“My visit to the University of Alabama was an inspiring experience, especially meeting the talented fashion students who are so passionate about fashion,” CFDA CEO Steven Kolb said of attending the Oct.17-20 in Birmingham. “It was an honor to serve as a judge for Magic City Fashion Week’s emerging designer competition and to see promising talent at the regional level. Birmingham’s rich civil rights history deeply moved me, reminding me of the power of fashion as a tool for change.”

The winner of said Emerging Designer Showcase was Derrick Kern, whose “Key to Life is Love” all-gender luxury streetwear collection fused tailored and distressed elements.

“My mission is to make everybody happy with my clothing and…eventually make it more accessible and more affordable to kids who can’t afford it,” Kern, a native of Denver, Colorado, offered.

Shyla Williams was the winner of the Emerging Wardrobe Stylist competition for her creative artistry and intricate attention to detail.

“We were fortunate to have an incredible panel of judges, including Dr. Chenoia Bryant, Elliott Carlyle, and Steven Kolb, who brought invaluable mentorship and guidance to the competition,” said Daniel Grier, Founder & CEO of Magic City Fashion Week Inc. and Founder & Designer of Luxury Streetwear brand Splashed By DKG. “Their support has been instrumental, and we can’t thank them enough for helping shape the future of fashion in Birmingham.”