in Grand Central Station, knowing that I have Idaho roots,” McGee said.

The Idaho Potato Commission asked McGee to model in a contemporary reimagining of Monroe’s potato sack photo shoot. McGee embraced the idea and the opportunity to walk a prestigious runway.

“I’ve never rocked a runway in my life,” McGee said. “But they said, ‘Why not include someone who actually has a connection to the state of Idaho, who’s actually from the state of Idaho, who has an influence?’”

McGee met with Eliasen in New York City the day before the debut to try on a series of dresses and pantsuits. They settled on a compact dress that mirrored Monroe’s pop-culture-defining look. McGee returned in the predawn hours the following day for preparations before the first showing.

She joined roughly 11 other models for a series of walkthroughs, practicing turns and runway struts to accompanying music. The collection was first shown to VIPs and media, though it remained visible enough for passersby to stop and enjoy. The models had only a brief respite before additional shows for influencers, families and friends.

“It was surreal,” McGee said. “It was amazing. It made me feel so proud, first of all, to represent the state that I’m from. When I first moved to New York City, even still, there’s so many people that would say ‘You’re the first person I’ve ever met from Idaho.’ All they think about is potatoes. So it’s fun to be like, yes, and here I am in a potato sack and I’m representing my state proudly. I think it was also just really a neat, validating point for me that I’m 52 years old — it does not matter your age or your stage or who you are or where you came from, that anything is possible, and to not sell yourself short and to not value yourself because of a number.”

In a candid moment with her brother after the runway shows, McGee reflected that she might have been the oldest model there — her brother quipping that she was certainly the shortest.

“I’m not a runway model,” McGee said. “But I walked with confidence. I felt amazing. It was so fun. I loved how the other models were coaching me and giving me tips and tricks on how they walk the runway. It just shows that anything is possible in life.”

McGee expressed gratitude to the Idaho Potato Commission for championing Idaho-based influencers and spotlighting the Gem State, which passed out potato-themed backpack swag bags to VIP attendees during the show.

“I think they emphasized making sure that they picked someone like me and that they picked Cartier, a designer from Idaho, and that they stayed true to their roots,” McGee said. “They were so wonderful to work with and really lovely. I’m kind of sad that it might be a one-off experience, but I would do it anytime again. I thought it was so much fun.”

For aspiring fashion designers or entertainers who may feel out of place growing up in Idaho — McGee among them, recalling how fashion trends from Los Angeles or New York seemed to arrive in Pocatello nearly five years late — events like this help bring exposure to the region and inspire future generations.

“If a girl from Pocatello, Idaho, can make it in New York City and become a celebrity yoga instructor — anyone can do it,” McGee said. “Don’t sell yourself short. Don’t hold yourself back. If you have that desire inside of you, if you’re interested in fashion or music or dance or performing arts — whatever it is — know that you can shine. Have the confidence to go in the direction of your dreams. Don’t think small, think big.”