SOUTHERN DESIGNER SHOWCASE WINNERS

The 2017 Belk Southern Designer Showcase Winners are Natalie Woods, Mia Carreras, Marissa Heyl, Veronica Ramirez and Courtney Johnson. 

The winners of Belk's fifth annual Southern Designer Showcase were announced recently during a poolside, catwalk-style fashion show at Craft City Social Club. This year’s five winners were selected out of 13 finalists from dozens of applicants. Their winning collections will be featured in select Belk stores and online starting March 2018.

The winners are:  Agape Gems, women's accessories created by Courtney Johnson of Atlanta, Georgia; Symbology, women's apparel from Marissa Heyl of Grapevine, Texas; Natalie Wood Designs, women's accessories by Natalie and Ken Wood of Irving, Texas; Gigi Carreras, women's apparel by Mia Carreras of Snellville, Georgia; and Veronica Ramirez, women's apparel from Veronica Ramirez of Sharpsburg, Georgia. 

The winners receive a cash prize and the opportunity to refine their lines for the Belk shopper, learn about production, and experience in-store and online merchandising firsthand.

“This competition allows us to help aspiring individuals accomplish their dreams, while also giving us access to the latest and greatest in southern fashion,” said Nadine Rauer, Belk executive vice president and general merchandising manager of feminine apparel.