The Black Designers Defining a New Era of St. Louis Fashion Week

The countdown is officially on. After years of anticipation, St. Louis Fashion Week is back beginning and bringing a full week of runway shows, fashion experiences, and creative energy back to the city.

For many in the local fashion and creative community, this return represents more than a series of events — it marks the revival of a platform that helped spotlight designers, models, stylists, photographers, and artists across St. Louis for years. Now, a new generation of creatives is stepping into that spotlight while longtime fashion leaders return to the runway once again.

The excitement surrounding STLFW’s return already feels different. There’s a renewed sense of pride around St. Louis fashion and the creative culture connected to it. From emerging designers to established names, the city is preparing to show exactly why St. Louis deserves a place in larger fashion conversations.

Delux Magazine is especially excited to see Black designers helping shape the identity of this returning season. Designers including Jasmine Stocking, Cameo Phillips, Mikkel Burnside, Rayven Stokes, Paul Gibson, Q Ambition, and others are bringing fresh creativity, bold storytelling, and unique perspectives to the runway.

Meet the Designers

Jasmine Stocking

Known for creating immersive fashion experiences and pushing creative boundaries, Jasmine Stocking continues to position herself as both a designer and visionary producer. She shared excitement about connecting with a new audience through STLFW while teasing something “special” for the runway.

Cameo Phillips | Cameo de Bore Clutches

Representing East St. Louis with elegance and refinement, Cameo described her upcoming collection as sophisticated with “two scoops of grit.” Her brand continues to merge polish with cultural authenticity in a way that feels timeless.

Kelsi Washington | CrispinMulatto

Kelsi brings bold creativity and artistic individuality to the STL fashion landscape. Her work reflects experimental fashion sensibilities while still feeling wearable and intentional.

Amie Hibbler | Monique Arnelle

For Amie, this season represents a breakout moment. Her excitement about finally stepping into the spotlight was matched by hints of textured denim, playful silhouettes, and elevated detailing that promise a memorable runway presentation.

Mikkel Burnside | The Mikkel Burnside Collection

Mikkel teased what he called a “shell shock” moment for the runway while also hinting at the close of one creative era and the beginning of another — transitioning toward a future focused on suiting and elevated tailoring.

Rayven Stokes

After a two-year hiatus from fashion shows, Rayven returns to the runway with renewed energy and evolution. Her upcoming collection promises confidence, sexiness, and growth while continuing her commitment to sustainable fashion and thrift flips.

Paul Gibson | Paulie Gibson

A longtime creative within the St. Louis fashion community, Paul’s return to STLFW feels full circle. His upcoming collection includes collaborations with local makers and creatives, reinforcing the importance of community-driven fashion production.

Q Ambition | Goldbar Limited

For Q Ambition, participating in STLFW is decades in the making. He described his upcoming presentation as energetic, colorful, and diverse while emphasizing the importance of community support for what’s ahead.

Brandin Vaughn | Brandin Vaughn Collection

As both a featured designer and STLFW’s Designer Outreach Coordinator, Brandin Vaughn has helped shape this season while preparing his own collection. Known for merging fashion, art, and storytelling, his work continues to push creative boundaries while remaining deeply rooted in culture and self-expression.

Mariella Sheree | Maison Mariella Sheree

Returning to St. Louis Fashion Week feels like a homecoming for Mariella Sheree. Since launching her career in St. Louis, she has expanded her brand nationally while maintaining the creativity and vision that first established her presence in the fashion industry. Her return adds a powerful full-circle moment to this season.

Sir Charles | Mays Bros Clothier

Known for creating fashion that commands attention, Sir Charles continues to build a reputation for bold aesthetics, confident silhouettes, and unapologetic creativity.

Taylor Fulton | Finely Worked

Taylor Fulton approaches fashion through storytelling. Inspired by symbolism, nature, and artistic narratives, her collections invite audiences into imaginative worlds brought to life through design.

