Asia Rose, Keaira Atkins, and Farnaz Khaghani (Photo: Andrea Fenise)
With Memphis Fashion Week in our view, we’ve gotten a chance to browse some of the spring pieces that will possibly be on the runway — but pieces you can certainly wear to places like the Memphis Botanic Garden as the blooms blossom.
Spring fashion exudes the vibrancy of the season and the spirit of the city. Bright colors, florals, structured yet relaxed silhouettes, and bold accessories — the trends for the spring season include simple takes on classic styles.
We raided the racks for new spring looks at Indigo — ones that can be fashioned into gloriously chic weekend attire for the garden or stylish garb for brunch Downtown.
Florals are timeless — a print that mimics the vitality of spring, season to season. Adding a puff, off-the-shoulder sleeve modernizes a flattering fitted dress any day.
There is one thing for sure: Fashion enthusiasts are all over the vest-and-pants sets this spring. A woven pastel set featuring a cropped vest with a V-neckline gives it a stylish duality.
Shoulders should be synonymous with spring style. A bold, colorful knit top with off-the-shoulder ruffle details is a simple and attractive way to wear the spring trend.
MODELS:
• Asia Rose — IG : @msasiarose
• Keaira Atkins — IG: @keaira_rene
• Farnaz Khaghani — IG : @fari_lapetite
MUA: Leah Luellen
Written and photographed by Andrea Fenise — andreafenisecreative.com, IG: @andreafenise
Location: Memphis Botanic Garden
*Wardrobe provided exclusively by Indigo, 6150 Poplar Ave., 38119
Farnaz wearing: Vest: Strut and Bolt $58.50 Pants: Strut and Bolt $78.50 (Photo: Andrea Fenise)Asia wearing: Dress: ASTR $148 (Photo: Andrea Fenise)Keaira wearing: Top: Strut and Bolt $52.50 Denim: Citizens of Humanity $238 (Photo: Andrea Fenise)
Created in 2012 by Arrow co-founder, Abby Phillips, and run by a talented team of volunteers, Memphis Fashion Week (MFW) this year celebrates its 10th anniversary. The event is held each spring to showcase spring and summer collections. MFW is about cultivating and celebrating local and regional fashion through designers, photographers, models, and boutiques.
Wardrobe exclusively provided by Indigo. Models (left to right): Mycah Bates, Josie Brown, Emma RobertsAmanda Uprichard Sicily Dress, $229; Shoes: Sam Edelman Jade, $140; Barrettes, $8.50Amanda Uprichard Giancini Romper in English Blue, $238; Shoes: Jeffrey Campbell Rancher, $260; Barrettes, $8.50Amanda Uprichard Candia Dress, $233; Shoes: Schutz Kaila, $148; Tiana Bag, $145
This year’s events will showcase local emerging designers through The Emerging Memphis Designer Project (EMDP), as well as national designer Amanda Uprichard, presented by local boutique, Indigo. The EMDP was built out of a need in the Memphis community for local emerging designers to present their pieces to a wider audience. MFW and EMDP liaison Sonin Myatt and her team work with selected designers through a seven-month process to educate and promote local designs. At the end of the process, MFW hopes to see the designers grow their skills, promote their businesses, and enhance the design industry in Memphis.
Amanda Uprichard Evie Dress in Shocking Pink, $207; Shoes: Circus by Sam Edelman, $90; Mignonne Gavigan Mini Lola Hoop Earrings, $110Amanda Uprichard Giancini Romper in Shocking Pink, $238; Barrettes, $8.50Amanda Uprichard Evie Dress in Marina, $207; Shoes: Schutz Ariella, $118; Style Junkie Earrings, $16
Arrow Creative, grown out of the Memphis Fashion Design Network, seeks to make art more accessible in order to inspire the creative spirit in all Memphians. Arrow is a premier source of creative entrepreneur enrichment, arts education, and art immersion for the entire community. Arrow encompasses the fashion design community as well as photography, woodworking, ceramics, painting, graphic arts, book arts, and more.
Abby Phillips says, “Celebrating Memphis Fashion Week’s 10th year at Arrow Creative’s new home in Midtown feels like we’ve come full circle. To have grown this event into a full-fledged arts organization that encompasses all arts mediums and to see our fashion design participants using equipment purchased from Memphis College of Art feels like a real win.”
With Memphis Fashion Week, the Brother Sewing Lab, and EMDP, leaders in the Memphis fashion industry will help to cultivate and educate local Memphis designers. Join Arrow in supporting local fashion at Arrow Creative on April 22, 2022. Proceeds from official events benefit Arrow Creative, a 501c3 nonprofit organization.
Little Willie Farmer plays at the Juke Joint Festival. (Photo: Courtesy Juke Joint Festival)
For the past two years or so, our calendars have been a bit bare. But things are looking up as Memphis is going full-throttle with events once again. With food, fashion, art, music, and more, it’s time to celebrate the return of the fair and festival season!
