Magic City Fashion Week announces theme ahead of upcoming season

Season six of Magic City Fashion Week (MCFW) is nearly among us, and it will be a weekend featuring rising designers, sustainable design practices and conversations shaping the industry’s future.

This year’s theme is “Lift Off,” focusing on the future of fashion grounded in innovation, community and Southern creativity. It will take place Oct. 17-18 at The Pizitz. 

Magic City Fashion Week’s founder is Birmingham native Daniel Grier, who began his own fashion journey with his streetwear brand Splashed by DKG. In addition to his own brand, Grier has worked in fashion shows across the country. While Birmingham had a Fashion Week in the past, he has said it lacked representation of what the fashion community looks like. After the old fashion week fell through, Grier saw this opportunity to start a new tradition in an uplifted and more inclusive way.

“I am grateful to be celebrating six seasons of Magic City Fashion Week! To still serve as a relevant platform for emerging Southern talent is a blessing, and it’s not something I take lightly. This season’s events focus solely on the incredible creatives right here in our city as they ‘lift off’ to become the superstars they are destined to be. The South has something to say — and we’re making sure the world hears it.”

Daniel Grier

Schedule of events

Day I: 

Emerging Designer Showcase

• When: Friday, Oct. 17, 6–9PM
• Where: The Pizitz Courtyard
• Dress code: Desert tones + sculptural silhouettes
• Cost: $59 general admission, $89 VIP
• Tickets
• Hosted by stylists LaDonna Allen-Hardy and Ian Rashaud, the opening night of Season VI features the signature Emerging Designer Showcase — a runway experience dedicated to highlighting rising talent. 

Day II: 

Brand Pop-Ups & Activations

• When: Saturday, Oct. 18, Noon–5PM
• Where: The Gallery at The Pizitz
• Shop collections, explore installations, and engage with designers up close.

Up-Cycle Workshop 

• When: Saturday, Oct. 18, 1–3PM 
• Where: The Gallery at The Pizitz
• Cost: $45 individual, $80 friend bundle
• Tickets
• A two-hour hands-on lab led by Daniel Grier, founder of Splashed by DKG and Magic City Fashion Week. Participants will learn beginner garment construction and sustainable up-cycling using pre-loved items. Ages 12+ encouraged.

“From the South to Scale” Panel

• When: Saturday, Oct. 18, 3–4PM
• Where: The Gallery at The Pizitz
• Moderated by Noelle Neader, this discussion brings together industry professionals including Raw Theory and other Magic City creatives to share insights on how to expand a brand from local roots to national recognition.

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