This year’s selection of emerging Memphis designers presented by Memphis Fashion Week
On Friday, March 27th, these 10 designers will present their custom designs at this year’s Memphis Fashion Week (MFW), after months of designing and crafting for that significant moment – a chance to share their hard work with the Memphis fashion community. The experience will also help them explore their craft and even shape how they see their future in fashion.
“The designers this year have a very clear vision of their design aesthetic, which has been fun to see brought to life through fabric and construction,” says MFW Director Abby Phillips about the designers mentored through this year’s Emerging Memphis Designer Project (EMDP).
Proceeds from Memphis Fashion Week support this project by giving the selected designers the funds for materials and the one-on-one mentoring needed to navigate that process of bringing their vision to life. Here, each designer stands with a model wearing their spring/summer piece created specifically for this year’s runway.
The night of the show, the EMDP designs will be judged partially by a panel of judges and partially by Audience Choice. The judges will be designer Pat Kerr, musician Grace Askew, and costumer Bruce Bui. First place winners for the Singles and Mini Collections each receive a scholarship to the Continuing Education Fashion Design classes at Memphis College of Art, a gift card to online retailer Spoonflower to create custom-printed fabrics, and an automatic acceptance into the EMDP next year. Second place will receive a $50 gift card to online retailer Spoonflower to create custom-printed fabrics.
“Memphis Fashion Week is a wonderful opportunity for emerging and established industry professionals to share their creative insight, connect with other talented individuals,” says EMDP designer Maggie Dandridge. “It serves as a springboard for catapulting Memphis into mainstream fashion.”
MAGGIE DANDRIDGE
- Years designing: 7
- Occupation: Fashion Designer and Entrepreneur
- Inspirations: My faith, people, and music.
- Fabrics/textiles used: Poly-spandex blend, mesh, and woven spandex blend.
- Memphis fashion has evolved from the Southern traditions that have shaped our style and creative influence.
CIERRA WILSON
- Years designing: 7
- Occupation: IT Help Desk Technician\Struggling Designer
- My collection is a combination of a love for modern comfort, design, technology, and the fairy princess in everyone.
- Fabrics/textiles used: Jersey knit fabrics, emerald green and white, 4-way stretch cream lace, stretch sangria purple chiffon, and metallic silver, green and gold threads.
- Favorite local boutique: K’PreSha Boutique
- Memphis fashion is whatever we say it is.
LINDSAY CHASTAIN
- Years designing: 1 -1/2
- Proudest accomplishment: Winning 3rd place in the 2014 Memphis City Beautiful Trashion Show.
- Where did you learn design: My mom taught me sewing basics, but the rest is self-taught.
- Fabrics/textiles used: Nylon lycra, chiffon, and satin.
- My collection is graceful.
TIENA GWIN
- Years designing: 4
- Occupation: Real Estate Development/Project Management
- Favorite local boutique: Muse and Hoot & Louise.
- Memphis Fashion Week is very much needed.
- Proudest accomplishment: My daughters
- Inspirations: Nature and Old Hollywood
- Fabrics/textiles used: Sateen cotton, rayon/poly blend.
CLARA SEIGLER
- Years designing: 6
- Occupation: Student
- Fashion indulgence: Embellishments and leather
- Memphis Fashion Week is an amazing opportunity for the growing fashion community in Memphis.
- My collection is all about the details.
- Fabrics/textiles used: Laser-cut leather, silk chiffon, stretch taffeta.
MEREDITH OLINGER
- Years designing: 26
- Occupation: Artist, Instructor at the Pink Palace
- Where did you learn design: My dad and most recently the Memphis College of Art Continuing Ed Fashion Design Class by MFW.
- My collection is elegant but easy, with a nod to traditional crafts.
- Inspirations: My biggest inspiration is Memphis itself – its people, places, culture, and uniqueness.
- Fabrics/textiles used: Handwoven textiles, handmade twine, yarn, beading, hand-dyed linen.
ADRIAN DUKE
- Years designing: 4
- Proudest accomplishment: Graduating from University of Memphis
- Fashion indulgence: One-of-a-kind garments and accessories.
- Favorite local boutique: Sache
- Inspirations: The Mad Max movie franchise, particularly Mad Max Fury Road
- Fabrics/textiles used: Mix of linen, cotton, denim, twill and faux leather.
RACHEL ECHNOZ
- Years designing: 22
- Occupation: Attorney
- My collection is classic with a modern twist.
- Inspirations: Nature and architecture
- Favorite local boutique: Sachi
- Memphis fashion is classic Southern charm with a modern edge.
- Fabrics/textiles used: Lace, wool suiting, and silk.
CAMILLA CURRAN
- Years designing: 2
- Occupation: Ballet Teacher
- Proudest accomplishment: Walking the New York Fashion Week runway for designer Stevie Boi
- My collection is elegant with clean lines and daring fabrics.
- Fabrics/textiles used: Blue and pink jacquard for the jumpsuit and a fuchsia chiffon for the headwrap.
KATHRYN HEARD
- Years designing: 2
- Occupation: High school student
- Memphis Fashion Week is an opportunity to experience fashion before I study it further. It has given me the freedom to explore a big-city industry in my own hometown.
- My collection is an infusion of traditional Greek dress with modern influences
- Inspirations: The laid-back atmosphere, architecture, and history of Mykonos, Greece.
Memphis Fashion Week is March 23rd-28th at various locations. For more details on the designers and all events, download the MFW app or visit them online at www.memphisfashionweek.org.
Tickets are on sale now.
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Shoot Location: Memphis Zoo. Models: Joe Schmulian, Peyton Couch, and Mckenzie Jones with AMAX Talent, and Jazzmine King. Hair and makeup by Faizah Husniyah. Sketches by EMDP designers.