APRIL
Bluff City Blues Crawfish Festival
Where crawfish are red and the music is blues, this festival is perfect for a rendezvous. Benefiting A Betor Way, the festival will have arts and crafts vendors, food, and music by Memphissippi Sounds, Mick Kolassa and the Endless Blues Band, the Eric Hughes Band, and more.
Carolina Watershed, April 16, tinyurl.com/bluffcityblues
Farm to Tap Festival
As part of an initiative to have more Tennessee brewers use more local farm products, the festival will showcase more than 20 guild member breweries, with tickets including unlimited samples, tasting cups, and great times with farmers, food trucks, vendors, and more.
Wiseacre Brewing, April 16, farmtotap.org
Shelby Forest Spring Fest
Shelby Forest Spring Fest is going to be a hoot — at least that’s what the owl there tells me. With live music, shopping, kids zone, food trucks, and wildlife exhibits and lectures throughout the day, you won’t want to miss out.
Shelby Farms, April 16, shelbyforestspringfest.com
Africa in April
Saluting the Republic of Malawi for its 35th festival, the family-friendly Africa in April event will be filled with live performances, food and merchandise vendors, and the International Diversity Parade.
Robert R. Church Park, April 20-24, africainapril.org
Double Decker Festival Oxford
In 1994, Oxford, Mississippi, made the bold decision to import a double-decker bus from England. A momentous occasion for the history books if you ask the Double Decker Festival, which speaks to the momentous-ness, with 100+ art and 20+ local food vendors, an impressive slew of musical performances, art demonstrations, and a Best Dressed Pet Contest.
Oxford Courthouse Square, April 22-23, doubledeckerfestival.com
Sashay! Memphis Fashion Week walks the runway. (Photo: Courtesy Sierra Hotel Images)
Memphis Fashion Week
Walk, walk, fashion, baby. You’re gonna want to work Memphis Fashion Week into your schedule. The live runway show will feature emerging designers and a special headlining designer guest, Amanda Uprichard.
Arrow Creative, April 22, memphisfashionweek.org
Juke Joint Festival
The Juke Joint Festival celebrates the Delta’s past and living history. Kicking off at 10 a.m., the day will include blues music, racing pigs, arts and crafts, food, and a dozen free outdoor stages of blues and roots music.
Clarksdale, MS, April 23, jukejointfestival.com
Taste the Rarity: Invitational Beer Festival
The best and weirdest beers from breweries all over the country are coming to Memphis to celebrate the seventh Taste the Rarity with unlimited drinking, plus live music, food trucks, and other nonsense.
Wiseacre Brewing, April 23, tastetherarity.com
Rajun Cajun Crawfish Festival has crawfish galore. (Photo: Courtesy Porter-Leath)
Rajun Cajun Crawfish Festival
Too few occasions present themselves when you can bob for crawfish, race crawfish, and eat crawfish, but you’ll have the chance at Porter-Leath’s festival.
Downtown Memphis, April 24, porterleath.org/rajun-cajun-home
Art in the Loop (Photo: Courtesy Greg Belz)
Art in the Loop
Some of the region’s most talented artists will set up shop at this festival celebrating the arts, where you can also enjoy live music and food trucks.
Ridgeway Loop Road, April 29-May 1, artintheloop.org
Storyfest
Forty Memphians, ranging in ages from 9 to 93, will share their stories through live performances at the Halloran Centre. Engagement activities and community reflections will follow at the free fest.
Halloran Centre, April 29-30, orpheum-memphis.com/event/storyfest
May Day Festival and Memphis Children’s Theatre Festival
Theatre Memphis celebrates a century of entertaining with live entertainment, an array of artists’ and artisans’ booths, food trucks, and more. On the same day, Theatre Memphis will host the Children’s Theatre Festival as a pay-what-you-can event.
Theatre Memphis, April 30, theatrememphis.org
MAY
Beale Street Music Festival
Megan Thee Stallion, Weezer, Van Morrison, Lil Wayne, and many more (60+ artists) are coming for the city’s legendary springtime music festival.
Fairgrounds in Liberty Park, April 29-May 1, memphisinmay.org/BSMF
Memphis in May International Festival
For the month of May, this annual festival brings the world to Memphis and Memphis to the world, and this year, it is saluting Ghana through cultural events and performances, museum and gallery exhibits, films, luncheons, and a gala.
Various locations, May 1-31, memphisinmay.org
Bookstock: Memphis Area Authors’ Festival
You’re gonna want to book it to Memphis Public Libraries for this festival of author talks, activities for teens and children, and 60 local authors’ exhibits.
Benjamin L. Hooks Central Library, May 7, memphislibrary.org/bookstock
World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest
When May rolls in, Memphis knows that’s the cue to start getting our tummies ready for what USAToday calls the “Most Prestigious Barbecue Contest.” For four days, the best of the best barbecue buffs will compete in such categories as Ribs, Shoulder, and Whole Hog, as well as Hot Wings, Sauce, and “Anything But Pork.”
Fairgrounds in Liberty Park, May 11-14, memphisinmay.org/WCBCCtickets
Bluff City Fair
This fair isn’t bluffing when it comes to fun and excitement. You’ll be entertained with a majestic thrill show, rides galore, fair food, and an all-day petting zoo.
