SPARTANBURG, S.C. (FOX Carolina) – Spartanburg Fashion Week will hold its fourth annual production from Oct. 15-18, 2026. This year’s theme is a Hollywood-inspired experience.
The event was founded by Executive Director Contessa “Tess” Thompson and provides a platform for designers, models, stylists, photographers, beauty professionals, influencers and creative entrepreneurs. This year’s production will include film-inspired collections, theatrical presentations, artistic expression, entertainment and community celebration.
“This year, we wanted to create an experience where fashion meets film and designers become storytellers,” Thompson said. “Spartanburg Fashion Week is about creating opportunities, celebrating talent, and showing that world-class fashion experiences can happen right here in Spartanburg.”
Thursday: Opening Credits
Spartanburg Fashion Week will begin with Opening Credits, a digital premiere broadcast live on Instagram and YouTube introducing the Hollywood-inspired production.
Friday: The Director’s Cut
The Director’s Cut will run from 7-10 p.m. at the Spartanburg Art Museum under the theme “Black Art. Black Film. Black Fashion.” Three designers will interpret Black cinema through fashion installations and storytelling:
- T. Vaughn / Styles by TV — “Sinners”
- Standard Beauty — “B.A.P.S.”
- KKUNDA — “Wakanda / Afrofuture”
Kisha McCartha will host the evening.
Saturday: The Reel Couture Runway
The Reel Couture Runway will take place at The Hall at Spartanburg Memorial Auditorium in two parts.
The Reel Couture Matinee begins at 2:30 p.m. and will feature designers, retail fashion, emerging talent and creative collections, including Converse College student Tre Salmond.
The Reel Couture Main Feature begins at 7 p.m. and will be hosted by Morgan Norris. The evening production will include dramatic runway presentations, film-inspired collections, red-carpet appearances and special guests.
Brandon Hilton, a Spartanburg pop artist and costume designer, will appear as a special guest during the Main Feature and during The Reelys on Sunday.
The evening will also recognize Kitty Black Perkins, a Spartanburg native known for creating the first Black Barbie doll for Mattel.
“Kitty Black Perkins represents what is possible when creativity, courage, and representation come together,” Thompson said. “We are honored to recognize her contributions during our Hollywood Premiere.”
Sunday: The Reelys: An Evening of Fashion & Awards
The Reelys will begin at 4 p.m. at The Oxford at 1881 Events, presented by Beyond the Seams Foundation. The event will close Spartanburg Fashion Week with a ceremony honoring individuals across the fashion and creative industries.
The event will be co-hosted by Morgan Norris, with Kisha McCartha serving as red-carpet host. TikTok influencer and celebrity Shay “Big Butler” Butler will also host.
The ceremony will recognize designers, models, photographers, stylists, beauty professionals, media personalities, influencers and other creative trailblazers. Brandon Hilton will also be featured as a special guest.
The evening will include awards, red-carpet recognition, fashion and entertainment.
Beyond the runway
Spartanburg Fashion Week supports the region’s creative economy through professional development, mentorship, networking, brand visibility and collaboration.
Participating models have taken part in workshops focused on runway technique, etiquette, presentation and industry readiness. The event also connects independent designers, entrepreneurs, retailers, beauty professionals, influencers, media representatives and local businesses with new audiences.
“Our vision has always been bigger than the runway,” Thompson said. “We are building a platform that gives creatives access, exposure, education, and opportunities to grow.”
Tickets and event information
The event runs Oct. 15-18, 2026, at venues throughout Spartanburg, South Carolina. Tickets and information are available at www.sptbgfashionweek.com. Information is also available on Instagram at @spartanburgfashionweek.
MORE NEWS:
Feel more informed, prepared, and connected with FOX Carolina. For more free content like this, download our apps.
Copyright 2026 WHNS. All rights reserved.
