Friday Night Opening Night Runway Showcase
Sponsored by Gildan, & JCPenney.

Kick off the 12th Annual Winston-Salem Fashion Week with an unforgettable evening where innovation meets the runway.

The Friday Night Opening Night Runway Showcase sets the tone for an extraordinary Fashion Week experience, bringing together fashion enthusiasts, industry professionals, designers, models, media, and community leaders for a celebration of creativity, style, and community.

Presented by Gildan, the evening begins with dynamic runway presentations that showcase the versatility of contemporary apparel, proving that fashion begins with creativity and is elevated through vision and design.

The spotlight then turns to the JCPenney Youth Category Runway Showcase, celebrating the confidence, creativity, and talent of the next generation of models. Featuring youth ages 5–15, this inspiring presentation highlights age-appropriate contemporary fashion while providing young runway talent with a professional platform to gain experience, build confidence, and shine before an enthusiastic audience. Sponsored by JCPenney, this showcase reflects Winston-Salem Fashion Week's commitment to cultivating future leaders in fashion and creating opportunities for youth to develop their skills in a supportive, professional environment.

The evening continues with the exciting Project RunSlay Competition, Winston-Salem Fashion Week's signature styling competition. Emerging stylists will compete live on the runway, transforming apparel into editorial-worthy looks that celebrate originality, innovation, sustainability, and personal expression. Each presentation demonstrates the artistry, imagination, and technical skill of fashion's next generation of creative visionaries.

More than a runway show, Opening Night is a celebration of collaboration, culture, and opportunity. It reflects Winston-Salem Fashion Week's mission to empower designers, stylists, models, photographers, and creative professionals while strengthening communities through fashion, creativity, and innovation.

Experience an evening of inspiring runway presentations, emerging talent, bold creativity, and unforgettable moments as we officially launch the 12th Annual Winston-Salem Fashion Week under this year's theme:

Threads of Innovation

From the first walk to the final look, Friday Night Opening Night Showcase is where the future of fashion takes center stage.