CHARLOTTE, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS) — A local designer’s mini collection will hit the Charlotte runway in support of Team USA Olympic athletes.

With every pin, there’s precision.

“This is a very old technique. Draping is not a very easy thing to do,” said Luis Machicao as he worked on a new dress. “You always need to measure. Always. Always. Always,”

Luis Machicao might not be a household name, but he’s made quite a name for himself in the fashion world.

“Couture is an art,” he said. “Some designers will do haute couture, which is the top of the couture, or just couture or ready to wear.”

Machicao is the only Paris-trained couturier in Charlotte, meaning his clothes are tailored to each client.

In less than two weeks, his vibrant Spring collection will hit the runway to support Olympic athletes.

“This show is going to support my friend Ike Bell,” Machicao said, “because he’s the one who is bringing all the Olympic teams to train in Charlotte.”

The teams desperately needed funding before heading off to Paris in late June.

“We realized that some of the teams, they need money,” he said. “Like the female hockey team, the Taekwondo team and I said, ‘OK, let’s show a little collection.’”

Among the 15 models showcasing his exquisite designs on the runway are members of the US National Teams from USA Taekwondo and USA Field Hockey. Some have already secured spots; others are hoping to punch their ticket.

Machicao has designed clothing for 50 movies, and countless clients. He emerged from COVID when no one was ordering gowns for galas.

“But we survived,” he said. “We survived, and what I do is couture. One of a kind, handmade. We even put the Zippers by hand.”

After 34 years in the industry, he has just realized that he’s made it. Something that never needs an alteration, however, is his zest for lifting up those around him.

“Not only because they’re going to walk on the runway, but they’re also happy because people like me, the designers, we’re supporting them,” he said, “and we are members of the community, so this is what we’re doing; supporting our teams.”

‘Runway to the Paris Olympics’ will take place at the Bechtler Museum on June 8th. All proceeds will go to the US National Teams.