When CFDA Member Billy Reid invites you to Florence, Alabama to witness his brand come to life in its place of origin, it’s an opportunity impossible to resist. So CFDA packed its bags and headed down south for Billy Reid Shindig No. 8, the designer’s annual get-together celebrating the best of fashion, music, art, food, and community. In Florence, the air is full of boundless artistic opportunities. Under Reid’s watch, musicians were suddenly fashion superstars and artists turned into gastronomic connoisseurs. It’s easy to see how the designer casts such a wide net of attendees, including musicians Jack White, John Paul White, the Watson Twins, Chef John Besh, and CFDA Member Pamela Love, who set up a pop-up shop within Reid’s flagship store.

CFDA was also on hand to witness Reid’s first-ever runway show in Florence, which featured a cast of the designer’s global collective of friends, musicians, artists, and customers. And in keeping with the industry’s much discussed “see now, buy now” landscape, he presented an in-season collection and various limited edition pieces, all of which were available for immediate purchase. On the last night of Shindig, after the runway show, attendees gathered under the balmy night sky to take in the magic of Florence and the designer’s deft ability to make hundreds of strangers feel like they are all part of his community. The designer plans to take Shindig on the road to other markets including Chicago, Charleston, and New Orleans. With Billy in the driver’s seat, we will gladly be passengers along for the journey.