BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WBRC) – On Sunday, March 9, the historic Sloss Furnaces transforms into a runway for creativity and innovation as the Magic in the City Fashion Show showcases local designers—some as young as high school seniors—celebrating the theme of “Urban Opulence.”
At the heart of the event is the fusion of streetwear and high fashion, according to organizer Tanya Pugh, founder of 16th Cross Pearson Gallery. Pugh says, “Urban Opulence is when you mix what you would call streetwear or what you would call ‘regular’—and add flare, fashion– high fashion.”
With 38 models strutting down the runway, attendees will experience a dazzling array of over-the-top creations, with pieces that push the boundaries of conventional design. For many of the young designers, this showcase marks the first time their work is publicly displayed, a monumental step in their artistic journey.
Bailey Keith, a 12th-grade student at the Alabama School of Fine Arts (ASFA), shares her passion for the craft: “I’m creating everything, cutting and stuffing and stitching and sewing.” Her designs are a mix of bold, feminine, and excessive shapes, colors, and textures. “Since the theme is urban opulence, it’s like big over the top, and a lot of my work already kind of reflects that.”
Fellow ASFA student, 11th grader Delilah Wilkerson, finds inspiration in her family traditions. “From a young age, my dad would always make my Halloween costumes,” Wilkerson recalls. “I remember he would take forever, but he’d make me these beautiful costumes.” She describes her creations as “inspired by flapper culture” and expresses excitement over seeing her designs come to life on the runway.
The showcase is not only an opportunity for emerging designers to be seen but also a chance for the local fashion scene to gain recognition. Pugh believes the event represents more than just a fashion show—it is a statement about the future of Birmingham’s artistic community. “We’re now able to showcase what Birmingham has to offer—not just Birmingham, but the state as a whole—because we have artists from various cities,” she says.
The event will take place at Sloss Furnaces, a historic site known for its industrial architecture, which Pugh says serves as the perfect backdrop for the show. “We are a very unique site in the sense that everything is large and industrial—and it is quite literally the definition of urban opulence. You’re surrounded by not only historical structures but by beauty here,” says Hannah Becerra, site coordinator for Sloss Furnaces.
For the young designers, the show represents a personal achievement and a chance to make their mark in the fashion world. As Keith puts it, “This is a huge deal. I feel like as artists, visual artists, we’re not really given a big platform. So, this is the first time I’ll ever be showcasing my work publicly and especially like fashion design.”
The Magic in the City Fashion Show is not only a celebration of fashion but also a testament to the passion and talent of Alabama’s designers, proving that the state’s creative scene is on the rise.
If you would like to attend the show, click here to purchase tickets.
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