Fashion Bomb Daily was on the scene for the 24th Annual UNCF Maya Angelou Women Who Lead Luncheon, presented by Wells Fargo, held Saturday, September 19th at the Charlotte Convention Center’s Richardson Ballroom.

Now one of Charlotte’s largest annual women’s luncheon fundraisers, the event is named in honor of Dr. Maya Angelou, a longtime UNCF supporter whose belief in education inspired the luncheon’s creation. This year’s gathering aimed to raise over $550,000 to support students across North Carolina, continuing UNCF’s mission to help students get to, and through, college.

The day kicked off at 10am with shopping from local vendors, mimosas, and red carpet photos, building anticipation for the noon program.

This year’s theme centered on Beauty, Health & Wellness, brought to life through a panel discussion moderated by Ohavia Phillips-Reed, giving honorees a platform to share their journeys shaping the future of the industry.

No UNCF North Carolina luncheon is complete without Hatitude, the signature competition where guests compete for the most stylish, creative, and dramatic hats across several categories. Now a beloved tradition spanning over two decades, Hatitude has become synonymous with the luncheon itself, turning the room into a runway of Southern glamour and personal expression.

Among the standout looks was contestant Krystal Batts, who wore an Atoir dress, Coperni bag, and Tom Ford heels, topped off with a hat she found on Etsy that she described as both classic and bold.

Check out more of our interviews below:

Thank you to Tiffany, Kennedy, and the whole UNCF Team for having us! Until Next Year!

Photo Credit: @jaynextdoor / @caz.________

Primary colors and perky peplums at Ashlyn. An homage to Carolina Herrera, shift dress based on a portrait by Andy Warhol. Color change silk trousers for men by Campillo, a brand that fuses personal experiences with Mexican aesthetics. Trend alert! Metallic strips of tiered and layered fabric create a Frank Gehry-esque dazzling skirt, Cult Gaia. All images vogue.com unless noted.

Ashlyn. Charming peplum petals, by Ashlynn Park.

Ashlyn. Knit top paired with sheer skirt.

Ashlyn.

Ashlyn.

Sheer lace fitted dress, Sergio Hudson.

Bold color tux. Sergio Hudson.

Sergio Hudson.

Sergio Hudson.

Sergio Hudson. A cummerbund cuts a trim silhouette.

Sergio Hudson.

Sergio Hudson, the sultan of sexy.

Flowing, marigold gown. Bibhu Mohapatra.

Bibhu Mohapatra.

Bibhu Mohapatra.

Bibhu Mohapatra.

Sensational sequins, Bibhu Mohapatra.

Caplet over sheer top, Bibhu Mohapatra. Watch the elegant NYFW runway show here.

Reclaimed, repurposed and reimagined denim by threeASFOUR.

Gabriel Asfour, Angela Donhauser and Adi Gil, the founders of threeASFOUR combine cutting-edge technologies with couture craftsmanship to create out-of-this world denim garments.

To learn more about this amazing company, click here: threeASFOUR.

Khaite, by Catherine Holstein.

Sheer, embroidered skirt, Khaite.

Floral top paired with leather shorts, Khaite. Watch the runway show here.

Diane von Furstenberg debut collection by Henry Zankov.

Diane von Furstenberg.

Diane von Furstenberg.

Zane Li is a winner of the Karl Lagerfeld Award from the LVMH Prize and creates bold, contemporary apparel.

Zane Li.

Zane Li.

Gracefully draped gown by Ulla Johnson.

Ulla Johnson. Gauzy, delicate trench festooned with embroidered violets.

Embellished vest paired with ruched blouse and fishnets by Ulla Johnson.

The return of the bubble skirt. Ulla Johnson.

It’s time to embrace softly flowing ruffles. Ulla Johnson.

Lingerie, nightgown or dress; you decide. Ulla Johnson.

Slip dress by Ulla Johnson. Watch the entire Ulla Johnson runway show here.

The party starts here. LaQuan Smith.

Vegas showgirl look by LaQuan Smith.

Figure hugging power suit by LaQuan Smith.

Luminous bronze metallic gown by LaQuan Smith.

Trend alert! Cascading asymmetrical ruffles were spotted on numerous NYFW runways. LaQuan Smith.

Exposed lingerie, bras, sheer babydolls, slip dresses and camisoles are now considered streetwear; at least by many NYFW designers.

As many fashion designers are promoting lingerie as daywear for women, it makes sense that Patricio Campillo is presenting hot pants for men. Campillo.

Campillo.

Fly away feather coat, Campillo.

Stand out from the crowd. Campillo.

Crisp white blouse shown with sheer baby blue skirt, Carolina Herrera by the talented Wes Gordon. Watch the entire Spring/Summer 2027 runway show here.

