Macon Fashion Week returns for its second year today, beginning with the Bibb County School District Student Runway Presentation at 6 p.m. in the Tubman Museum. It will top off on Saturday with the Fashion Finale at Dillard’s in The Shoppes at River Crossing.
“Whatever dream you had as a kid, it would probably be reignited coming to a fashion show,” MU Runway President Sebastian Blaco ‘26 said. While not a part of this year’s fashion week, Blanco’s organization has partnered before with Macon Fashion Week, which has quickly become a hub for local designers and fashion gurus.
The six-day event is once again focused on accessibility, Macon Fashion Week producer Susannah Maddux said. The programs throughout the weeks are complimentary, with the option of purchasing a VIP pass.
Sustainability is at the forefront, Maddux said
Sustainability is at the forefront, Maddux said. “Fashion isn’t all about buying brand new things.”
This year, Macon Fashion Week has expanded with more partnerships, including Cotton Incorporated through the Georgia Cotton Commission. Cotton Incorporated sent natural fibers for featured designers to use in their pieces.
The Urban Runway presentation on Friday will feature cotton that was provided by Cotton Incorporated. It will start at 8 p.m. on Poplar Street.
Maddux said that local businesses are also offering
Maddux said that local businesses are also offering perks including the Fashion Love Hangover Brunch on Saturday at 11 a.m. at Hotel 45.
Maddux is also the publisher for Macon Magazine. She plans to keep the spirit of fashion week alive through her publication and said that embedding herself in Macon’s arts scene helps drive the voice for the magazine.
“There’s this one focused week, but then throughout the year, we continue to have more programming during the year,” she said. “Fashion is identity. It is our story. I believe that before we even say a word, our style speaks for us,” Maddux said. “I also believe that those impressions open the door for more conversations.”
Blanco first became cognizant of fashion in high
Blanco first became cognizant of fashion in high school when he printed out the cover of the Igor album by Tyler the Creator and ironed it on his jeans. He said people “were going crazy” and wanted to get it on their hoodies and jackets.
“And from there it was just like, okay, maybe I got skill or maybe I got some sort of level of cool,” he said. “It was just bringing my love for music to actual clothing.”
Blanco said Macon Fashion Week is a chance for creatives like himself to build a community. He’s most looking forward to the conversations about the environmental ethics of fast fashion.
I don’t want to be making clothes that,
“I don’t want to be making clothes that, you know, are just going to be dumped off later on throughout the year,” he said. “I want it to be something that’s very special and to the touch handcrafted, and it’s something that’s being reused.”
Maddux said people should come for the style, stay for the sustainability and listen to the stories. “Just show up, get out in your community and try something new.”
