Birmingham Gears Up for Magic City Fashion Week
Birmingham is buzzing with anticipation as Magic City Fashion Week (MCFW) returns for its fifth season, starting Thursday, October 17th. This annual celebration of creativity and style aims to elevate the local fashion scene while providing a platform for emerging designers. Since its inception in 2017, MCFW has focused on nurturing talent, fostering community connections, and using fashion as a tool for positive change.
This year’s event kicks off with a special fundraiser known as the Haute Pink, dedicated to the Forge Breast Cancer Survivor Center. On opening night, ten breast cancer survivors will grace the runway wearing designs from ten talented Birmingham designers, including past MCFW winners. The fundraiser takes place at the Red Mountain Theatre at 7 p.m., with tickets priced at $100.
Emerging Designers Competition
Friday night, October 18th, MCFW will host its highly anticipated Emerging Designers Competition at Events at Haven. Five talented designers will present their collections to a panel of judges, competing for mentorship and visibility within the fashion community. The event begins at 7 p.m., where attendees can witness the promise of Birmingham’s next generation of fashion creators.
Highlighting the Designers
Here’s a closer look at the emerging designers participating this season:
- Sara Cox: Hailing from Nashville, Cox brings a sustainable bridal collection to life through her brand, B More Than. Her designs incorporate upcycled materials, with a focus on repurposing vintage textiles to combat the waste issues in fashion.
- Derrick Kern: The 20-year-old from Aurora, Colorado, presents his streetwear brand, Key to Life is Love. Kern aims to create accessible fashion revolutionizing distressed styles that resonate with sustainability.
- Darryl Peoples: A familiar face at MCFW, Peoples returns to showcase his corporate wear collection through Hera Ru Creations. His designs reflect strength and resilience, aiming to empower those in the professional world.
- Moochie Kearri: Nicknamed Jordan Washington, this Tuscaloosa native specializes in eclectic accessories through her brand Kermochi. Her debut features avant-garde jewelry and handbags with a storytelling component.
- Azani Winters: Representing Birmingham, Winters creates stunning dresses with a nostalgic touch of old Hollywood glamour. She aims to provide perfectly fitted garments that celebrate the wearer’s unique body type.
A Day of Unity and Shopping
On Saturday, October 19th, the Birmingham fashion community will participate in a march titled The Future is Ours at 12 p.m., promoting visibility and advocacy for local artists. The march will gather at the Rainbow Bridge, symbolizing unity and progress.
The night will culminate with a showcase at Events at Haven featuring collections from Daniel Grier of Splashed by DKG and hat designer Marshaun Brown. Both designers will present their latest works, continuing the theme of fostering local talent.
Sustainable Shopping Day
Lastly, on Sunday, October 20th, the festivities conclude with a Sustainable Shopping Day. From 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., shoppers can explore curated collections at Goodwill Alabama, furthering the commitment to sustainable fashion.
Daniel Grier, president and CEO of MCFW, emphasizes the importance of community connection. “We’re all about building community, getting people together to have a good time,” he noted, reflecting the essence of what Magic City Fashion Week represents.
With a diverse lineup of events and a focus on emerging talent, MCFW promises to be a remarkable celebration of creativity, opportunity, and the vibrant fashion culture that Birmingham continues to cultivate.