Liberty Bowl Stadium, May 20-30, bluffcityfair.com
DreamFest Weekend
A dream is a wish your heart makes, but this festival is doing more than just wishing for its dream of unity, collaboration, and community. For this three-day event, an impressive array of artists will come together to promote Memphis music and artist collaboration.
Overton Park Shell, May 20-22, dreamfestweekend.com
Memphis Greek Festival
Cue the groans from children as parents inevitably evoke the phrase “It’s all Greek to me” at this family-friendly festival with scrumptious Greek food, tours of the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, live music, artisan booths, and activities for kids.
Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church, May 20-21, memphisgreekfestival.com
Beale Street Artcrawl Festival
Before the barcrawlers creep onto the street we call Beale, artcrawlers can go amuck at this pop-up market of art and merchandise.
Beale Street, May 21, bealestreetartcrawlfestival.com
Memphis Mushroom Festival
All fungi, fungals, and funpals are invited to this five-day, four-night camping festival that celebrates the foods and fungi grown in Tennessee, Mississippi, and Arkansas. With speakers, workshops, forays through the forest, yoga, dancing, cooking classes, and tastings — let’s just say this festival covers a lot of ground.
Shelby Forest Park, May 26-30, memphismushroomfest.com
JUNE
Memphis Italian Festival
Is it sauce or gravy? Well, the folks at this fest have taken a side, seeing that the festival boasts a Spaghetti Gravy Contest. In addition to their food-related competitions, the event will have live music, along with art vendors and, of course, tons of great food.
Marquette Park, June 2-4, memphisitalianfestival.org
Memphis Pride Fest Weekend
Spanning four days, the celebration includes a Drag N Drive, dance party, parade, and full festival with two stages, more than 150 vendors, food trucks, and so much more.
Various locations, June 2-5, midsouthpride.org/pridefest
Memphis Margarita Festival
Sometimes all life gives you is limes, and all you can do is make margaritas. Thankfully, the city’s best margarita-makers are ready to inspire you at this festival where you can sample margaritas from your favorite restaurants alongside awesome entertainment.
Overton Square, June 4, memphismargaritafestival.com
Craft Food & Wine Festival
Showcasing scrumptious, locally-produced breads, cheeses, fruit preserves, cured meats, and more, this event will raise funds for Church Health.
The Columns, June 5, craftfoodandwinefest.com
MidSouth Nostalgia Festival
Veteran actors from your favorite classic movies and TV shows — from the likes of Leave It To Beaver and Laramie — are appearing in person to talk about their careers and give out autographs at this fest.
Whispering Woods Hotel and Conference Center, Olive Branch, MS, June 9-11, midsouthnostalgiafestival.com
Memphis Vegan Festival
If you’re living on the veg, you’ll want to check out this day full of vegan food, live entertainment, and a marketplace featuring local businesses, plant-based health and beauty products, and clothing.
Pipkin Building,, June 18, facebook.com/901veganfestival
Tri-State Black Pride Weekend
Tri-State Black Pride presents workshops, lectures, a drag show, stand-up comedy, and a Sunday Funday of live music.
Various locations, June 16-19, tristateblackpride.com
Bluff City Balloon Jamboree
Scheduled for Father’s Day weekend, the Bluff City Balloon Jamboree will delight its attendees with hot air balloon rides, a balloon glow event, carnival attractions, arts and crafts, and live music.
Shelby Farms Park, June 17-19, bluffcityballoonjamboree.com
With Juneteenth being declared a federal holiday in the U.S. last year, the 29th Annual Memphis Juneteenth Festival promises to celebrate African-American culture, food, entertainment, and the overall significance of the holiday. Along with food, music, and entertainment, festival-goers can look forward to the annual Juneteenth Career and Health Fair Expo, the Memphis Juneteenth Lifetime Achievement Awards, the Juneteenth Ultimate Dance Showdown, Food Truck Sunday, and Praise Fest at Juneteenth.
Health Sciences Park, June 18-19, juneteenthfreedommemphis.com
Mid-South Air Show
It’s a bird. It’s a plane. No, it’s … yeah, it’s a plane. While Superman might not be in the sky for the Mid-South Airshow, the U.S. Navy Blue Angels are just as impressive, featuring military demonstrations, aerobatic performances, static display aircraft, and local emergency response helicopters.
Millington-Memphis Airport, June 18-19, midsouthairshow.com
Memphis Crafts & Drafts
Shopping is exercise. Exercise gives you endorphins. Endorphins make you happy. So if you don’t want summertime happiness to be smothered by rising temperatures, you’ll want to head over to this market of local makers and artists. It’s called the transitive property, right?
Crosstown Concourse Plaza and Atrium, June 25, memphiscraftsanddrafts.com
July
Summer Cocktail Festival
Shake it up a bit this July with this epic dance party with summer-inspired cocktails, fresh local food, photobooth ops, and fun activities.
