23 www.CharlestonWomenPodcast.com | www.ReadCW.com | www.Instagram.com/CharlestonWomen head space so I could stay focused on my tasks.” Once all the players had grown into their roles, the CFW brand morphed into a high-end luxury boutique fashion event, catching the eye of none other than Fern Mallis, creator of NYFW. In 2013, Mallis invited big names like Rachael Roy, Siriano, Michael Knight and Amsale to be judged by other feature designers. Then in 2016, Hendrick Lexus Charleston came on board as the title sponsor of CFW. In 2022, CFW’s venue moved from the tents in Marion Square to Memminger Auditorium, now Festival Hall, which gratefully has air conditioning, bathrooms, and according to Perryman, elevated lighting. Today hair and makeup artists Perryman worked with backstage are also working on movie and commercial sets, or backstage in London, Paris, Milan and New York. Models taught by Wood and scouted at CFW are walking runways in shows all over the world. Lucas has since moved to New York, and Russell went on to pursue other passions. Lawrence, who took over as executive director in 2022 said, “I feel privileged to be a part of CFW and to have grown it into what it is today. It’s quite an honor to work with such talented people. Naomi and I became best friends, and I could never be where I am without that team.” Russell added, “Despite the long hours, we all came together for the common cause: making the magic happen. And our fashion family will always have a special place in my heart.” Perryman agreed, saying, “We do it for the creativity, camaraderie and the family environment that comes with working backstage together. I can’t believe how hard we have worked. It’s been such a big part of my life and I’ve learned so much from my team.” Wood remarked, “Every one of the models is going to have job interviews where they will need to have confidence. And that’s what I teach them. It’s why I stay so involved.” Thanks to the CFW dream team, the words ‘Charleston’ and ‘fashion’ not only belong in the same sentence today, they’re near synonymous. Charleston Women in Style "OUR GOAL IS TO OFFER A CLEAN AND MODERN FRAGRANCE COLLECTION WITH A TIMELESS SCENT PALETTE, ONE THAT GENERATIONS CAN ENJOY FOR YEARS TO COME." 80muze.com
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