Theresa Wangia | House of Shazzar: Vintage & Lace

Internationally recognized designer Theresa Wangia returns to the STLFW runway with House of Shazzar. Drawing inspiration from her years living and working in London during the 1990s, her collections are celebrated for combining wearable art, cultural influences, and exquisite craftsmanship.

More Than A Runway

While the clothing will undoubtedly command attention, STLFW’s return represents something larger. It provides a platform for designers to grow their brands, photographers to showcase their work, models to gain visibility, and creative professionals to build meaningful connections. They strengthen local industries while inspiring future generations of artists and entrepreneurs. Their collections, stories, and creative visions reflect not only fashion trends, but culture, resilience, artistry, and innovation rooted directly in the city. Most importantly, they bring communities together.

The return of St. Louis Fashion Week signals renewed momentum for the city’s creative landscape and demonstrates what can happen when talent, vision, and opportunity intersect. As the lights come up and the runway comes alive once again, one thing is clear: St. Louis Fashion Week is back, and the city is ready.

This season’s official STLFW schedule includes multiple nights of runway presentations and a kickoff celebration leading into the main shows.

Official STLFW Schedule:

June 8

STLFW: Overture in Style Opening Cocktail Party

Monday, June 8th, 2026 – 6pm – 9pm
Powell Hall at the Jack C. Taylor Music Center

Hosted at Powell Hall, this sophisticated cocktail celebration marks the official opening of Saint Louis Fashion Week. Guests will enjoy live performances by local musicians, exclusive designer previews, and an atmosphere of refined elegance as we set the tone for the week ahead. This is a party you do not want to miss and tickets are limited!

Attire: Fashion-Forward Evening Attire – Black Tie, Cocktail, or Fashion-Forward Formal Encouraged

STLFW Opening Night Runway Show

Wednesday, June 10th, 2026

Doors open at 6pm – Show begins at 7pm
18 Rails @ City Foundry

Saint Louis Fashion Week begins with a statement.

Runway Night One Designers: (Listed in alphabetical order)

EBM Designs, FinelyworkedOfficial, Gabriella Cullen, Jasmine Stocking, Mikkel Burnside Collection, Millie’s Threads, Monique Arnelle, Rayven Stokes, Rebelopath.

Each collection brings its own point of view from refined tailoring to bold silhouettes and intricate detail, setting the tone for a week built on craftsmanship and creative confidence.

The return of STLFW begins here.

STLFW Runway Show Night 2

Thursday, June 11th, 2026

Doors open at 6pm – Show begins at 7pm

18 Rails @ City Foundry

Runway Night Two Designers: (Listed in alphabetical order)

Crispin Mulatto, FEY, HZUCHELLI, Lukas Roe, Mays Bros. Clothiers, Sarah Skelly, Shelby Bryn.

This is a night where tailoring meets artistry, where modern silhouettes stand alongside heritage craftsmanship, and where every designer presents a collection shaped by intention.

STLFW Runway Show Night 3

Friday, June 12th, 2026

Doors open at 6pm – Show begins at 7pm

18 Rails @ City Foundry

Runway Night Three Designers: (Listed in alphabetical order)

Beltshazzar Jewels, Cameo deBore Clutches, Gracie Key, Joshua J Chris, Madison Stitch, Mariella Sheree, Paulie Gibson, Peach Carr.

From statement accessories to meticulously constructed garments, each designer brings a distinct creative language to the stage.

STLFW Finale Runway Show

Saturday, June 13th, 2026

Doors open at 6pm – Show begins at 7:30pm

18 Rails @ City Foundry

The week concludes with intention and impact with our Finale Runway Show.

Runway Night Four Designers: (Listed in alphabetical order)

Barbara Bultman, Brandin Vaughn, CASAREZ, Goldbar Limited, Lusso Official, Michael Drummond, Noble Luxury Brands, Rungolee.

This finale is not just an ending. It is a declaration of what comes next in 2027.

Special Thank You to Creative Director: AK Brown for STLFW, Assistant CD: Amber Thornton for STLFW, Photographer: Layne Whitehouse, and Delux Contributor: Leneia Weston

To purchase tickets, visit https://www.stlouisfashionweek.com