On Oct. 6, fashion lovers from all around Arkansas gathered at The Studio Downtown at 1100 Oak St. to see an exclusive peek of Conway boutiques’ 2024 catalog.
Eight local boutiques showed off their designs to the public with models ranging in age, giving the audience a diverse spectrum of clothing.
The show ended with the Young Designers Academy students strutting their stuff and showing some of the designs they created at the academy.
The show was hosted by Rachel Lovelace, founder of Young Designers Academy, and co-hosted by Najeé Fletcher who works alongside the academy as well.
Fletcher introduced the night to the audience by explaining some of the reasons and meaning behind the show.
“We’ve been planning this show since June, so seeing all of you out here together with us is truly incredible after all the work put into this show. Fashion is just another form of art and it deserves to be celebrated, no matter where you are in the world,” Fletcher said.
Lovelace then took the mic to explain what the show would showcase and represent.
“This show is not only a chance for some of the local boutiques to showcase their work for the upcoming year, but it is also a chance for the students of the Young Designers Academy to show what they’ve done. We truly hope this will continue to be a recurring event for Conway,” Lovelace said.
The show then started with Kendra’s Boutique, showcasing some of its designs for the older and younger generations.
The second boutique, America Jane Vintage, showcased some of its vintage clothing from its large collection of over 2,000 square feet of pure vintage clothing.
Rock City Outfitters walked next introducing the crowd to its Natural State-themed clothing line. The clothing ranged from designs showcasing Arkansas to some designs representing Conway.
The show mainly continued with clothing made for women until it came toward the middle of the show when boutique Bell & Sward took the stage.
A model flaunts her cape while walking the runway.
Bell & Sward, the night’s only male-specific boutique, showcased a vast range of clothing, from an all-black suit to outfits as simple as a jacket and pants.
The Emerge boutique showcased a range of elegant dresses for any fancy occasion.
A mix of women’s and men’s clothing continued for the remainder of the evening with designs all the way from dresses to casual men’s clothing.
Once the main show was over, students of the Young Designers Academy walked the runway with their own designs made through classes.
The student’s ages ranged from 15 to seven, with the 7-year-old being the program’s youngest student ever.
The students showcased their work from classes such as Daddy and Daughter Sewing, which encourages children to get creative and resourceful with their fashion.
Around 10 students walked the runway.
Lovelace said, “May I remind you this is not off the racks, even though it looks like it, they made these themselves.”
This show marks the first official Conway Fashion Show for Conway’s Fashion Week.
While plans have not been set in stone for what is to come for next fashion week, Lovelace is hopeful that this will become the start of a new tradition for downtown Conway.