Overton Square, July 29, memphisfestivals.com/summercocktailfestival
AUGUST
Memphis Chicken & Beer Fest
If, like the Zac Brown Band, you appreciate your chicken fried, a cold beer on a Saturday night, a pair of jeans that fit just right, and the radio up, you’ll appreciate the Memphis Chicken & Beer Fest where you can get all that — except the jeans. With live music, interactive games, a bungee run, and more, tickets include more than 90 beverage samples, and a portion will benefit the Dorothy Day House.
Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium, August 6, memphischickenandbeer.com
Elvis Week 2022
This August marks the 45th anniversary of Elvis’ death and the 44th anniversary of the first Elvis Week. What began as a small group of fans gathering at Graceland’s gates has turned into the multi-day phenomenon we know today. Highlights from the week include personal tours of Graceland led by Priscilla Presley and Jerry Schilling, the Candlelight Vigil, the Ultimate Elvis Tribute Artist Contest, and nightly parties.
Graceland, August 9-17, graceland.com/elvis-week
SEPTEMBER
Delta Fair & Music Festival
Carnival rides, live music, attractions, livestock shows, oh boy, there’s so much going on every day at the Delta Fair.
Agricenter International, September 2-11, deltafest.com
Germantown Festival
This festival is one of the few places in town where you’re guaranteed to see a weenie and say, “Aww, look how cute.” In addition to its Running of the Weenies race, this festival of arts has children’s activities, rides and games, entertainment, a car exhibit, community displays, and more.
Germantown Civic Club Complex, September 10-11, germantownfest.com
Cooper-Young Festival
There’s no need to stay cooped up in your house when you can join in on the fun at the Cooper-Young Festival, where art, music, and crafts come together to celebrate Memphis’ culture and heritage.
Cooper-Young, September 17, cooperyoungfestival.com
Gonerfest 19
Music enthusiasts won’t be able to resist Goner Records’ siren call, and yes, somehow, this siren call reaches all the way to Australia. Be on the lookout for the lineup.
Railgarten, September 22-25, goner-records.com/pages/gonerfest
Mid-South Fair
At this must-do event since 1856, fair-goers can enjoy more than 50 rides, an array of ground acts, and of course favorite fair fare — funnel cakes, turkey legs, candied apples; you name it, they’ve perfected it.
Landers Center, September 22-October 2, landerscenter.com/mid-south-fair
Mighty Roots Music
Whatta fest, whatta fest, whatta mighty good fest. Mhhm, this event is back for year two, taking place at the same spot the famous blues singer-songwriter Muddy Waters began his love of blues music. The lineup will be announced April 11th, so keep an eye out.
Stovall, MS, September 23-24, mightrootsmusicfestival.com
Latin Fest
We may not be talking about Bruno once September rolls around, but we should be talking about Latinx representation year-round. Though this fest takes place for just a day, it captures that spirit of appreciation with live Latin music, Latin food and drinks, crafts, and fun for everyone.
Overton Square, Saturday, September 24, overtonsquare.com
Pink Palace Crafts Fair
The Pink Palace Crafts Fair is back to celebrate its Big 5-O with 150 artists from around the country, ready for you to explore their works.
Museum of Science & History, September 24-26, moshmemphis.com
Mempho Music Festival
Mempho never disappoints, and you know it. Three days of music’s biggest names playing amid the natural beauty of Memphis Botanic Garden. The lineup will be released next week and tickets are already selling fast.
Radians Amphitheater at Memphis Botanic Garden, September 30-October 2, memphofest.com
OCTOBER
King Biscuit Blues Festival
Founded in 1986, this fest celebrates blues music with the highest regard across five stages; plus you’ll see a variety of buskers. Of course the three-day event wouldn’t be complete without the Flour Power 5K, the Tour da Delta bicycle race, and a Kansas City-sanctioned barbecue contest, all in historic Downtown Helena.
Helena, AR, October 5-8, kingbiscuitfestival.com
Memphis Bacon & Bourbon Festival
You might ask, what’s shakin’ over at this festival? Well, bacon, that’s what’s shaking — bacon and bacon-inspired dishes to sample. Oh, and bourbon, lots of bourbon.
Metal Museum, October 7, memphisbaconandbourbon.com
Edge Motorfest
Start your engines and gear up for this day of more than 150 cars, food trucks, vendor booths, and more in the Edge District. Trust us when we say, this’ll be more than a pit stop in your weekend activities.
Edge Motor Museum, October 8, edgemotormuseum.com
Soulsville USA Festival
We all know Memphis wouldn’t be Memphis without its roots in soul music, and this festival aims to remind us of that fact. In addition to educational and interactive activities, the festival will include live music, food trucks, vendors, games for kids, and free admission to the Stax Museum of American Soul Music.
Soulsville USA District, October 14-16, soulsvilleusafestival.com
Memphis Food & Wine Festival
Benefiting FedExFamilyHouse, the Memphis Food & Wine Festival, which showcases local chefs alongside acclaimed national chefs and top global vineyards, will leave your tummy so full and happy that you’ll miss the festival dearly until its return.