Cardigan over coordinating bra paired with lace pencil skirt. Carolina Herrera.

Carolina Herrera.

Feminine sequins, Carolina Herrera.

Signature polka dots, Carolina Herrera.

Carolina Herrera. Drop waist summer frock paired with bold earrings.

Along with the lingerie reference, the sheer skirt showed up on a number of runways. Carolina Herrera.

Modern art by Michael Kors.

Michael Kors.

Cleans lines and a 60’s vibes. Michael Kors.

Easy, contemporary Donegal wool knits by JW Anderson.

Garden pullover by JW Anderson.

Little house in Ireland cardigan by JW Anderson.

Elegant gold fringe skirt ensemble by Ralph Lauren.

Flowing peach gown, Ralph Lauren.

Figure flattering scarlet gown paired with cobalt blue feather boa. Ralph Lauren.

Crushed velvet embroidered robe and trousers flow from casual evening at home to chic formal affair. Watch the entire Ralph Lauren runway show here.

Meow! Fab tiger cardigan and skirt, Altuzarra.

Modern silhouette, leather trousers. Altuzarra.

The gold trend continues to shine. Altuzarra.

Striking, figure flattering mixture of fabrics and texture. Altuzarra. Watch the luxe NYFW Spring/Summer 2027 Altuzarra runway show here.

Loopy off-the shoulder top and uptrending bubble skirt. Cult Gaia by gifted designer Jasmin Larian Hekmat. Note: Watch for the Three Musketeers hat to become a trend.

Breezy chiffon summer top and skirt accessorized with fabulous gold knee high sandals and hand woven purse sprouting a three foot long luxurious tail. Cult Gaia.

The iconic bamboo Ark bag. Cult Gaia.

Aubergine woven top paired with gauzy trousers. Cult Gaia.

Plum cropped jacket goes formal paired with sheer chainmail skirt. Cult Gaia.

Handsome woven jacket in dove grey shown with coordinated trousers; menswear by Cult Gaia.

Woven raffia ensemble in deep burgundy, Cult Gaia.

Glowing silver halter, perfect for when you’re handed the fashion award. Cult Gaia.

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Our daily workwear reports suggest one piece of work-appropriate attire in a range of prices.

I recently pulled an old Polo Ralph Lauren sweater out of my closet for a casual office day, and one of my younger colleagues told me I was very “on trend.” I didn’t tell her that the sweater in question was nearly as old as she was, and took the compliment with a smile. Preppy is back (did it ever leave?), so we might as well grab some of these comfy cardigans and lean into it.

This cream colored one will go nicely with just about anything this fall. I would wear it to work with a blue oxford and black trousers. 

The sweater is $268 at Nordstrom and comes in sizes XS-XL.

Sales of note for 9/11:

Outfit Details: Ulla Johnson Top, Ulla Johnson Shorts (more sizes here), Ulla Johnson Bag, Ulla Johnson Shoes

I’m always drawn to a look that has a little contrast built into it. Satin, lace, draping and romantic details are all things I naturally gravitate toward, but I like them best when there’s something in the mix that keeps them from feeling too sweet.

Outfit Details: Ulla Johnson Top, Ulla Johnson Shorts (more sizes here), Ulla Johnson Bag, Ulla Johnson Shoes | Ulla Johnson Top, Ulla Johnson Shorts, Ulla Johnson Bag & Ulla Johnson Shoes

Sometimes that comes from the clothes themselves, and sometimes it’s the accessory that changes the whole direction. Leopard against lace, a calf-hair bag with silk pants, pearl-adorned sandals paired with a tee, or a sculptural earring against a drapey top. Texture makes the outfit richer, pattern gives it more bite, and a little shine can shift the mood completely.

I think that contrast is what keeps a feminine look feeling modern and personal. Pretty, but not precious. Polished, but never too proper.

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I like the cool, almost organic silver details on this affordable belt from Quince.

The belt is available sizes XS-XL in three colorways: black with silver (pictured), black with gold, and an espresso with gold; it’s $58 at Quince.

(Incidentally! The readers have been discussing whether you should always wear a belt when your pants have belt loops both here and here. For my $.02, I never wear a belt with jeans, but then I almost never tuck… I think the cleaner the tuck, the more the belt loops are on display, and the more it looks like you need a belt. On the flip side, if you’re wearing a sweater, T-shirt, or other untucked top then the belt loops don’t matter much.

I totally agree with the commenters who noted that a belt can interrupt an outfit, as well as be uncomfortable, but I think tailoring is the answer here — if you’re getting your pants tailored well enough that you don’t need a belt, it’s an easy fix to have the belt loops removed.)

Sales of note for 9/11: