CCFA's Involvement With the Kwagala Project





Above is an example of a beautifully beaded Kwagala necklace!

CCFA is throwing photoshoots and hosting handmade Ugandan bead selling events on campus as well as bakesales to raise money for the Kwagala Project, a foundation that supports girls who have been vicitms of human trafficking. The foundation focuses on helping bring hope and bright futures to girls who otherwise may not be able to achieve that on their own. To learn more about the Kwagala Project and how to help, click here! Keep up with the Kwagala Project by liking them on Facebook!


Fashion Focus Chicago 2012

 

Fashion Focus Chicago 2012 took place from October 15th-October 21st. One of the shows that CCFA was most excited about was 'Dress Code' on Monday, October 15th at 7pm at the Cultural Center. The ballroom was full of people as the croud watched beatuiful designs from Columbia's own students and alumni being strutted down the runway! Collections from neighboring art schools such as the Art Institute and SAIC were also included in the show! Congratulations to our student designers; we are very proud!

The 2012 Academy Awards

Oh, the Oscars. This past Sunday was Hollywood’s biggest and most anticipated night of the year, unfortunately, this year, that anticipation didn’t quite pay off. Boring, bland, and safe plagued the red carpet, with almost no outings giving a shining beacon of hope for the nights dullness and lack of allure.  From the rough options, there were some celebrities that did manage to standout and bring their B game, but overall it just kept us wishing for more.

The first being Gwyneth Paltrow. Thank god for her sophisticatedly fashion forward presence of late, which without would have left the red carpet with no accomplishments or hopes for the future of the relationship between award season and fashion. The Tom Ford Fall 2012 cap-sleeved cream column gown complete with a diagonally-cut neckline and matching cape was the public’s first peek at Ford’s ultra-private collection for Fall, which debuted less than a week ago. This gown, which is indeed, simplistic was the nights true standout number. The elegance and precision of the gown combined with the impeccable fit and finishings elevated this gown to show-stopper status. The true winner though is the cape. This mere cape was the night’s only risk that was truly taken. Thank you, Gwyneth! Without this look our hopes of red carpet dressing would have been lost on a season that turned out safe and boring over the dynamically dramatic and daring qualities of red carpet dressing that we have all grown to love and dream of.

Next up, Michelle Williams, one of the two celebrities who dared to wear a bold color to this event. Her custom coral Louis Vuitton number took over 300 hours to complete, and it paid off. The intricately cut and delicately frayed tiers of silk-chiffon gave off that true Hollywood glamour that has grown to define the Oscars, as well as a modern, updated, and sophisticated example of how celebrity dressing should appear. What was most astonishing here was the fit. The bodice hugged her waist impeccably and the skirt and subtle train truly showcased the precision that Vuitton’s atelier offers. A noticeable trend was also the peplum that perfectly gathered around her midriff and fell to right below the buttocks, a Spring trend that has carried over to not only the Fall runways, but now the red carpet. No matter how you look at Wiliams: she was the epitome of fragility, delicateness, femininity, and glamor.

Rounding out the top three is newcomer Rooney Mara in Givenchy Haute Couture Spring 2012. Sculpted, feminine, and modern. The lightness via the tulle straps, free-flowing chiffon skirt, and delicate ivory mixed with the subversive darkness of the sculpted bodice, ornate beading, and svelte shape reinforces the perfect balance Rooney has struck between both worlds this entire awards season. What’s even more interesting is that she chose this dress the morning of the event. First of all, I can only imagine the nightmare her stylist must have gone through, but yet there is something so pure and practical to her ways that you can having nothing but respect and admiration for. Mara has sported Tisci all throughout this past year, and while I love this dress and the collection it came from, it was hard to not feel somewhat let-down by this number. While it is great that Rooney switched it up from her usual all-black options, there were some fabulous numbers that she could have donned that would have taken her above and beyond. Ricardo Tisci, Prabal Gurung, and Bottega Veneta all had better options for her and it’s a shame that she didn’t utilize them. While she looked great, it was hard not to have that voice in the back of your head screaming that it could have been better.

