Charleston Fashion & Design (CF&D) will debut Friday, Oct. 9, with a curated luxury fashion presentation in the Grand Ballroom at the Charleston Gaillard Center.
The evening will bring together national, regional and local designers for a professionally produced runway show, followed by a post-show reception for 300 guests. Doors open at 7:30 p.m., with the runway show beginning at 8:30 p.m.
The presentation is curated by Janet Mandell, whose eponymous showroom, with locations in New York, Chicago and Los Angeles, has dressed celebrities, stylists and private clients. Mandell, a member of Fashion Group International and a Friend of the CFDA, will present a one-of-a-kind celebrity fashion collection alongside Charleston designers.
“Charleston has the heritage, hospitality, and design sensibility to support something truly elevated,” said Mandell, curator of Charleston Fashion & Design. “This is a chance to bring a polished, nationally relevant fashion moment to a city that hasn't had one, while staying unmistakably local.”
CF&D was created to give Charleston a new cultural event built around polished presentation, partnerships and a strong sense of place. Organizers see Charleston as a Southern counterpart to fashion destinations such as New York and Miami, with an affluent and culturally engaged audience and room for additional fashion programming.
The event will also involve students from the College of Charleston and the University of South Carolina, who will lead the evening’s volunteer team and social media efforts while gaining hands-on production experience.
The evening’s soundtrack will be curated by Seth Gillard.
CF&D is supported by Signature Hosts Whitley Law Firm and Accountally, along with The Wires and Maris Dehart, among other community partners.
Event Details
- What: Charleston Fashion & Design 2026, a curated runway presentation and reception
- When: Friday, October 9, 2026. Doors 7:30 p.m.; runway 8:30 p.m. National Media Brunch at Halls Chophouse by invitation, Saturday, October 10
- Where: Grand Ballroom, Charleston Gaillard Center, 95 Calhoun Street, Charleston, SC 29401
- Tickets: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/charlestonfashiondesign/2375567
For more information, visit charlestonfd.com and follow @chasfashionanddesign