On May 8, the Little Rock Met: An Evening of Art and Fashion returns to M2 Gallery, bringing together Arkansas’s artists, designers, and creatives for a night that mirrors the spectacle of Met Gala. Among this year’s designers is Sarah Turner, creator of the brand Sunorah Originals, whose work is grounded in intention, resourcefulness, and personal values.

Turner’s path into fashion didn’t begin in New York or Los Angeles – it began at Joann’s Fabrics. Working there, she found herself surrounded by materials, techniques, and, unexpectedly, connections. 

“I met almost every fashion designer that’s currently here in Arkansas,” she says. “And I still have relationships with them today.”

That early access to fabric and community shaped her trajectory. After graduating, Turner stepped away from fashion entirely. What was meant to be a short break stretched into eight years. During that time, she supported other designers, quietly staying connected to the craft. Eventually, inspiration returned, and with it, a renewed sense of purpose.

In October 2024, Turner reemerged with what she calls her Velvet Return Collection, debuting at Conway Fashion Week. Since then, she’s been creating steadily, fueled by what she describes as a “spark” that hadn’t been there before.

Photographer: Nelly Hernandez; submitted by Sarah Turner
“I’m mainly doing womenswear right now,” she says, “but I don’t have any limits.”

That openness carries into her design philosophy, which centers on energy as much as aesthetics. “No matter what I’m creating, I want the person looking at the design and the person wearing it to radiate the light within them,” she explains. “I put my energy into what I create. I channel that through God, through creation. I’m very intentional with that.”

That intention is visible in her upcoming collection for LR Met. Her collection features layered materials across three core looks (plus a fourth, self-designed piece): a “textured gown” blending satin, lace, rayon, denim, and chiffon; denim flared pants paired with a satin cowl-neck top; and a two-piece lace ensemble with a bustier, palazzo pants, and a matching veil. 

“My designs are really based on mixing different textures,” she says.

But beyond visual impact, Turner is focused on craftsmanship. “Clean finishes,” she emphasizes. “Very, very important. No loose threads. A polished look. And tailoring…making each piece fit the person wearing it as much as possible.”

An original design from Turner’s Velvet Return Collection. Photography by Nelly Hernandez; submitted by Sarah Turner

Turner’s approach reflects a broader shift in how designers operate today. While fashion has long been tied to major cities, she sees that limitation dissolving. “I used to think I had to be in New York or California to make big moves,” she says. But access, she argues, is no longer the barrier it once was. 

From online tutorials to fabric sourcing, resources are widely available. Turner herself contributes to that ecosystem through YouTube tutorials, where she documents her process and teaches others how to create. “Anybody can learn it,” she says. In an industry often perceived as exclusive, Turner wants to open doors for others. 

At LR Met, those doors take physical form. The event was established in 2024 and created to spotlight Arkansas’s creative community, pairing fashion with visual art in an immersive gallery setting. Guests are encouraged to embrace this year’s theme, “Costume Art,” and dress to impress. 

Turner looks forward to representing her vision at the event this Friday. When asked what she wants people to associate with her brand, her answer is immediate: “Radiate.”