The Fifth Annual Birmingham Fashion Week (BFW) will take the runways at Pepper Place Market, May 7–9. Local and national designers and boutiques will be represented in an effort to unify the community through creativity in fashion, hair and makeup artistry, modeling, merchandising and design.
Junior high and high school students in Alabama were given an opportunity to showcase their talent through Birmingham Fashion Week’s Rising Design Star Competition.
ROUND ONE: Each student submitted a sketch of their design incorporating nontraditional materials representing Alabama’s major industries: agriculture, livestock, transportation, technology, fishing, forestry or mining. The Birmingham Museum of Art staff selected 40 sketches to move onto the second round of competition.
ROUND TWO: Student designers taped, stapled or glued their garments together and presented them in a month-long installation at the Birmingham Museum of Art. The public voted on the pieces, and the top 24 highest scoring garments have made it to the BFW runway.
ROUND THREE: A live model will wear each design during the BFW runway shows on Thursday and Friday evening. These garments will be judged on the runway and one designer will win the title of 2015’s BFW Rising Design Star, announced on Saturday.
What does it mean to be a BFW Rising Design Star? A $500 check, a chance to rub elbows with Project Runway alums and a hefty entry on a fashion designer-hopeful’s résumé or college application. Since winning the title last year Huntsville’s Sarah Forêt, secured a design internship with acclaimed menswear designer Billy Reid, attended summer intensive courses at Parsons: The New School for Design in New York and won Second in State at Trumbauer Theater Competition for Costume Design.
Birmingham native Annie Bloomston, Rising Design Star of 2013, is set to graduate from Mountain Brook High School and recently interned with bridal store Heidi Elnora Atelier.
Birmingham Fashion Week reports its mission is always looking forward in order “to create an atmosphere that not only directly influences our youth and local economy in a positive manner but to change the persona of the southern fashion industry while setting the stage for future generations.”
Birmingham Fashion Week kicks off at Pepper Place Market Thursday, May 7 at 7 p.m. For more information about scheduling and tickets, visit bhamfashionweek.com.
THURSDAY, MAY 7
First Thursdays at the BMA — Birmingham Museum of Art. 2000 Rev. Abraham Woods Jr. Blvd. The first Thursday of the month, the Birmingham Museum of Art stays open late to allow the community to enjoy studio classes, docent-led tours and film screenings. This month brings a studio class led by Project Runway star Sandhya Garg; a tour of the BMA’s new exhibition, David Puxley: Wedgewood’s First Studio Potter; a Drop-In and Sculpt class in pottery inspired by Wedgewood; and a screening of the film Eames: The Architect and the Painter. 5:30–9:30 p.m. Studio class, $125. Free. For more information, visit artsbma.org.
Birmingham Art Crawl — Downtown Birmingham. “Art Crawl de Mayo,” will continue Birmingham’s monthly Art Crawl tradition. Attendees can meet local artists and vendors while viewing and supporting their work. Venues across downtown Birmingham include galleries, restaurants and bars and downtown businesses throughout the historic, loft, business, arts and theatre districts. 5–9 p.m. Free. For more information, visit birminghamartcrawl.com.
SATURDAY, MAY 9
These Three Words — Carver Theater. 1631 Forth Ave. N. Jamyla Philyaw’s suspenseful and comedic love story centers on psychiatrist Kassidy Lovett, who helps clients develop healthier relationships. Tables are turned when Kassidy must challenge her own painful past and face the idea of love herself. $35. 7 p.m. For more information, visit markmywordsproductions.com.
MONDAY, MAY 11
NPR Traveling Listening Party — Urban Standard. 2320 Second Ave. N. NPR is hitting the road and will be stopping at nine NPR Listening Member stations across the country including WBHM. Birmingham’s public broadcast station invites the public to listen to NPR’s blend of stories and music and to join in on the conversation live at Urban Standard. 6:30 p.m. Free. For more information, email Audrey Atkins at Audrey@wbhm.org.
WEDNESDAY, MAY 13
Flicks Among the Flowers — Birmingham Botanical Gardens. 2612 Lane Park Road, Mountain Brook. Flicks Among the Flowers returns with three films for the summer of 2015. The annual event kicks off with Jurassic Park in the Formal Garden in front of the Conservatory. Movie snacks and beverages will be available for purchase from The Gardens Café. Blankets are encouraged. Gates open at 6 p.m., film begins at 8 p.m. Free. For more information, call (205) 414-3950.
THURSDAY, MAY 14
Homewood Gives Back — 18th Street South. Partnering with the Homewood Chamber of Commerce, shops throughout Downtown Homewood will be donating proceeds of their after-hours shopping parties to local charities: The Greater Birmingham Area Humane Society, Alabama Public Television, Birmingham Autism Society, Community Grief Support Services, Children’s Harbor, King’s Ranch, Food Bank of Central Alabama, Alabama Kidney Foundation, Hand in Paw, The Lovelady Center. 5:30–8:30 p.m. Free. For more information, call (205) 803-4059.
UPCOMING
The Wiz — Red Mountain Cabaret Theater. 301 19th St. N. Red Mountain Theatre Company presents the Tony Award-winning reimagining of The Wizard of Oz, opening May 15. Dorothy lands in Oz, a bright, colorful land full of strange characters, rock ‘n’ roll, soul and gospel music. Thursday–Saturday, 7:30 p.m. Sunday, 2:30 p.m. Through May 31. $30. For more information, visit redmountaintheatre.org.
A Choreographer’s Showcase — Dorothy Jemison Day Theater. 800 19th St. N. AROVA Contemporary Ballet presents A Choreographer’s Showcase, dance works performed by AROVA ballet dancers and created by new choreographers from around the U.S. Audience members will be able to nominate their favorite choreographer, who will be offered a contract with AROVA and set a new original work for spring 2016. May 15–17, Friday and Saturday 7:30 p.m. and Sunday 2:30 p.m. $20. For more information, call (912) 658-1725.