Memphis Fashion Station

Memphis Fashion Week 2025: Southern Soul

Memphis Fashion Week (MFW) 2025 brought the Bluff City’s signature grit, musical heritage, and unapologetic boldness to the runway. Held at venues like the Crosstown Concourse and National Civil Rights Museum, this year’s event fused deep-South storytelling with contemporary design, proving Memphis is more than blues and BBQ—it’s a ground for rule-breaking creativity.

From upcycled denim honoring Sun legends to Afrofuturist looks nodding to Records’ legacy, MFW celebrated fashion as wearable art. Below, we spotlight three designers who defined the week, followed by 8 deep-dive articles exploring Memphis’ thriving style ecosystem.

3 Designers Who Owned MFW 2025

House of MATA by Matthew Arthur

Vibe: Gender-fluid glamour meets Beale Street neon
: A sequin jumpsuit made from repurposed Presley stage costumes

BLK MKT Vintage x Designer Courtney Adair Johnson

Vibe: Civil Rights-era elegance remixed
Standout Piece: A crimson cape dress with hidden MLK quotes in the lining

Memphis Denim Dirt

Vibe: Grunge-meets-gospel
Standout Piece: Mud overalls with embroidered Mississippi River maps

8 Articles on Memphis Fashion (255 words each)

1. "The Beale Street Effect: How Music Shapes Memphis Style"

Memphis’ fashion DNA pulses to the rhythm of its musical legacy. Local designers like...

2. "Upcycled Royalty: Memphis’ Thriving Vintage Scene"

From Graceland’s attic finds to South Main’s boutiques, Memphis is...

3. "Afrofuturism on the Mississippi: Black Designers Leading MFW"

How designers like Dr. Soule’s "Cotton Metropolis" collection are reimagining...

4. "Denim & Dirt: The Grunge-Gospel Aesthetic Taking Over"

Memphis Denim Dirt’s founder explains why "perfectly imperfect" is...

5. "Beyond Elvis Jumpsuits: The New Face of Memphis Glam"

House of MATA’s gender-bending sequins prove Memphis sparkle isn’t...

6. "Civil Rights Couture: Fashion as Protest in Memphis"

How BLK MKT’s symbolic designs continue Dr. King’s legacy through...

7. "The Memphis DIY Revolution: Sewing Circles to Runways"

Crosstown’s community stitch labs are breeding the next generation of...

8. "Pink + Green: Why Memphis’ Color Palette Stands Out"

From Stax Records’ vibrant aesthetics to today’s designers, that signature...

Why MFW Matters

In a world of cookie-cutter fashion weeks, Memphis keeps it real, raw, and revolutionary. As designer Matthew Arthur put it: "We don’t follow trends—we make culture."

founded in 2012 by Abby Phillips and hosted by the nonprofit Arrow Creative, Memphis Fashion Week (MFW) is a springtime showcase spotlighting regional and emerging designers through runway shows, pop-ups, and networking events. MFW integrates the Emerging Memphis Designer Project (EMDP)—a year-long development initiative enabling local creatives to prepare professionally and present on the runway.

Typically held every May (e.g., May 12–13, 2023), the event is staged at Arrow Creative’s Midtown studio and other creative venues It features diverse activities like “Fashion Night Out,” trunk shows, galleries, runway presentations, workshops, and parties .

MFW serves as a fundraiser for Arrow Creative, supporting shared studios, certificate programs, and entrepreneurship in fashion and other art disciplines In recent years, the Memphis Brooks Museum of Art has expanded the concept into Memphis Art & Fashion Week, blending high-fashion runway experiences—such as the May 2–10, 2025 event featuring Korto Momolu—with art, culinary experiences, panels, and curated conversations

MFW’s impact is notable: it’s cultivated a pipeline for local designers like Saratou Kane and Jorja Hatcher, providing mentorship, cash awards, and Arrow Creative membership . The EMDP readies designers through a five‑month development and runway prep program—then showcased at MFW .

In essence, Memphis Fashion Week is a community-driven fashion incubator, empowering Southern creatives and cementing Memphis’s reputation as an emerging fashion destination rooted in cultural authenticity and artistic innovation.

