Possibly.  According to co-founders Heidi Elnora and Jeana Lee Thompson, Birmingham Fashion Week has run off the steam of an all-volunteer team for six years and the team/machine has run out of fuel.  Understandably, the two made a plea to those in attendance at the close of the final night of BFW this past Saturday to find a way to continue to provide a creative outlet for local designers, talent, and the like.  Unless someone comes up with some money, this might in fact be THE last BFW! #sadness

Birmingham Fashion Week was held in Boutwell Auditorium this year, unlike previous years where it took place it tents in Pepperplace Market.  The tents, although reminscent of New York Fashion Week, provided a less than ideal environment for those needing quick changes, makeup that needed not run off sweaty faces, and hair that required non-frizzing at times.  For those in attendance, the tents were also quite uncomfortable, though one managed because most fashion requires some sort of sacrifice, haha! Anyhow, moving the show to Boutwell was a great decision IMO, providing plenty of indoor space for local vendors to sell their goods to those in attendance.  Concessions and faux bars were also available, making food and spirits readily available to those who wished to consume during the show.  In all, the location was a win in my book!  Sad to think we may never attend another show in this new fab location.

Birmingham Fashion Week ran for three nights this year.  Thursday, Friday and Saturday (8/25-8/27).  I was only able to attend the Saturday night show, but it was a great one! Headliner Alex & Trixie dominated the walkway with a potpourri of colors and Heidi Elnora closed the show as she has every year with a fantastic production which included an aerial acrobatic performance and gold steamers that were shot up into the air at the close of her show.

 

 

If you follow me on Instagram, you saw the photos and video I posted on IG Stories.  If you missed them, be sure to check back as I will try to upload them again soon.  And, what did I wear, do you ask?? Well…  I met Mary Jones in July.  She is owner of Maasai Chic, my newest, and latest obsession.  She travels to Africa annually where she seeks out African fashion that she thinks people in the US will love.  And she is on point with her selections.  Take this skirt for example:

The skirt is made of wax fabric and made the perfect statement piece to wear to Birmingham Fashion Week!!  What’s best?  The skirt is ALSO a dress.  Yup, you got that right.  Pull the waist up to your chest and wear it as a strapless dress tied at the waist.  It even has pockets!  It’s simply fantastic.  Her items are colorful, functional, and help women in Africa build better lives for themselves and their families.  What an amazing way to contribute to the progress and empowerment of women than through fashion?!  Check out Maasai Chic at the Woodlawn Market on 9/10/16!

I paired the skirt/dress with an “athleisure” top designed by a local interior designer Debbie Bearden.  She carries an entire line of athleisure wear that is to die for.  Check her out at her upcoming trunk show, Sept. 8 and 9 in English Village!

So, there you have it friends!  Birmingham Fashion Week 2016 is a wrap.  2017 remains a mystery.

Until next time!  Stay ‘Chic’!