Memphis Botanic Garden, October 15, memphisfoodwinefestival.org
Indie Memphis Film Festival
If you’re a bit more introverted, a lot of the events on this list will probably leave you needing a day to recover from the social exhaustion. And while it’s worth it in exchange for all the fun you’ll have, what if I told you there was a festival where you can have fun while being your introverted self? Yep, at this one, you get to be a semi-couch potato and watch indie film after indie film to your heart’s content while in the company of your fellow movie-lovers. Plus, enjoy behind-the-scenes panels and discussions.
Midtown, October 19-24, indiememphis.org
World Championship Hot Wing Fest
A championship that is everything we wish it to be — dare I say, it’s the wind beneath our wings, there to bestow the glory upon the best chicken wings, content to let the winners shine and the festival-goers sample the fare, all the while supporting The Ronald McDonald House Charities of Memphis.
Liberty Bowl Memorial Stadium, October 22, worldwingfest.com
RiverArtsFest
The largest juried artist market and urban festival in the Mid-South, the RiverArtsFest brings more than 180 artists from around the country to show off and sell their fine arts. As an added bonus, the festival features artist demonstrations, hands-on art activities for all ages, and local music.
Downtown Memphis, October 22-23, riverartsmemphis.org
Dia de Los Muertos Parade and Festival celebrates the Day of the Dead. (Photo: Angel Ortez)
Dia de Los Muertos Parade and Festival
If you think Dia de Los Muertos is Mexico’s version of Halloween, you’re dead wrong. The Brooks Museum and Cazateatro Bilingual Theatre will show you what the day is all about: honoring ancestors and celebrating the cycle of life and death. A parade begins in Overton Square with floats and performers making their way to the plaza at the Brooks Museum, where you can enjoy art-making activities, face painting, music, costumed performers, and more.
Memphis Brooks Museum of Art, October 29, brooksmuseum.com
“Just because you’re covered, it doesn't mean that you can’t express yourself,” says designer Lina Dweik. (Credit: Courtesy Lina Dweik)
Memphian Lina Dweik launched her fashion brand in June 2021, and by year’s end, she has had her work shown in the Turino Fashion Week in Italy, received an official proclamation from Shelby County Mayor Lee Harris, and is set to showcase her collection at Memphis Fashion Week (MFW) in 2022.
Dweik always harbored a passion for fashion. “It really started off ever since I was young, feeling a little left out in the fashion world,” she says. “I’ve always liked high-quality fabrics and elevated designs. At the same time, I wanted to remain modest. I always felt a little isolated. It was either high fashion that was revealing or very modest clothing that was so bland, so out-dated.”
That being said, Dweik never really imagined herself designing clothes professionally. In fact, she earned her bachelor’s degree in psychology and is currently working toward her master’s in public health with a concentration in social and behavioral science at the University of Memphis. But, she says, “I’ve always been into sketching things I wanted to see or to wear.” And with that spark of inspiration and a desire to “dabble” in the fashion world, she applied to 2020 Memphis Fashion Week’s Emerging Designer Project, where designers have six months to make their designs runway-ready.
Unfortunately, with MFW planned for March 2020, Covid intervened. “It wasn’t your typical runway. We had to put our clothes on hangers and not models,” Dweik says. “It was still a great experience. Those six months showed me that this was something I really wanted to continue as a career.”
For her first collection, which she designed for MFW and is now for sale on her website, Dweik says, “I was really inspired by all things luxurious, and that’s why it’s called the empress collection. … For that collection I was really inspired by the women being so majestic and so royal.”
Dweik (left) with a model (Credit: Courtesy Lina Dweik)
In the collection, Dweik blends the use of delicate high-end fabrics like silk and satin with structured cuts that emphasize a feminine boldness. The colors are regal with jewel tones and pastels, embroidered in intricate patterns that don’t shy away from drawing attention while still remaining modest such that each design is opaque and makes the wearer feel covered. “The whole brand purpose is to redefine modesty,” Dweik says. “Just because you’re covered, it doesn’t mean that you can’t express yourself, that you can’t express your personality. So with this collection you can pick and choose what reflects your personality.”
Dweik’s goal with each of her garments is to make the wearer “feel glamorous, empowered, and spoiled. … I think that goes back to my interest in psychology. I have this interest in helping people,” she says. “My whole reason for starting this brand is wanting to help women like myself.
“I want to break misconceptions, even in my own head, that modest wear is only for the Middle East. But moving so often, living in the U.S., Canada, overseas, I’ve come into contact with numerous women from different religions, races, backgrounds, and they have that same mindset of wanting to dress modestly.”
Modesty, to Dweik, has no borders, so it’s no wonder why she was asked to be a part of the Torino Fashion Week this November. Due to Covid, the fashion week was virtual, but Dweik had the opportunity to send her garments and models to Italy to film her collection though she couldn’t attend in-person herself. Even so, because of her involvement in the Torino Fashion Week, Shelby County Mayor Lee Harris awarded the designer a proclamation for representing Memphis as a creative hub.
