Columbia Fashion Week presents the 6th annual COLAFW Met Gala: where fashion becomes art
April 28, 2026
Columbia Fashion Week announces the return of its most anticipated signature event, the 6th Annual COLAFW Met Gala, taking place on Saturday, May 9, 2026, at the Columbia Museum of Art. This year’s theme, “Costume Art,” invites guests to experience fashion as a living, expressive art form—where creativity, culture, and craftsmanship converge.
Aligned with the global excitement surrounding the Met Gala in New York, Columbia Fashion Week brings that same spirit of imagination and cultural relevance to the Midlands. Through this year’s interpretation of Costume Art, the organization allows the local community to participate in the larger fashion narrative while spotlighting the originality and talent flourishing in South Carolina.
Recognized as the biggest night of fashion in Columbia, the COLAFW Met Gala continues to elevate the city’s role within the fashion and arts landscape. The evening will gather leaders in business, culture, media, and the arts for a celebration of creativity and community impact.
Guests are encouraged to arrive in dramatic, imaginative, and art-inspired black-tie attire that embraces fashion as visual storytelling.
The evening’s runway showcase will feature local designers alongside creative talent from across the region, including designers traveling from Virginia and Ohio. While the gala theme is Costume Art, the featured collections will focus on each designer’s unique vision, craftsmanship, originality, and storytelling through design.
“The COLAFW Met Gala is more than an event—it is a platform that showcases the power of fashion as both an artistic and economic driver within our community,” said Juliette Muller, CEO of Columbia Fashion Week.
This year’s gala is led by Co-Chairs Allison Terracio, Richland County Councilwoman for District 5, and Sierra Artemus, Multimedia Specialist and Television Personality, whose leadership is helping shape an elevated and memorable guest experience.
“I’m privileged to serve as Co-Chair of this year’s Met Gala. As a native of Columbia, I appreciate the presence of our fashion community and how it supports other areas of art in our city and state. I look forward to being a part of this special occasion,” said Sierra Artemus, Multimedia Specialist, Television Personality, and Co-Chair of the 6th Annual COLAFW Met Gala.
“I am honored to serve as Co-Chair for the Columbia Fashion Week Met Gala. This promises to be an elegant and fun night in Columbia to celebrate the talent, creativity, and work that these designers—and those that appreciate them—bring to the community,” said Allison Terracio, Richland County Councilwoman for District 5 and Co-Chair of the 6th Annual COLAFW Met Gala.
The evening will also feature an accomplished host committee helping welcome guests and elevate the experience, including Andrew Gergely, Danielle Dickerson, and Merrell Johnson as Co-Hosts of the 6th Annual COLAFW Met Gala.
Sponsors supporting this year’s event include Goodwill Industries of the Upstate/Midlands South Carolina, Abundant Graze, The Face Magazine, and Paul Mitchell The School Columbia.
The evening will include:
- Curated runway showcases featuring local and regional designers
- Immersive art and fashion experiences
- Premium food and beverage offerings
- Elevated guest hospitality and networking opportunities
This is an 18+ event; guests must be 21 or older to consume alcohol.
Tickets are non-refundable.
Tickets are available now. For more information and updates, follow Columbia Fashion Week on social media at @colafashionweek and visit Columbiafashionweek.com.
About Columbia Fashion Week
Columbia Fashion Week is a premier fashion platform dedicated to showcasing emerging and established designers, models, and creatives while highlighting the cultural, social, and economic impact of fashion in the Midlands and beyond. With over a decade of influence, Columbia Fashion Week has grown into a dynamic ecosystem that extends beyond the runway—creating opportunities through events, publications, and community partnerships. Through initiatives such as its nonprofit arm, the ColaFW Alliance, the organization continues to invest in education, sustainability, and access within the fashion industry, positioning Columbia as a rising force in the national fashion conversation.
About ColaFW Alliance
The ColaFW Alliance is the nonprofit arm of Columbia Fashion Week, dedicated to expanding access, education, and opportunity within the fashion and creative industries. Focused on workforce development and community impact, the Alliance creates pathways for emerging designers, models, stylists, and creatives to gain hands-on experience, industry exposure, and professional growth.
Through strategic partnerships with local organizations, educational institutions, and community leaders, ColaFW Alliance champions initiatives rooted in sustainability, skill-building, and economic empowerment. From mentorship programs and workshops to collaborative showcases and community-driven projects, the Alliance works to cultivate a more inclusive and connected creative ecosystem.
As it continues to grow, ColaFW Alliance remains committed to strengthening Columbia’s creative economy—ensuring that fashion serves not only as an artistic expression, but as a vehicle for opportunity, equity, and long-term impact.
