Fashion Week Lake Charles (FWLC) is returning this month for a week of fashion-filled events.

With five shows under her belts since 2015, Julie Branden, founder of FWLC, said that they are more than ready to bring the glitz and glam in Southwest Louisiana.

The weather is slowly starting to cool, and she believes that fashion inspiration is just what SWLA needs.

“As we turn the corner from summer to fall, our minds naturally consider what’s next in terms of style.

Lake Charles Fashion Week inspires its attendees to be imaginative and bold with their style choices. There’s a time for understated classics, but fashion week calls for ‘Wow!’”

Many of the models and designers represent the vast talent and style that is present in SW La.

The theme this year is “Meet Me at the Met,” and is fashioned after the famous Met Gala that is annually hosted in New York City each May. The runway will be all about the gowns, she said.

The days leading up the runway shows will be filled with fashion week events, such as the Pop-Up Sip and Shop starting at 4 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 26 at Bodega Wine Dive. A media soiree party will be hosted at 7 p.m. the next day and Bodega Wine Drive and the Patrons Launch Party will be held at 8 p.m. at Blue Martini Lounge on Thurs, Sept. 28.

On Friday, Sept. 29. and Saturday, Sept. 30, the runway shows will take place at the Lake Charles Civic Center.

Branden said that while the lineup is still being finalized, there will likely be a total of 16 shows, 8 each night.

There are three types of tickets available for purchase. General admission tickets for one day are available for $25 each, and will be valid for admission to one day.

For $50, locals can be a VIP for one day. This all-access opportunity allows attendees to attend every FWLC party and gives them preferential seating at the shows with amenities, like food and drink.

VIP access for both days of runway shows can be purchased for $110.

All tickets can be purchased online at www.eventbrite.com.

Doors for the runway shows open at 5:30 p.m. Shows begin at 7:30 p.m.

Shopping opportunities will be available for attendees.

The first local to take a picture in front of one of the billboards, post the picture online and tag FWLC will receive two VIP passes.

She said that FWLC has three billboards displayed throughout Lake Charles.

Funds raised by FWLC benefit the JDRF Diabetes Foundation, the largest global nonprofit organization funding research for Type 1 diabetes.