Lina Dweik received an official proclamation from Shelby County Mayor Lee Harris for representing Memphis as a creative hub. (Credit: Courtesy Lina Dweik)
“Living here for so long, for over 20 years, Memphis has a special place in my heart,” Dweik says. “I really wanted to show that Memphis is a beautiful melting pot of cultures, and I wanted to emphasize that through how diverse the designs are. … We got great feedback from women who don’t look like me, and it was beautiful to hear them saying thank you for doing that and for showing the beauty of modesty and starting the conversation.”
Her next collection will be released in fall of 2022, but before then, Dweik is hopeful for her first actual runway during Memphis Fashion Week in April.
The highlight will be on emerging designers from MFW’s Emerging Memphis Designer Project (EMDP). This project was started in the second year of MFW and has continued to be successful, ensuring that new designers’ ideas make it from the sketch pad to the runway.
Thirteen emerging designers will have their designs featured on the runway this year. All are local and range in age from 17 to 60. These designers work with University of Memphis professor of fashion design Sonin Myatt for seven months. From concept to runway and everything in between, designers are mentored during this time. “We are so lucky to have Sonin Myatt to mentor our emerging designers,” says Abby Phillips, MFW founder and executive director of Arrow Creative. “What she has done by moving the fashion department at U of M to the art department has been incredible for fashion in Memphis.”
All emerging designers apply through an application process and enter one of three divisions — Singles: one to three garments; Mini Collection: five garments as part of a matching collection; and Teen: garments designed by an Overton High School student this year.
While the highlight is on EMDP, Phillips also has other surprises in store. “Thursday we will have a creative class, and Friday a pop-up fashion night out,” she says. “And don’t forget the tour of our new location on the 25th. This year is going to be exciting.”
Memphis Fashion Week, various locations, memphisfashionweek.com, Wednesday-Friday, Aug. 25-27, $60-$150.
Memphis Fashion Week is always an impressive event, yet this year will be different — in a good way. Fashion lovers, influencers, and the local fashion industry will get a closer look at the design talent of Memphis. As the energy is building in celebration of Memphis’ bicentennial, Memphis Fashion Week is magnifying the intensity by highlighting local design and fashion with this year’s lineup of shows and events.
“Memphis has always been at the center of innovation and creativity,” says Karina Benziger, co-chair and designer liaison of Memphis Fashion Week. “Fashion is no exception, and each year we are amazed at what is coming out of this region. We’re thrilled to have even more local talent in our Featured Designers, as yet another way to recognize and celebrate our city’s 200th anniversary.”
The countdown is on! Memphis Fashion Week events start on Thursday evening. “Fashion Night Out” kicks things off with a party for a cause at Crosstown Concourse. The momentum continues with the Scout Guide’s Soiree at the new Hu. Hotel with sunset views and stylish influencers and a veritable Memphis Who’s Who.
KP Fusion
Designer: Mary Ambrose with Siss Viss
Friday, Memphis Fashion Design Network, nonprofit organization benefitting local design talent, hosts its Trunk Show at Crosstown Concourse. The night continues with the LRK Featured Designer Runway Show, as guests will view collections from noted national designers. And don’t miss the highly anticipated Saddle Creek Emerging Designer Runway Show.
The Emerging Memphis Designer Project was constructed for local emerging designers to have a platform to present their pieces to a wider audience. Memphis Fashion Week works with selected designers through a seven-month process to educate and promote local designs. This year’s featured designers — TIENA, Tangie Seay, and Mary Ambrose (pictured below) — will be among those showing their collections during the Emerging Designer Runway Show.
What else is happening this week? Follow Memphis Fashion Week on Instagram @memphisfashiondesign and memphisfashionweek.org/events for a more detailed lineup of events and shows for the entire MFW 2019 schedule, including what to expect — and what to wear.
Last Friday at Memphis Fashion Week’s opening night show, many gathered to feel the energy and magnitude of Memphis and its fashion industry. Abby Phillips, founder of MFW (now in its 7th year), and her talented board elevated the most fashionable week in the city by taking the headliner show to Graceland’s Presley Motor Museum. The feels were high, retro, and vivacious, and the crowd exuded a stylish and magical grit and grind that is only something Memphis can do.
Collections from four headlining designers were shown this year with equally magnificent and awe-inspiring collections. The opening began with local fashion designer and her brand T I E N A followed by Daniel Maganta, This Is Sloane, next Nigerian designer Ituen Basi, and Rachel Roy.
runway images and style images are courtesy of Ziggy Mack
Memphis College of Art was a fitting atmosphere for Saturday night’s Memphis Fashion Week runway show featuring designs filled with artful crafting and detailing from the city’s emerging designers. Collections from sixteen Emerging Memphis Designer Project (EMDP) participants, with many debuting their work on the runway for the first time, were met with warm applause and supportive cheer from the audience. Two winners were chosen that night by judges Augusta Campbell and Andra Eggleston along with votes from the audience. Congratulations to Zoe Vu and Mary Ambrose, this year’s winners in the singles and mini collection categories respectively.