1. 🎙️ Memphis Fashion Week

Memphis Fashion Week began in 2012, created from a gap spotted by Abby Phillips: local talent lacked runway platforms and access to professional resources Under her leadership and with a volunteer team, the event became an annual spring showcase, primarily held in mid‑May from Arrow Creative’s creative

Anchored by the Emerging Memphis Designer Project (EMDP)—initiated in 2013—the week-long events propel designers through seed funding, mentorship, and a runway debut. Applicants work over five months with industry professionals on sketches, production, fittings, and photo shoots, culminating in a judged runway selection . Winners receive cash, Arrow Creative membership, and visibility beyond Memphis .

The core mission: cultivate a supportive local fashion ecosystem, fuel economic opportunity, and make art-driven entrepreneurship accessible to all Memphians, with MFW proceeds fueling shared studio infrastructure and educational programming

🎨 EMDP Spotlight: Empowering Emerging Designers

The Emerging Memphis Designer Project is a standout feature: a year-long incubator launched in 2013 aimed at preparing budding designers for the runway . Over five months, participants receive structured mentoring and technical training—from sketching and sewing to fittings and styling.

Every designer who applies is accepted; about 30 complete the journey and present cohesive collections at MFW’s runway Awards are granted in categories like Team Design, Single Look, Mini‑Collection, and Audience Choice—winners gain Arrow Creative membership and financial prizes.

Notable alumni include Saratou Kane (children’s clothing) and Jorja Hatcher (now in bridal design)—a testament to EMDP’s role as a designer springboard

📍 Venues & Timing: Anchoring in Community

MFW is typically staged in May, aligning with Arrow Creative's Midtown Memphis base—part of a vibrant arts district along Broad Avenue. Events include runway shows, trunk events, workshops, and pop-ups at locations like Crosstown Concourse, Hu Hotel, and Crosstown Theatre .

By connecting with local arts infrastructure and social venues, MFW fosters creative cross‑pollination, community accessibility, and vibrancy—“FASHION NIGHT OUT” drawing local shoppers and influencers in festive atmospheres

🏛️ Memphis Art & Fashion Week: A Cultural Fusion

In 2025, MFW became Memphis Art & Fashion Week, produced by the Memphis Brooks Museum and University of Memphis’s Couture Collective This expanded model features multi‑day events at the museum—including vintage shopping, chef‑led dinners, designer talks (e.g. Korto Momolu), runway shows, after‑parties, and cultural panels like “Black Dandyism”.

Blending visual art, culinary art, fashion storytelling, and style history, this effort positions Memphis as a holistic creative capital.

🌟 Highlight: Top Designers & Collections

MFW has showcased both emerging and established names. In 2019, runway shows featured designers like TIENA, Tangie Seay, Mary Ambrose, and more—alongside 30+ emerging voices memphis-.

In 2025 Art & Fashion Week, over 50 designers—including Korto Momolu, a Project Runway alum—presented at the museum runway, merging national talent with local voices

🤝 Community Impact & Cultural Identity

MFW’s value goes beyond fashion—it's about economic empowerment, cultural visibility, and artistic community building . The EMDP nurtures local talent; the fashion week nurtures community pride. Through cultural programming and panels, topics like history, identity, activism, and couture intersect organically.

🛍️ Shopping, Networking & Learning

Fashion Week isn’t just runway—it’s a creative marketplace and networking hub. “Fashion Night Out” trunk shows and pop-ups offer first access to collections . There are jewelry workshops, mentoring lounges, VIP events, and social mixers—melding experiential learning with commerce .

🌱 Future Outlook & Legacy

Arrow Creative closed its doors in 2025, passing MFW programming to the Memphis Brooks Museum and other institutions Despite this transition, MFW’s ethos lives on—programs continue under museum leadership, preserving investment in Memphis fashion education and community relevance.

As Memphis Art & Fashion Week gains momentum, the city gains a lasting creative legacy: runway production, cultural storytelling, and local fashion innovation are solidified through institutional backing/

Memphis Fashion Week 2025—now reimagined as Memphis Art & Fashion Week—is a vibrant celebration of creativity, culture, and couture. Hosted by the Memphis Brooks Museum of Art and powered by the Couture Collective, the event took place in early May and featured a dynamic mix of runway shows, designer talks, culinary experiences, and community-driven fashion showcases

Highlights included a Met Gala watch party, a dinner by chef Karen Carrier, and a runway finale featuring over 50 designers, including Project Runway alum Korto Momolu.

