Charlotte Fashion Week returns to the runway
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Charlotte Fashion Week will be held at PINE, near NoDa, from Sept. 22-26. Runway photos courtesy of Rita Miles
Charlotte has style and its own fashion week to prove it, returning Sept. 22-26.
Why it matters: Charlotte Fashion Week Founder Rita Miles tells Axios the nearly weeklong event is about more than strutting outfits down a runway — it's about building an inclusive creative space and offering an accessible path into fashion.
Catch up quick: Miles launched Charlotte Seen, the fashion organization behind Charlotte Fashion Week, in 2010. The annual event kicked off in 2011 as a platform for designers, models and other creatives.
- Now, it's grown to more than 200 shows over 16 years, with international recognition and an upcoming lineup featuring over 80 designers and 600 models.
- "There's a lot of creatives in this city. So why not spotlight that in Charlotte?" Miles said. "Being able to offer this is what made us become the largest Southeast fashion shows and week."
Zoom in: The event also uses its platform to address bullying and mental health, opening shows and rehearsals with mental health-focused speakers and encouraging models to share their stories and seek support.
What they're saying: Miles says Charlotte Fashion Week is open to everyone from 5-year-old first-timers to models in their 80s, regardless of experience.
- "You don't have to be seasoned to hit the runway. You can be a natural," she said. "You just have to have pride in doing it and respect to the designer."
What to expect: Charlotte Fashion Week has a list of scheduled events from runway shows to after-parties at nearby spots like Stylus Lounge and Soul Gastrolounge.
- A kickoff party, with champagne, small bites and desserts, is scheduled for Tuesday from 6:30-9pm.
- Thursday's All About Fabrics-sponsored design challenge features designers who had one hour to select their fabric and four months to create a collection. The winner will earn a spot at New York Fashion Week next year. The show starts at 7:30pm.
- Friday evening's show is an unconventional runway featuring looks made from recyclable materials, plus an Icelandic Water segment featuring garments created from the brand's bottles and labels. The show starts at 7:30pm.
- Saturday, there will be two runway shows, each with a cocktail hour and vendor shopping beforehand. The shows are 12:30-3pm and 6:30-9:30pm.
If you go: All of the fashion shows will be at PINE (4100 Raleigh St.). Tickets range from $58-$79.
What's next: Charlotte Fashion Week is still accepting models and behind-the-scenes creatives, including hair and makeup artists, photographers and videographers, for this year's event.
- Apply or email [email protected] for more information.
- Applications are also open for designers and models interested in participating in next year's Charlotte Fashion Week.
Check out some of the previous runway looks:
