Photo by Sarah Dorio

Chattanooga is runway ready! Today the Scenic City launches its inaugural Fashion Week, joining a host of Southern cities–Austin, Charlotte, Charleston and Savannah, to name a few–that have debuted similar events in recent years. Founder Jaime Hemsley, who owns Gage Talent a modeling agency with locations throughout Tennessee, says this isn’t some copy-cat trend, but rather the outgrowth of a burgeoning Southern fashion movement. “These fashion weeks are bringing together a fashion community who didn’t have a network before,” she says. “We’re exposing talent from our region and also showing that there’s an alternative to New York.”

Photo Courtesy of Kayce Hughes

Held at the downtown’s upscale Warehouse Row, Chattanooga Fashion Week will showcase nearly 20 designers from across the Southeast, with a large home state contingency. Expect to see work from a diverse range of fashion designers sashaying down the catwalk. There’s swimwear from Jenna Colina Collection of Sevierville, Tennessee, menswear and denim from Marc Nelson of Knoxville, children’s clothing from Mazie and Ivie, women’s dresses from one of our favorites Kayce Hughes of Nashville, and more. Needless to say, Chattanooga has your covered.

Which Southern city do you think has the best style?

Related links:
Southern Fashion Weeks
Gainesville Fashion Week Celebrates 5th Season
Charleston Fashion Week