Now, let’s dive into eight article-style pieces that spotlight the Memphis fashion scene:

1. “From Beale Street to the Runway: Memphis Fashion Finds Its Voice” Memphis fashion is rooted in soul—just like its music. From vintage boutiques to avant-garde designers, the city’s style scene is bold, expressive, and unapologetically Southern.

2. “Art Meets Attire: Inside Memphis Art & Fashion Week” This year’s rebranded fashion week fused visual art and fashion in unforgettable ways. Museum galleries became catwalks, and couture became conversation.

3. “Korto Momolu Returns: A Designer’s Journey from Runway to Roots” The Project Runway star brought her signature blend of heritage and innovation to Memphis, inspiring a new generation of designers with her story and style.

4. “Culinary Couture: When Fashion Tastes as Good as It Looks” Chef Karen Carrier’s multi-course dinner blurred the line between food and fashion, with dishes that looked like runway pieces and tasted like fine art.

5. “The Rise of the Bluff City Boutique” Local shops like Crazy Beautiful and Stock & Belle are redefining Memphis retail with curated collections that mix Southern charm with global edge.

6. “Street Style Diaries: What Memphians Wore to Fashion Week” From cowboy boots to bold prints, attendees brought their A-game. Memphis street style is eclectic, fearless, and full of personality.

7. “Fashion for a Cause: How Memphis Designers Give Back” Events like Memphis Urban Fashion Week donate proceeds to St. Jude and spotlight local nonprofits, proving that fashion can be both fabulous and philanthropic.

8. “The Future of Memphis Fashion: Young Designers to Watch” Students from the University of Memphis and LeMoyne-Owen College are pushing boundaries with sustainable materials, tech-infused garments, and bold storytelling.

Memphis Fashion Week: A Celebration of Soulful Style

Memphis Fashion Week (now often branded as Memphis Art & Fashion Week and presented in partnership with the Memphis Brooks Museum of Art and the University of Memphis), is a vibrant celebration that aims to showcase the city's unique blend of creativity, culture, and distinctive style. Moving beyond a simple runway show, the event has evolved into a week-long series of experiences designed to inspire, educate, and connect the local and national fashion communities.

Historically, Memphis Fashion Week has served as a crucial platform for emerging and independent designers, giving them a spotlight to present their collections. This focus on nurturing local talent remains a core tenet, alongside an increasing emphasis on interdisciplinary arts. By integrating fashion with broader artistic expressions like visual art, culinary experiences, and cultural discussions, Memphis Art & Fashion Week provides a richer, more immersive experience.

The event often culminates in a "Runway at the Museum" show, featuring a diverse array of designers, including notable names like Project Runway alum Korto Momolu. Beyond the main runway, activities typically include vintage shopping events, "culinary couture" dinners, designer talks, and discussions on the cultural significance of fashion, such as "Black Dandyism."

The Memphis fashion scene, as highlighted by these events, is characterized by its boldness, authenticity, and a deep connection to the city's rich cultural heritage. It embraces a mix of haute couture, experimental designs, and vibrant streetwear, reflecting a "stylish without even trying" attitude. The ongoing partnership with the Brooks Museum of Art underscores the event's commitment to elevating fashion as a legitimate art form and fostering a dynamic creative ecosystem in Memphis.

8 Articles on the Memphis Fashion Scene

Here are eight articles exploring various facets of the Memphis fashion scene:

1. Memphis Art & Fashion Week 2025: A New Era of Creativity

Memphis Art & Fashion Week, hosted by the Memphis Brooks Museum of Art in partnership with the University of Memphis, redefined the city's fashion calendar in 2025. Moving beyond traditional runway shows, this immersive week-long celebration curated a fusion of fashion, visual art, and cultural discourse. Under the direction of Ramona Sonin Lee and powered by the Couture Collective, the event aimed to "push boundaries, make statements, and define culture." Highlights included a "Runway at the Museum" featuring renowned designers like Korto Momolu, alongside thought-provoking discussions and exclusive experiences. This expanded format underscores Memphis's ambition to position fashion as a dynamic art form, deeply integrated with the city's rich cultural fabric.

