Telfair Museums “Art of Fashion” series returns on Thursday, April 20 with a fashion show and presentation, featuring local designer Emily McCarthy.
The event will take place at the Jepson Center (207 W York St.) from 5-8:30 p.m. Cocktail hour starts at 5 p.m. and will be followed by a conversation with McCarthy at 6 p.m. At 7 p.m., the night will end with McCarthy’s first ever fashion show.
“We are excited to bring back our member-favorite event with our local designer, Emily McCarthy,” said Telfair Museums Director of Corporate and Foundation Relations, Lauren Grant. “We are thrilled to welcome her for her first fashion show, capturing her colorful and fun collection in our beautiful architectural space.”
McCarthy said she’s dreamed of a fashion show for a while, and expressed her excitement about the atmosphere, saying, “Aesthetically, having it at the Jepson Center was something I’d always imagined.”
Guests can expect to see McCarthy’s summer collection, along with a preview of her fall and holiday collections. There will be a handful of couture pieces that were made specifically for the show.
“I hope that people take away a sense of our brand and our story and what we worked so hard to create,” McCarthy said. “It’s about a joyful culture and our signature prints. We’re designing these prints right here in Savannah, we’re designing every clothing piece, and style, and ruffle and trend. Every piece of clothing is a work of art, and I think that’s why it translates so well to the Art of Fashion.”
She went on to say, “It all starts with an artistic approach. For so many people to be able to enjoy a piece and feel bright, colorful, and happy- they’re pieces of artwork- and it’s really fun to make wearable art.”
When asked why people should spend their night at the “Art of Fashion” event, McCarthy explained that the evening will be fun and unique for Savannahians.
“I think Savannah doesn’t have a lot of fashion shows,” McCarthy said. “A long time ago, we used to have Savannah Fashion Week. I think it’s really fun to have a fashion show that is open to the public, that supports a local clothing designer. I think it’s really fun to watch a brand grow and watch a designer grow. It’s a great event to bring friends to. There’s a cocktail hour, there’s a Q&A, you’ll learn a lot.”
In addition to the show, guests can also expect a conversation with McCarthy about her professional journey becoming a fashion designer and brand expert.
When asked what advice she has for young designers, McCarthy said, “Push to be true to who you are, and learn the business side of it. It’s one thing to create a beautiful piece of clothing, or a beautiful gown, but learning the business side, and knowing how to get your work out there, and how to create a culture behind your brand is also so important.”
Though McCarthy’s brand is available at roughly 400 retailers, the designer said Savannah is her home base and said she likes it that way.
“I think it brings us a different angle of design, and it helps us to be really involved in the customer experience,” McCarthy said. “I never want to be removed from the pulse of our brand. I’m very inspired by where we live. The colors and design (of Savannah) are very influential in what I do.”
Tickets to the event begin at $45 for Telfair Museums members, with add ons available. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit telfair.org/event/the-art-of-fashion-emily-mccarthy.
Event attendees are encouraged to visit the Emily McCarthy Shoppe, located at 2428 Abercorn Street, between 10 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. on Friday, April 21. A percentage of sales during this time will be donated to Telfair Museums.
