Bradford Billingsley shows off collection during Birmingham Fashion Week

During Friday night of Birmingham Fashion Week, Pizitz Middle School eighth-grader Bradford Billingsley celebrated his birthday by showcasing several of his designs on the runway.

Billingsley was the "Up and Coming" designer featured during Friday's show. Before his designs were showcased, Birmingham Fashion Week host Tara Gray brought his mother, Dana, on stage to address the crowd.

"It's because of Birmingham Fashion Week that he has been able to do what he's done," she said.

After his designs were shown, Billingsley joined the models on stage for a photo opportunity and multiple rounds of applause. A cake was brought out and the crowd sang "Happy Birthday."

Billingsley honed his skills for designing red-carpet dresses in both the 2013 and 2014 Birmingham Fashion Week Rising Star Design Competitions, in which he won third and second place. He took home first place on the premier episode of teen and tween fashion competition show Project Runway this past fall.

Birmingham Fashion Week brings local and national designers and boutiques together to inspire rising stars. The three day event takes place at Pepper Place in downtown Birmingham. For more, visit bhamfashionweek.com.