Birmingham designer launches first men’s fashion week focused on style and wellness

Birmingham, Ala. (WIAT) – A Birmingham-based fashion designer is bringing together style, community and conversation about men’s health through a new, week-long initiative in the Magic City.

Alabama native Perry Warner, who has spent more than two decades in the fashion industry, is launching the inaugural Birmingham’Men’s Fashion Week – a series of events aimed at celebrating designers of color, while also shining a light on men’s mental and physical health.

“Looking good is important, but it’s equally important to feel good and take care of the inside as well as the outside,” Warner said.

Warner says the mission of BMFW goes far beyond clothes and runway shows. The initiative focuses on raising awareness about men’s health issues including mental health, suicide prevention and diseases like prostate and testicular cancer.

“Men’s health is important in any aspect, especially in the creative field,” Warner said. “Many times we struggle with impostor syndrome, depression, fear, and anxieties about who we are and what we want to do. I just want to remove those stigmas and let people know there is a community and resources available.”

Local leaders and organizations are also participating, using the platform to encourage open dialogue among men.

“This program gives men a chance to reach out to each other and talk about what’s going on in our lives,” said Joseph Brown of Miabella Wellness Center. “To get a therapist, a coach, or someone with whom you can have a real conversation about your mental health.”

In addition to welfare, BMFW aims to establish Birmingham as a growing center of fashion and creativity.

“You don’t have to go to Atlanta, Houston or New York to have great fashion,” Warner said. “We have it right here in the Magic City.”

The week will highlight emerging Black male designers, local small businesses and community leaders at venues across the city.

Events are scheduled at several venues, including The Summit, Workplay Studios, the Negro Southern League Museum, Lapeer Steak & Seafood, and the Hardwick Lounge at Regions Field.

The week’s lineup includes:

• Wednesday (April 29):
  Shop and Sip At the Summit (4 pm to 7 pm, free)
  Kickoff Afterglow at Tailored Smoke Cigar Lounge (7 p.m. – 7 p.m.)

• Thursday (April 30):
  Life & Style Mental Health Summit At the Negro Southern League Museum (5 to 8 p.m., free)

• Friday (May 1):
  girls night at Lapeer Steak & Seafood’s Hardwick Lounge (5 p.m. to 8 p.m., free)
  “The Devil Wears Prada 2” Birmingham Premiere At Lux Theater (9 p.m., tickets required)

• Saturday (May 2):
  Runway Fashion Show and Wellness Expo At WorkPlay (6 p.m., tickets required)

• Sunday (3 May):
  dapper day party At Michael’s Restaurant at Regions Field (11 a.m. to 3 p.m., RSVP required)

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