Concluding the night was the newest spring/summer collection by former EMDP designer and winner Tara Skelley of Dilettante Collection. Continuing her love for travel, the “Del Sol” collection draws inspiration from Central America elevating familiar native patterns and symbols tassel and sugar skull, all designed with absolute vibrancy.
See some highlights from this past Saturday after the jump.
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Left: Augusta Campbell (EMDP judge) and Bill Stearnes.
Left: Joey Miller (MFW photographer)
Right: Penelope Fisher
Kamesha Hervey Richard and Andrea Fenise (EMDP designer)
Former EMDP winner Tara Skelley with her design
Zoe Vu, 2016 winner in the EMDP Singles Collection category
Mary Ambrose, 2016 winner in the EMDP Mini Collection category, in a dress she handmade from bicycle tires.
See more photos of the night and other 2016 Memphis Fashion Week events at KP Fusion.
As Memphis Fashion Week (MFW) celebrates its 5th year, the Emerging Memphis Designer Project (EMDP) continues the cultivation of local talent with more designers than any other year — 16 selected from almost double the submissions than last year.
“This year’s group has blown us away,” MFW director Abby Phillips says. “The age demographic is the most diverse that we’ve had, as is the experience level. All designers have worked hard to learn and become better at their designs and the sewing. The part that impresses me the most this year is how many designers are creating their own textiles through dying, painting, and weaving unconventional materials.”
These emerging designers will show their custom designs on the runway at the Memphis College of Art Saturday, April 9th at 8 p.m. Former EMDP designer/winner Tara Skelley of Dilettante Collection will also show her spring collection following the EMDP show.
MFW supporter and stylist Augusta Campbell will be this year’s guest judge along with designer Andra Eggleston of Electra Eggleston. They’ll decide which designers will receive a scholarship to the Memphis College of Art Continuing Education classes.
ANDREA FENISE
Concrete Rose is a love story. It’s a visual expression of the process of love. Blending texture in sequin and soft flow-y crepe-back satin to visually express evolving and growing through love was the idea for my collections
The Andrea Fenise woman is modern, unconventional, and contemporary.
I want my designs to express what women love, what interests them — using personal style as an expression. It’s my hope to design clothes for the fashion industry that tell a story not just hang on a rack.
Years designing: 3 years
AVIANNE ROBINSON
My garment is a blend of the 1990s and 1800s fashion. I used elements of both eras to make a garment that pays tribute to history as well as incorporates some of the more modern-day looks.
I was designing for the modern-day online influencer. I could see a fashion editor or street style blogger wearing this.
I hope to bring a unique style of clothes that is able to incorporate elements of other time periods In a fashion-forward way.
Years designing: 5 years, but I have always done some form of art.
CASEY BECK
My pieces are simple, clean designs created from rich suede and silk. My pieces represent my personal design style which features simple, well-crafted staple pieces with sparks of intrigue and individuality.
I design for a woman who is on-trend but adds her own individuality to achieve a personal style. She is always growing, meeting new people, and traveling to different places. Her style is simple but strong, and her experiences help add a uniqueness to her wardrobe.
What I hopes to bring to the fashion industry? Staple pieces with hints of intrigue and individuality.
Years designing: 1 year
CHRISTINA DANG
I like cleanliness and structure. My mini collection has a lot of hard lines and color blocking, creating a nice pristine and crisp look. I like boldness and for things to make a bold statement because fashion is bold. It communicates with confidence. I played on hard and soft in textiles and color to maintain that spring/summer feel.
[I design for ] definitely someone who’s edgy. Someone who loves oxymorons and does not play safe. Spring/summer is often light and airy, and my collection is heavy with vinyls. There’s no reason to conform; I like to have fun.
Other than more originality, I hope to bring a new face to the industry. Especially within the ethnic community. Representation is so important to me, especially growing up in the U.S. from an immigrant family. It’s nice to be able to look up to someone who looks like you and can relate to you and it’s nice to be able to be that for someone.
Recently, in the past two years, I’ve been trying to expose myself to the industry more in attempt to spark something. Although I’ve been drawing for a long time, my sewing/design skills are not as developed. Other than a home economics class in high school, most of my skills are self taught through books and YouTube. EMDP has allowed a platform for me to expose myself to fashion design more and provided resources to grow and develop professionally.
DARA BRANSON
My inspiration came from a book of medieval fashions. I borrowed some of the shapes and the idea of embellishment as a form of armor and made the look more modern and feminine. The sheer materials and pastel pinks soften the overall look for an almost ethereal feel.
My designs are more formal, but elements can easily be taken and worn more casually. This woman is feminine and enjoys following trends. She loves dressing up for special occasions, but also needs pieces that are comfortable and versatile.
I think a lot of modern fashion is more gender neutral and focused on comfort rather than style. I want to make clothes that are just as comfortable as they are beautiful, and I want to embrace and celebrate femininity.
I began sketching clothes sometime in middle school, around 12-13 years ago, doodling in my class notes. In high school I began designing in earnest, learned to sew, and made my senior prom gown in 2009. I decided to study Apparel Design at Purdue and earned my B.S. In 2013.