2. The Memphis Aesthetic: Boldness and Authenticity on Display

Memphis fashion possesses an undeniable "flavor" – a blend of bold vintage, sleek streetwear, and experimental designer fits. This unique aesthetic is characterized by an inherent sense of effortless style, reflecting the city's soulful heritage. Designers often draw inspiration from Memphis's iconic music history, vibrant art scene, and diverse cultural landscape, translating these influences into garments that are both expressive and wearable. The prevailing vibe eschews fleeting trends in favor of authentic self-expression. Whether it's a meticulously curated vintage ensemble or a deconstructed modern silhouette, Memphis style champions individuality and a confident, unpretentious approach to dressing.

3. Beyond the Runway: Memphis's Thriving Independent Designer Community

Memphis is a fertile ground for emerging and independent fashion designers. Events like Memphis Art & Fashion Week provide crucial platforms for these creatives, offering opportunities to showcase their collections and gain industry exposure. The Memphis Fashion Design Network actively supports and cultivates local talent, providing resources and fostering a collaborative environment. This supportive community allows designers to experiment with unique visions, from high-fashion couture to bold streetwear. Many designers, often with diverse backgrounds in art or other disciplines, are contributing to a growing fashion ecosystem, proving that impactful design isn't exclusive to traditional fashion capitals.

4. Street Style Chronicles: How Memphians Are Dressing in 2025

Memphis street style in 2025 is a testament to the city's individualistic spirit. While national trends certainly filter in, Memphians uniquely interpret them, often adding a distinct local flair. Expect to see a playful mix of comfort and cool, with elements of vintage finds effortlessly paired with contemporary pieces. Graphic tees paying homage to local music legends, elevated denim, and sneakers remain staples, but with thoughtful layering and unexpected accessories. There’s a strong appreciation for color and pattern, often drawing inspiration from the Memphis Design movement's bold aesthetic. It’s less about adhering strictly to rules and more about expressing personal identity.

5. From Art Museum to Atelier: Fashion Education and Collaboration in Memphis

The partnership between Memphis Art & Fashion Week and the University of Memphis Fashion Program highlights a growing emphasis on fashion education and interdisciplinary collaboration in the city. This synergy aims to bridge the gap between academic learning and real-world industry experience. Students and aspiring designers benefit from direct engagement with established designers, curators, and industry professionals. Workshops, speaker series, and behind-the-scenes access cultivate the next generation of talent. By integrating fashion within the context of the Brooks Museum of Art, the program also elevates fashion's artistic and cultural significance, fostering a holistic understanding of the craft.

6. The Business of Threads: Nurturing Memphis's Fashion Industry

Beyond the creative showcases, Memphis is actively working to foster the economic growth of its fashion industry. Initiatives and organizations aim to support local fashion businesses, from design and production to retail and merchandising. Events like "Memphis in March Fashion Week" (which had a 2025 iteration) often include business-focused components, promoting networking and investment opportunities. The emphasis on affordability for emerging designers within local fashion events makes it easier for new brands to launch and gain visibility. This concerted effort is vital in transforming Memphis from a city with great style into a recognized hub for fashion commerce.

7. Cultural Threads: Fashion as Storytelling in Memphis

Fashion in Memphis frequently serves as a powerful medium for cultural storytelling and expression. Many designers draw deeply from the city’s rich history, from its blues and rock ‘n’ roll roots to its civil rights legacy. Discussions like "Cocktails with the Curator: Black Dandyism" during Memphis Art & Fashion Week delve into how fashion has been used as a form of resistance, identity, and narrative within Black communities. This approach imbues garments with meaning beyond mere aesthetics, connecting them to broader social and historical contexts. It highlights fashion's role not just as clothing, but as a vibrant reflection of a community's soul.

8. The Rise of the "Couture Collective": Shaping Memphis's Fashion Future

The "Couture Collective," a fashion-focused membership program, is playing a pivotal role in shaping the future of Memphis's fashion scene. Presented by Hemline Theory, this collective goes beyond event attendance, offering members priority access, exclusive perks, and insider experiences. By engaging a dedicated community of fashion enthusiasts, industry professionals, and patrons, the Couture Collective fosters a sense of ownership and direct involvement in the city's fashion development. This model of community engagement and dedicated support helps to sustain and expand Memphis's artistic and fashion initiatives, ensuring a dynamic and growing platform for local talent.

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