AFW 2026 Brings a Decade of Style, Culture, and Impact to Lafayette

By Tracy E. Antoine

Acadiana Fashion Week is set to return to Lafayette, Louisiana this summer for a milestone Season 10 celebration, marking a decade of runway moments, creative collaboration, and regional fashion storytelling.

Scheduled for July 23–25, 2026, with the broader AFW season running July 20–25, this year’s event continues to position Lafayette as a vibrant hub for style and self-expression.

Held at The Linden Weddings and Events on West Pinhook Road, Acadiana Fashion Week 2026 promises a three-night experience built around designer showcases, professional runway presentations, and the kind of polished production that has helped the event grow into one of Louisiana’s signature fashion experiences. Organizers describe the anniversary edition as a celebration of 10 years of fashion, creativity, and community.

What makes AFW stand out is its ability to be both glamorous and grounded. The event does not just present fashion; it frames it within the cultural identity of Louisiana, giving designers, models, and attendees a chance to engage with style as a form of storytelling. That mission is reflected in the organization’s language around individuality, creativity, and the spirit of the state. This year’s audience themes add another layer of editorial appeal. Thursday’s “Heatwave” invites bright, summer-forward looks; Friday’s “Lexicon of Fashion: Louisiana” encourages style interpretations rooted in local heritage; and Saturday’s “Tailored & Timeless” calls for classic, elevated dressing. The themes are optional, but they underscore the event’s emphasis on participation and fashion as a shared experience.

For Lafayette, Acadiana Fashion Week is more than a weekend event. It is part of a growing creative economy that continues to attract designers, photographers, stylists, and fashion enthusiasts who see the region as a place where culture and innovation can coexist on the runway. In its tenth year, AFW feels less like a newcomer and more like an institution in the making.

Event details– Dates: July 23–25, 2026.

– Venue: The Linden Weddings and Events, 530 West Pinhook Road, Lafayette, LA 70503.

– Theme nights: Heatwave, Lexicon of Fashion: Louisiana, and Tailored & Timeless.

TEA Firm’s April Recap: A Month of Fashion, Entertainment, Community, and Celebration

See how TEA Firm spent the month of April 2026, from creative events and comedy to charity, birthday celebrations, and a new theater opportunity.

TEA Firm closed out April with a month full of creativity, connection, and community presence across Louisiana and Texas.

On April 11 with TEA Firm attending Digital Model Mayhem, the monthly model and photographer event founded by Derix Dugan III, owner of Depicted Images. This month’s theme, Boxing Divas, highlighted some of South Louisiana’s hottest models and photographers and created an exciting atmosphere for networking and creative expression.

On April 18, TEA Firm attended Katt Williams’ The Golden Age comedy tour, where a packed house enjoyed an unforgettable evening filled with nonstop laughter and high-energy entertainment.

The following day, longtime TEA Firm supporter Bre celebrated her birthday with a special studio session.

On April 22, TEA Firm’s Founder and CEO celebrated her birthday with an intimate gathering at Cousin’s in Lake Charles, marking the occasion with close company and a moment to reflect on continued growth and vision.

April also brought a new opportunity in the performing arts. TEA Firm met with the Strand Theater in Jennings, Louisiana, and volunteered to assist with behind-the-scenes production and wardrobe for the upcoming stage rendition of Steel Magnolias.

From fashion and entertainment to celebration and service, April was a strong reflection of TEA Firm’s commitment to culture, creativity, and community.

What is Fashion Week Lake Charles 2023, and why haven’t I heard of it.

Fashion Week Lake Charles (FWLC) is a vibrant celebration of style, spanning five months with monthly shows culminating in a week of sensational events. The Sip & Shop with Alana LeMelle event, boasting top-notch makeup and skincare, kicks off the extravaganza. Meanwhile, the Media Soirée Party gathers local, state, and national press at the Bodega Wine Dive.

The pinnacle of the week is the Patrons Party, echoing the glamour of the Met Gala. Models, fashionistas, and influencers dazzle on the Step & Repeat. Notably, Lexi Matthews, the visionary behind REIGN Wear & REIGN Wear Kids, was honored with the Fashion Icon Award for 2023. A plethora of impressive collections from renowned designers like NEGRIS LEBRUM, SEMAJE DESIGNS, and more graced the runway.

The event not only celebrates established designers but also nurtures local talent through initiatives like the WALK OF ROYALTY, showcasing local pageant winners, and the FREESTYLE segment where models showcase their creativity. Additionally, FWLC supports the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, underscoring its commitment to philanthropy.

Moreover, FWLC provides a vital platform for local talent in modeling, designing, photography, styling, and makeup artistry to flourish. It’s a space where creativity meets opportunity, all while channeling the spirit of fashion capitals like Paris, Milan, and NYC into the heart of Southwest Louisiana (SWLA). VIP attendees enjoy exclusive access, adding a touch of luxury to this already glamorous affair, making FWLC a must-attend event for fashion enthusiasts and industry professionals alike.

Listen as FWLC’s designers and models share their experiences during FWLC 2023.

FASHION WEEK LAKE CHARLES 2023: A CELEBRATION OF STYLE, ELEGANCE, AND CREATIVITY

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

September 25, 2023

Contact: Tracy E. Antoine | Media Director | FWLC Team

Fashion Week Lake Charles 2023: A Celebration of Style, Elegance, and Creativity

Lake Charles, September 25, 2023 – Fashion enthusiasts, designers, and trendsetters, will gather for an unparalleled celebration of style at Fashion Week Lake Charles (FWLC) is set to take place from September 26th-30th. This year’s events will be hosted by the Bodega Wine Dive, Blue Martini Lounge, and the Lake Charles Civic Center. This premier fashion event will include a POP UP Sip and Shop, Media Party Soirée, Patrons Launch Party, and FWLC runway shows.

“We are thrilled to present Fashion Week Lake Charles 2023, showcasing the incredible talent and creativity that thrives within our community and beyond,” said Julie P. Branden, Founder and Executive Producer of Fashion Week Lake Charles. “This event will not only elevate the fashion landscape in Lake Charles but also serve as a testament to the city’s growing influence in the world of fashion.

FWLC is ‘fashion with a cause’ and proudly supports the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF). Sponsors and attendees will aid in the continuous journey towards finding a cure for Type 1 Diabetes.

For more information, visit Fashion Week Lake Charles.

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Tracy E. Antoine | Media Director | Fashion Week Lake Charles 2023 | C: 337.292.2730