By Susannah Cox Maddux

In 2025, Macon Magazine produced the first Macon Fashion Week – seven days of gathering people around our shared interests through conversations, panel discussions, fashion presentations, shopping local, and seeking sustainable style. The week of complimentary programming culminated with an urban runway in the middle of Poplar Street, featuring five local and two Muscogee designers whom we were able to champion and pay a stipend thanks to our partnerships and investors. Paying the artists will always be a priority.

For me, the purpose was made real when I saw the art created by the designers in the spotlight among the crowd who showed up to witness; felt the joy in the Bibb County high school students as they commanded their catwalk during the opening presentation; and heard the conversations of drag and ceremonial wear, style as identity, Macon’s textile history, and present-day artists, to name a few. All of these elements played an important role in making MFW a reality.

The programming was intentional and will continue to be so. This year, expect a week of programs that go from themes of housing accessibility, consumerism, and sustainable style to wearing what you own, giving back what we no longer need, and textiles (with a focus on natural fibers). By invitation of Wesleyan College, wardrobe stylist and style educator Nikko Smith will join us from Houston, Texas to impart wisdom among the students, professionals, and people during First Friday. MFW is building culture by engaging other community organizations to join the conversation to produce their own programs and bring their own ideas, while allowing MFW to serve as the convenor and once again featuring a finale designer presentation in the Poplar Street median. Wesleyan College Leadership Lab serves as the hub of activity, VIP offerings for early adopters, and style notes of what to wear will continue.

See you the first week of November. Get dressed because what you choose to wear is a story. Every time. We’re listening.

See designer announcements, program plans, and style notes at maconfashionweek.com and @maconfashionweek. And sign up to volunteer, model, or provide makeup artistry.