New York fashions come to Birmingham for Fashion Week

Birmingham Fashion Week is back for its third annual event starting Saturday, Feb. 23, with the finale runway show on Saturday, March 2 at Pepper Place in downtown Birmingham.

Showcasing world-renown designers and top models, the week’s schedule has expanded from four days to seven days of runway shows and parties.

Homewood boutiques Soca, Theodora, Shaia’s and Bella Bridesmaid are sponsoring different events during the week.

“I love bringing the big New York names to Fashion Week that would never think about visiting Birmingham,” said Jeana Lee Fleming, Fashion Week co-founder and owner of Bella Bridesmaid in Edgewood. “They are so blown away by everyone and the Southern hospitality that they want to come back and bring their designer friends.”

The schedule includes designer runway shows, fash-ions from local boutiques, and model and design competitions highlighting the latest fashions of the season. This year a new fourth runway night will feature lifestyle designs from Lulu Lemon, The Pants Store and more.

Designers Annie Griffin, Southern Proper, By Smith, Prophetik, Heidi Elnora, Leona Collection and What Goes Around Comes Around, as well as international designers will contribute clothing. Not only will there be local and national celebrities in attendance, but they will also judge design and model competitions.

Birmingham Fashion Week benefits many nonprofit organizations, including Ala-bama Forever, which aids communities in need, and Camp Smile-A-Mile, which provides a year-round program for children with cancer in Alabama.

Fleming recommends get-ting tickets early. Last year, each night sold out, and she is expecting bigger crowds this year.

“Even if you are not just into fashion, it’s a fun night,” she said. “The energy is so high, and there is something for everyone.”

General admission and VIP seating are available, with an after party following each show. Tickets range from $15-$85. For more information, visit bhamfashionweek.com.