ORLANDO INTERNATIONAL FASHION WEEK PARTNERS WITH ORLANDO INTERNATIONAL FRINGE THEATRE FESTIVAL FOR 35TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
OIFW TO PRESENT AVANT-GARDE FASHION SHOW + DESIGNER CALL ANNOUNCED
ORLANDO, FL | April 1, 2026 — Orlando International Fashion Week (OIFW) is proud to announce a new creative partnership with the Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival as the festival celebrates its milestone 35th anniversary.
As part of this collaboration, OIFW will present a special avant-garde fashion showcase on Saturday, May 16, 2026, from 5:30 PM to 6:30 PM, during the two-week festival. This curated show will feature bold, artistic, and experimental fashion, aligning with the spirit of Fringe, where creativity, individuality, and artistic freedom take center stage.
This partnership reflects a natural alignment between two nonprofit organizations dedicated to uplifting artists, fostering inclusive creative spaces, and connecting communities through the arts.
“Fringe and OIFW share a commitment to creating platforms where artists can take risks, express themselves freely, and connect with diverse audiences,” said Rob Henlon Executive Director and Co-Founder of Orlando International Fashion Week. “This collaboration allows fashion to live within a broader artistic conversation, which is exactly where it belongs.”
“As someone who serves on the board with both organizations, this partnership represents the best of what Orlando’s creative ecosystem can be,” said Dr. John Payne-Rios, OIFW Advisory Board Member and arts advocate. “It brings together fashion, theatre, and community in a way that expands access, celebrates diverse voices, and creates meaningful opportunities for artists to be seen and supported.”
“We’re excited to welcome Orlando International Fashion Week to Fringe,” said Quentin Brown, Lawn Producer for the Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival. “The Outdoor Stage is all about energy, creativity, and connection, and this collaboration adds a fresh and dynamic layer to the festival experience.”
“This partnership is exactly what Fringe is about, bringing different art forms together in a way that’s inclusive, expressive, and community-driven,” said Tempestt Halstead of the Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival. “We’re excited to create space for fashion to be part of that story.”
ABOUT THE ORLANDO INTERNATIONAL FRINGE THEATRE FESTIVAL
For 35 years, the Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival has provided an inclusive platform for artists to showcase bold, original work. As the longest-running Fringe festival in the United States, it is known for its unjuried, uncensored, and accessible format, returning 100% of ticket sales directly to artists.
Each May, the festival transforms Orlando into a vibrant celebration of independent creativity, featuring live performances, visual art, music, and interactive experiences that connect diverse communities through artistic expression.
DESIGNER CALL NOW OPEN
In conjunction with this partnership, OIFW is officially opening a Designer Registration Call for creatives interested in participating in the May 16 Fringe showcase.
Designers are encouraged to submit collections that reflect:
- Avant-garde concepts
- Artistic storytelling
- Bold and experimental design
🔗 Register now at: www.OIFW.org
MODEL CASTING INFORMATION
Models interested in participating in both the Fringe showcase and upcoming OIFW June runway shows are invited to attend casting calls:
📅 April 12, 2026
📅 April 19, 2026
📍 CityArts Gallery – Downtown Orlando
🕚 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM (drop-in format)
- Ages 4 and up
- No experience required
- Sponsored by the Downtown Arts District
LEADING INTO OIFW SUMMER 2026
The Fringe collaboration serves as a creative lead-in to Orlando International Fashion Week Presents: 626 Euphoria, taking place on June 6, 2026, at the Winter Park Events Center.
Together, these experiences highlight OIFW’s continued commitment to:
- Artistic innovation
- Cross-industry collaboration
- Expanding fashion as a cultural and community-driven platform
ABOUT ORLANDO INTERNATIONAL FASHION WEEK
Orlando International Fashion Week is the premier fashion event held in Orlando, Florida, where fashion inspires and tourism ignites. OIFW is a multi-day experience that blends fashion, art, music, culture, education, and philanthropy while promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Through immersive runway shows, partnerships, and educational initiatives, OIFW enhances international tourism to Florida and serves as a platform that inspires, unites, and elevates the fashion industry.
MEDIA CONTACT
Orlando International Fashion Week
📧 admin@oifw.org
🌐 www.oifw.org
