Middle Tennessee Fashion Week kicked off with a click of stilettos

Middle Tennessee Fashion Week kicked off with a click of stilettos and swipe of lipstick last week.

The inaugural event provided an opportunity for newbies to get their feet wet and learn the ins and outs of fashion week.

"It's hustle and bustle, " said Max, who launched Designs By Max about six months ago. "It's a constant on-the-go, but it's enjoyable. You have to have a passion for it. I love, more than anything, when a woman puts on one of my designs and smiles. "

At 5 feet 7 inches, Aubrey Vorderberg was told she was too short to model in Nashville Fashion Week. But she's the perfect height to model for Middle Tennessee Fashion Week.

"I'm learning all the little things, like how much time goes into fitting and rehearsals, but it's all going to be worth it, " the 14-year-old model said.

Both participated in a fashion photo and video shoot Thursday at Anastasia's Boutique in downtown Murfreesboro during the shop's trunk show, which was also part of fashion week. Several designers were featured, including Theme, Judith March and Elizabeth Bray Jewelry.

The gathering of creative minds pleased Shannon Perry-Rawls, owner of the Birds Nest Salon.

"Creativity needs to be promoted in Murfreesboro, " she said. "This is all just a part of a bigger window of fashion. "

She contributed several items to be raffled during the Saturday fashion show, along with donations from State Beauty Supply owner Keith Sanford.

"He's donating to my shop, so my shop can donate, " Perry-Rawls said. "I'm definitely excited for small businesses to get involved (in Fashion Week) and make a name for themselves. "

MTSU was slated to host its fashion show Friday evening, followed by Middle Tennessee Fashion Week's grand fashion show finale on Saturday at On the Rocks nightclub on Murfreesboro's square.

Lessons were also learned by event organizer Sharon Cumberbatch, who said she's better prepared for the upcoming years.

"Now people have a better feel about what fashion week should be, " she said, adding that she'd like more fashionistas to get involved next year. ".