DENISE BECKETT
My theme is young ladies having a night out in town.
The person who is wearing the outfit should have a bold, strong, and confident attitude. The ideal person would be around the age of 18-25. Someone who loves bold and bright colors.
I hope to bring a sense of confidence, that you don’t have to dress trashy to feel good about yourself and fit in.
I have been designing for 9 years going on 10.
KATHRYN HEARD
For EMDP 2016, I created custom, hand-dyed fabric and removable feather embellishments inspired by the Northern Lights.
I design for the sophisticated woman who appreciates one-of-a-kind statement pieces.
I hope to bring a positive light to the fashion industry.
Theme: whimsy; based on woodcut designs found in the children’s book “Drummer Hoff”
Designing for a bold woman on a day about town.
I hope to bring playful and imaginative designs that draw from nature and art.
Years designing: 3 years
LINDSEY WIDICK
The piece is designed for a night out. It is bright, bold, and edgy. However, the train makes the design more formal and also adds softness and a touch of femininity to the piece
My design is for a woman who likes to take risks with her fashion and standout in a crowd.
I love designers like Mara Hoffman because of the bright and bold patterns she uses, and I love designers like Zuhair Murad because of the intricate and beautiful designs he puts on the runway. I could only hope my design falls somewhere in between.
This is my first year in design.
MARY AMBROSE
Each design in my collection was inspired by birds, specifically the woodpecker, the jay, cedar waxwing, grackle, and the tawny frogmouth. Each bird is interpreted in the garment design by use of feathers or reproducing the feather somewhere in the garment. I also use a signature feature in all the garments through the use of bicycle inner tubes. Some garments are completely made of inner tubes with some fabric accents. I enjoy proving that inner tubes can be crafted into a beautiful garment that looks as chic as leather.
This collection was designed for a confident woman. I like to incorporate elements of soft and hard, to create a sensual edgy look. She doesn’t mind being different and wants a one-of-a-kind garment.
I enjoy creating the wow factor, so at times I have to edit so it doesn’t go too costume. I really enjoy pulling out all the stops from the garment itself to the jewelry, shoes, hair, and make up. I love to see what Lady Gaga is wearing because it always has a wow factor. I love that the fashion industry is becoming more accepting of nontraditional materials. You see more and more designs using items such as pearls, drapery tassels, metal cuffs and eyelets, orange snow fencing, and even molded plastics.
My first designs where entered in Curb Couture and Trashion Shows two years ago. I have gradually incorporated more fabric into the design but using unconventional items really makes fashion fun and stretches the designers creativity. Just think outside the box. That’s what I try to do with the rubber inner tubes. I love to see how amazed people are when the see a garment created out of something unexpected.
MEGGY MULLER
The dress has many cutouts on the dress. The back has cutouts, as well as the side of the dress.
It’s a formal dress for a girl who wants a high-low dress.
I hope to bring something different and creative to the fashion industry.
This past summer when I went to Scad [Savannah College of Art and Design] and I learned more about fashion design. This is my first real year of designing and making dresses, since I am only a sophomore in high school. This summer I am going to Parsons to further learn more about fashion design.
MEREDITH OLINGER
All of my materials are either handmade or hand painted. I like to use recycled materials, when I can, and for this collection I used a lot of old t-shirts and recycled paper.
For this collection, I was thinking about a woman who is not afraid to be a little over the top. She always goes for one more accessory, one more print. She is comfortable with who she is and knows what she wants.
I’m really interested in how things get made, and I like to innovate with new materials and new processes.
I’ve been designing clothes since I started drawing. Fashion is my first love and it is what made me want to become an artist. But I’ve only been creating my designs for about two years now.
RACHEL KUPERMAN ECHNOZ
My singles collection is inspired by mosaics and bright colors. For all the looks, I hand-painted silk.
The girl I am designing for is someone who has a unique sense of style. She loves clothes that are classic with a modern twist.
I would love to bring a new perspective of design to the fashion industry.
I have been sewing and designing since I was 10 years old. I am so appreciative to Memphis Fashion Week for giving me the opportunity to showcase my designs on the runway.
SHAKIA COUCH
The theme that describes my collection is youthfulness.
I would be designing for a very fun and energetic person. Clothes that are not revealing, but where everyone can feel as equally beautiful covered.
TIENA GWIN
I am designing for the ultra-feminine woman who wants designs that expresses her true eclectic self.
I hope to bring to the industry clothes that create a positive emotional response. Clothes that pull at your heart strings.
I have been designing since 2011.
Zoe Vu
Theme or technique that identifies my design: geometric shapes and a nod towards athleisure.
I am designing for a girl who loves style and comfort equally.
In the future I hope to create a clothing line full of pieces that are made from hand-printed fabrics and that can seamlessly transition between athletic wear and everyday fashion.
Years designing: 1 year
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Photos by Faith Pool and Sophorn Kuoy. Shoot location: Memphis Slim House.
Congratulations and good luck to all these emerging designers. See you at fashion week!
KP Fusion 
