“There’s a lot of talent here in Franklin,” said Jacqueline (Jackie) Macaluso, who, along with her husband, Nicholas, are the chief designers and owners of Smoky Sew Co., located on Phillips Street.
The Macalusos established their business just a few years ago, and since then, they have employed a local model, a photographer, and a song producer to ready themselves for the spotlight of February’s New York City Fashion Week, at which time burgeoning and famous clothing designers show off their latest fashions on runways.
Heading to New York City for a Feb. 7 runway showing of 12 Smoky Sew Co.’s latest designs are six models, including Belle Reale, daughter of Brooke and Rob Reale, owners of Kitchen Sink on Main Street, Franklin. Belle models fashions for Smoky Sew Co.’s website and the Macalusos chose her as their runway “closer,” which means she will model one of their more “elaborate,” formal designs.
The runway song was produced by local music producer Andy Markum, of Makers Markum, along with Nicholas, who is trained in audio engineering. The originally produced song is based on Dolly Parton’s famous interview with Barbara Walters that spotlighted the song “Jolene.”

Promotional images are achieved by either Nicholas or local photographer Michaela Guffie.
Jackie admitted that while preparing for their big break on the runway in New York City, everyone involved is excited but a bit jittery. “We have never done a runway show of this caliber, so this is all fresh and new to us. It’s one thing to sit and watch a fashion show, but it’s another thing to put one on.”
From big city to quiet town to big stage
Thirty-somethings Jackie and Nicholas met while working together in Atlanta, Ga. Right away they recognized they were artistic kindred sprits. She has been sewing since she was 7 years old, and obtained a bachelor’s of fine arts in fashion design and a masters in marketing. Nicholas is a professional embroiderer, photographer, audio engineer, and graphic designer.
“I have done a lot of arts in my days,” he pointed out.

Although the East Coast-raised couple met in a big city, they did not want to settle in a big city. A few years ago, they decided to hit the road with the goal of seeking a place to plant roots. They drove all the way to the West Coast and back again, considering Asheville as a landing site. However, Jackie’s mother had vacationed in Franklin years ago, and they decided small-town living suited them both.
They moved to Franklin two years ago and birthed Smoky Sew Co., which “grew quickly,” said Jackie, master tailor and designer.
The couple’s fashion-design philosophy focuses on sustainability – “crafting custom garments that honor both individuality and the planet … to create fashion with purpose, from sustainable materials to mindful tailoring, ensuring each piece not only tells a story but also makes a difference.”
The company’s website further defines their design intentions: “At Smoky Sew Co., sustainability is woven into every stitch and every story. We are dedicated to creating custom-made clothes and reworked vintage clothing that honor both your individuality and the planet. By breathing new life into vintage pieces and crafting garments with durable, high-quality materials, we embrace a slow-fashion approach that reduces waste and encourages mindful consumption. Our designs are made to last, prioritizing longevity and impeccable craftsmanship so each piece becomes a timeless staple in your wardrobe — not a fleeting trend. Through the use of sustainable fabrics, upcycling practices, and eco-friendly production methods, we minimize environmental impact while maximizing style and purpose.”
Clothing is distinct partly because of the embroidered designs, which are Nick’s forte. The goal is to not just decorate the clothing, but to make each piece artistically expressive.
Getting a spot on the runway is sort of a coup for a design company, and an opportunity the Macalusos did not expect so early in their company’s development. They had been invited as guests to attend last September’s New York City Fashion Week (two of which take place annually). After watching runway shows and meeting people in the design industry who learned about their vision for Smoky Sew Co., they were “scouted by a production company to show our clothing collection (in February).”
Right away, they considered Belle Reale, who is represented by New York agency MMG, as a runway model.
“The industry’s tough and this gives her a direct line to walk on a runway during Fashion Week,” said Jackie. “It’s a good opportunity for all of us.”

Modeling is unexpected but welcomed avenue
Reale explained that her modeling journey began at age 9, when she was approached in a mall by a representative for acting and modeling industries.
“At the time, I was more focused on being an actress as I was involved with the theatre for a few years and never had the slightest thought about being in the modeling industry,” she said. “But after I was introduced, I instantly fell in love and started planning my career. “
Reale signed with the New York modeling agency last June. She prepared for her upcoming runway experience by tapping into knowledge she acquired through modeling schooling.
“I also took a look at models on the runway [online] and learned the different types and ways there are to walk on a runway, depending on the company’s vision.”
She said her experience with working with Smoky Sew Co. “… has been nothing short of stellar. [Nicholas and Jackie] always make sure I’m comfortable in their products and the settings of the shoots, not to mention the positive energy they all bring to the table. It has been such a pleasure to work with Nick and Jackie, they’re honest and kind people, which is very hard to come by in this industry. And, I am incredibly grateful for the opportunities Jackie and Nick have created and given me. I feel as if I was destined to work with them and create something special.”

During next month’s New York City Fashion Week, Reale plans to observe and network.
“I hope to learn and grow as a model and get a better understanding about the process of being in a runway fashion show. I will be making new connections that will hopefully result in participating in more shows and campaigns.”
After the runway party
The “big four” fashion shows take place in New York City, London, England, Paris, France, and Milan, Italy. This year, Smoky Sew Co.’s clothing will be viewed in New York, Milan, and Paris, according to Jackie, as well as at shows in Miami, Fla., and Los Angeles, Calif.

After clothing is seen on runways by retail companies and individuals involved in the fashion industry, decisions are made to purchase individual items, order items to wholesale for retail sales, and request custom items.
“Even though this is a flashy, ego-driven industry, we believe – as a husband-and-wife team – that clothing is not just a flashy thing; it’s a basic need and we want to have a brand that is about sustainability and recycling textiles, since they are the number-one pollutant on the planet.”
Besides tapping Franklin’s local talent, Smoky Sew Co. is also committed to giving back to and supporting the Macon County community. The business is a community partner with Smoky Mountain Harm Reduction, a nonprofit that provides “substance use harm reduction, prevention, treatment, and recovery support.” At its 39 Phillips Street location, free, warm clothes are available for anyone who needs them. Donations of warm clothing may be left at the double doors.
The upcoming New York City Fashion Week experience for the Macalusos and Belle Reale can be followed by visiting https://www.facebook.com/smokysewco/.
Photography by Michaela Guffie or Nicholas Macaluso