In town and amped for the week ahead, CFW’s 2012 class of up-and-coming designers took some time away from putting finishing touches on their collections and headed to the Cocktail Club Sunday evening for the CFW Welcome Party in their honor. The handsome, deconstructed space on King Street gave the evening a very intimate feel—it was as if we had been invited into a swanky designer’s home.

An intoxicating energy—exhilaration sprinkled with nervousness—filled the club. The Emerging Designers traded secrets on the work they still had to complete before their big reveals. Red Bull and late nights are on the table for most. Stories were swapped, some grim, such as Gil Tisdale and Dominique Verona’s muse/model who will be trading her hospital gown for couture since even an appendectomy won’t keep her off the runway! Most were congratulatory—and duly deserved with this talented group who beat out more than 180 other hopefuls.

Featured designer Emily Bargeron, a 2009 Emerging Designer finalist—offered a sense of calm and ease before her big Tuesday night show, even when speaking of the hard work the following day would bring, as she’d be fitting 20 male models. The woes of being a menswear designer!

As the designers mingled—and checked out their competition—we spied K. Cooper Ray giving bow-tie tips to CFW photographer Juan Fonseca. We’re eager to see Ray’s tie selections for the week, as he serves on the Fashion Panel and helps select the winning Emerging Designer: East. Also making their way to Charleston to serve on the panel? Designer Chris Benz, actress Vanessa Lachey, designer Mychael Knight, ELLE fashion news director Anne Slowey, and New York Fashion Week creator Fern Mallis—to name drop a few.

Another hot topic of conversation was what to wear under the tents. CFW creative director and Charleston magazine style director Ayoka Lucas took the opportunity to gather Smartwater Smart Style Tips from models, designers, and guests. A big one was comfort, which we’ll try to figure out when planning our heels for the week!

As the party began to wind down and the class of Emerging Designers headed out to put the final stitch, or seven, on their collections, their excitement rubbed off on the crowd. People began buzzing about what the week has in store. We can’t wait to check out the Pop-Up Shop on Tuesday (open 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.) and admire the garments on the runway.

We’ll see you under the tents on Tuesday. Get your ticket now and score a year’s subscription to Charleston magazine for free! And join us back at the Cocktail Club for a 1920s-themed After Party and celebrate the first day of CFW in style.

For a gallery of Welcome Party photos, click here.

For the CFW schedule and tickets, click here.

For Emerging Designer Competition: East profiles, click here.

For featured designer profiles, click here.

For Pop-Up Shop info, click here.

For the After-Party schedule, click here.