The fashi0n community in North and south carolina show up in support of military families
By M. Todd Burton
When the lights dimmed in the Columbia Convention Center Saturday, November 7, a community came out and delivered. A community of models, designers, hair and makeup artists, photographers, volunteers, kids, parents and teens, came out in a spirited and celebratory display of creativity and contribution.
They came from across town and across the state. They arrived in colors, and textures, shapes and styles. They brought nuance, passion, work ethic and drive. Most importantly they came with a purpose, a purpose to support military heroes, first responders and their families….and they came ready to put that purpose on the on the runway.
Elite Edition, a South Carolina based 501c3 dedicated to honoring the bravery and sacrifice of our fallen soldiers and first responders joined forces with the fashion community in the Carolinas to produce “Where Fashion Meets Tribute” honoring heroes from our military through creativity and compassion.
The evening took us on a journey through the stories of military families, while blending in elements of fashion created by local designers and unveiled by local model/artists. Skilled models from age 6 to 60 delivered a powerful, sometimes poignant, sometimes playful, but always deliberate message to a room filled with black ties and tails.
While the stories of service and sacrifice gave the evening its meaning, the designers gave it color, texture, movement, and expression. Each collection brought a distinct creative perspective to the runway, transforming an evening of tribute into a celebration of the talent and diversity within the Carolinas' fashion community.
The opening collection, “A Rhythm Lifestyle,” set a bold tone taking us “Beyond the Thunderdome” with designs inspired by Mad Max, Steam Punk and Goth. Skulls and skeletons adorned geometric styling. Fitted shapes with contrasting patterns and monochromatic silhouettes were showcased by some of the Carolinas’ top models. A feeling of dark energy rose as the music pulsed and the room came alive.
Designer Justin Casey brought a cool, youthful energy to the runway with statement shoes, branded tops, and a fashion-forward dose of sparkle. Fully sequined pieces shimmered in rich silver and gold metallics, while denim embellished with bling added a playful edge. Touches of faux fur introduced an element of luxury, rounding out a diverse collection that effortlessly blended streetwear attitude with runway glamour.
In a tribute to the different branches of our military service Reborn Threads Collective travelled the runway by land and sea. Fitted tops and cargo pants in former Navy Blue Camouflage that provide a relaxed and functional fit, alongside desert fatigues mixed and sewn in with denim accents took what once began as a way of blending in and turned into a way of showing out. Woodland patterns with suspenders and turtlenecks created a blend of utility and style while solid black boots and blazers added an unexpected contrast.
Things turned to a lighter note when designer “Trash Rehab” rolled out their playful yet sophisticated line of streetwear. “Trash Rehab delivered a master class in color theory. Pairing bold reds and yellows, while using a variety of tonal variations with complimentary blues, oranges and reds they delivered cohesive and tailored head to toe looks. From vibrant hues to monochrome silhouettes and everything between “Trash Rehab” combined, power, color and variety into intentional, recognizable statements of fashion.
Packaging style, street, and statement, Ghetto Couture closed out the evening with variety. Bringing fresh looks to traditional, styles they created a display of the ordinary becoming extraordinary. Their upscale, couture-inspired tennis dress exemplified the brand. The short, pleated white skirt, fitted bodice and crisp white collar, paired with the houndstooth pattern in the coat and dress was as memorable combination. The wide-brimmed hat “topped” it all off as the final defining statement.
Fashion is personal, it speaks when we want it to. It makes subtle statements that are often powerful. It gives us freedom of expression, and the freedom to explore ourselves. It provides transition, fills gaps, and leads us down new and different paths. It tells our stories, records our histories, while creating landmarks along our timelines.
Saturday, November 7 2026, fashion gave us perhaps its greatest gift of all-the ability to give.
Through our passion and drive to tell stories, the fashion community came together and gave something of itself.
Our military heroes, first rersponders and their families live lives of service and sacrifice that too often goes unnoticed. But the fashion community is alive and ready to give.
To our heroes and their families: You have not gone unnoticed.
November 7 was just one small moment to remind you of that.
Thank you to all of the models, photographers, hair and makeup artists, stylists and volunteers that continue to show that the fashion community gives!!!