Chattanooga Fashion Week showcases local designers, models and businesses

Friday, January 1, 1904

photo Julie Whitehead Jones models tie-dyed fashions that she will showcase on the runway at Chattanooga Fashion Week at Warehouse Row on Aug. 22-25. Jones, a Chattanooga-based designer, owns JBD Dye Worx.

If you goWhat: Chattanooga Fashion Week.Where: Warehouse Row.When: Aug. 22-25; Wednesday through Friday, 5-9 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m.-10 p.m.Admission: General admission, $45; Gold VIP admission, $75, each day. A shopping event is free to the public on Aug. 25 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.Contact: chattanoogafashionweek.comEvents and runway scheduleAug. 22: Emerging Designer Showcase.Aug. 23: Accessories Showcase and Rock the Runway hair show.Aug. 24: Swimwear and The Men's Show runway shows.Aug. 25: Fashion Row (featuring "pop-up" shops) and The Children's Runway, noon; The Teen Scene runway show, 2 p.m.; The Couture Bride runway show, 5 p.m.; Cocktail Hour, 6 p.m.; The Grand Finale Runway Show, 8 p.m.About the designerJulie Whitehead Jones, owner of JBD Dye Worx, is one of the designers whose fashions will be featured at Chattanooga Fashion Week later this month at Warehouse Row. Jones, a graduate of Girls Preparatory School and Savannah College of Art and Design in Atlanta, worked for carpet and rug companies as a designer and colorist in northwest Georgia before starting a hand-dyed clothing business in Chattanooga.JBD Dye Worx designs are sold at The Chattanooga Market, regional festivals and at dyeworx.com.

Chattanooga Fashion Week, a big-city style showcase of beauty and fashion trends, will be staged Aug. 22-25 at Warehouse Row.

The four-day event, which includes runway fashion shows and hairstyle demonstrations, is being billed as the ultimate fashion party.

Jaime Hatcher Hemsley, owner of Gage Talent Knoxville, said she got the idea of orchestrating fashion weeks in smaller cities after attending a similar event in Austin, Texas.

"I loved it, and the community loved it," Hemsley said of the Austin event. "I started thinking, why not do it in Knoxville? So, I did.

"It was so successful, I decided to bring it to Chattanooga because it's a similar market. The focus is on Chattanooga designers, Chattanooga models, Chattanooga businesses - so it's all about Chattanooga. We want as many local people involved as possible."

All fashions showcased on the runways will be worn by local models.

Among the area designers participating in Chattanooga Fashion Week is artist/designer Julie Whitehead Jones, owner of JBD Dye Worx. Jones designs tie-dye fashions for men, women and children.

"The event is a great addition to the already growing art scene in Chattanooga," Jones said. "There are many designers who struggle to get noticed, but now they are being given a chance to shine.

"I am looking to show a line of clothing that is geared towards teens," she said. "The line will consist of bright colors as well as more sophisticated color and pattern techniques. Skirts, dresses, tops and even socks will all make an appearance.

Among the local designers participating in Chattanooga Fashion Week are Madison Waldrop and Brandon Carruth, accessories designer Alicia Marie, and men's suit and bag designer Brian Edwards.

Boutique participants include Embellish, Kayce Hughes, Rhinoceros, Ellie's Fine Lingerie, the Cosmetic Market and Boutique Couture.

"Warehouse Row is thrilled to be the venue for Chattanooga's very first Fashion Week," said Kelly Scott of Jamestown Properties, the real estate investment and management company that operates Warehouse Row.

Fashion week is a ticketed event (see box), but on Saturday, Aug. 25, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., booths will be open to the public at no charge. Clothing and accessories will be available for sale.