Yes, that’s right little ole Memphis is cool enough for its own fashion week and this year I finally had the chance to go.
This year fashion week consists of two shopping events, one VIP party and two fashion shows. Being my first year attending I wasn’t quite ready to jump in and purchase VIP tickets to the entire week but did grab a general admission ticket for the Friday night featured designer show. General admission tickets are $50 and include seating on a first come, first serve basis and beer and wine.
The year’s featured designer show was held at The Cadre building downtown. Check in was easy and then my friend Ryan and I posed for a pic by the entrance
Also near the entrance the people at Kendra Scott we’re hosting a jewelry pull. Items were boxed up and a $50 donation to the Memphis fashion fund allowed participants to select a box which contained an item up with a retail value between $50 and $195. Since all of the jewelry has a classic look and there isn’t a piece I’d have been displeased with I decided to participate. I went going in saying I hope for a pair of earrings (retails $65) but I couldn’t resist a box that felt heavier.
I wound up with this:
Woohoo!
I also received a coupon for a 15% discount towards my next purchase.
We then sought out some seats and grabbed two spots in the 2nd row by the middle of the runway. Front row seats are reserved for VIP ticket holders so it pays to be there early. Each seat had a beautifully designed program with information about the week’s events and a few discounts at some of the week’s sponsors.
Since we did get there early we had time to grab some wine and mingle before the shows started. Wine, beer and cupcakes were available to general admission attendees while VIPs had a special area serving small bites and cocktails. Soon it was time for the show.
First up was J Brand Jeans sponsored by Indigo (they are located at Saddle Creek in Germantown). J Brand was mostly casual clothing and featured lots of neutrals, white lace tops and long statement necklaces with natural elements. Very nice but simple weekend attire.
After each designer there was a 15 minutes break / wine opportunity.
Next up was Faherty Brand presented by Oak Hall (located at poplar and ridgeway in East Memphis). This featured both men’s and women’s looks in what I would describe as an earthy , casual vibe.
3rd to walk the stage was Abbey Glass presented by Joseph (at Laurelwood shopping center in East Memphis). This designer was very bright silks with lots of floral prints. Absolutley beautiful to look at but without a doubt ladies who lunch (not me) type of clothes.
Finally, the evening ended with Hailey Page presented by Maggie Louise Bridal (in Collierville). The gowns were beautiful but honestly I was a little worried I’d get dress envy; as nice as they were I still love my dress more than anything I saw.
Overall it was a fun evening. I had been worried that I’d stand out as a frumpy mess being plus size and unable to buy a $400 outfit for this event and while there were people there dressed to impress I didn’t feel out of place on the crowd.
Based on what I saw on Instagram it looks like Saturday night was even better. I hope to make it out to one or more event next year and I may even spring for VIP tickets.