Without further ado, here is the Top 10 list:

1. Gwyneth Paltrow in Tom Ford

2. Michelle Williams in custom Louis Vuitton

3. Rooney Mara in Givenchy Haute Couture

4. Emma Stone in Giambattista Valli Haute Couture

5. Jessica Chastain in Alexander McQueen

6. Octavia Spencer in Tadashi Shoji

7. Viola Davis in Vera Wang

8. Meryl Streep in Lanvin

9. Mila Jovovich in Elie Saab

10. Glenn Close in Zac Posen

While this list is great, overall the night was shadowed with disappointment and missed marks. The real story here is that celebrities have grown fearful of the power of social media, especially at such a hot ticket event as the Oscars. It is understandable, having every stitch, every brush of powder, and every jewel being carefully looked over in the hopes of finding flaws by the world. Pressure doesn’t even compare. But in the end, you would hope that celebrities would realize that one wardrobe flaw does not ruin a career or a public image.

One thing that needs to be eliminated are all of the princess gowns, I’m talking to you Elie Saab and Marchesa, which may get you a nod for an okay outing, but those who stick to this convention are not doing themselves or the world of fashion any justice. It is designer’s jobs to push their clients, and create something that redefines American’s expectations of beauty, not the other way around. It would be nice to see this come into play again, in order to save us from another bland and lackluster year of red carpet dressing. After all, Bjork’s infamous swan gown may have been ridiculed by millions, but at least she tried, which is more than I can say for the majority of the attendees this year.

This Post is by: Connor Childers, CCFA PR Co-Chair

Marc Jacobs Fall 2012

Marc Jacobs has built his business around the mission to create clothing for the quirky and eccentric woman. His customer is a rarity: fusing understated luxury with the downtown, quirkiness, and freedom of the “old” New York City. Recently, Jacobs has been criticized to have lost sight of this customer and the point of view for which he became famous for. Marc, being never one to disappoint, did just that for his latest outing: re-channeled that cult-customer and translated her into today’s modern Jacobs woman. He tapped the perfect balance of concession to the past and innovation of the future by infusing elements from 17th century Plymouth Rock to Tim Burton and Dr. Seus to 21st century street style. (A realm of influences that could truly only be pulled off by the intelligent precision of Jacobs’ hands).

The models wore Pilgrim shoes, in stacked and flat heights, complete with oversized rhinestone buckles. As for the clothes, they were inspired by Anna Piaggi and Lynn Yaeger, fashion eccentrics who invented the art of the “mash-up” look, that today dominates street style blogs. Piaggi never goes anywhere without a hat, and Marc took this literally, topping each model with a Dr. Seus worthy hat, tha tilted all which ways, constructed out of various hues of mink. The outfits were just as eccentric: wool stoles worn over oversized wool blazers and coats paired with patchwork plasticized skirts over mid-calf length pants, all of which came in balloon-esque shapes as well as fitted tailored options, juxtaposing Marc’s more recent collections’ of strictly tight and severe silhouettes.

But Jacobs didn’t stop there. His color palette ranged from teals and eggplants to bubble-gums, suburst yellows, and lavenders. Tinsel showed up everywhere on skirts and tops. Prints varied from large paisleys and doodled florals to holographic appliques that literally dripped off dresses. 

Sound like a train-wreck?

On the contrary, it was eccentric, but it surely did the likes of Yaeger and Piaggi proud. But beyond that, it made you go back to the beginning with Marc. While, Jacobs would argue with anyone who called him nostalgic, that is exactly what the collection was: nostalgic Marc. The feeling was almost indescribable: seeing Marc re-connect with his fan base and followers. It was fearless. But more importantly, it made you fall in love with fashion, New York, and Marc Jacobs all over again.

By:  Connor Childers, CCFA PR Co-Chair

Bone-Making Party for One Million Bones

Several Columbia students joined CCFA at their first Bone-Making Party, January 30th, at Stage 2 of the 618 South Michigan building. The event helped an amazing organization, One Million Bones , move one step closer to completing their large-scale art installation that will be on display in Washington D.C. The video below is from One Million Bones' Albuquerque event. 

CCFA is joining the movement to end genocide and you can too! Stay tuned for more bone-making parties in the future. And if you can't wait until the next event, here are photos from the last event to hold you over!

(For more information about the event e-mail lexv12@gmail.com, to see more photos from the event check out our Facebook page. )
 

FAB + CCFA = Networking Event

Last week, CCFA and The Fashion Advisory Board teamed up once again for a very successful night of networking. Industry professionals from Oak Street Design, Coach, Kohls, Akira, Crate & Barrel, Victoria Secret, and Style Seek all came out to the event, as well as Tricia Parker, a PR consultant. Students and professionals alike had tons of positive things to say
about the event!

What did you think of this event overall?


"As a sophomore, I appreciate that a lot of the professionals provided guidance to help me prepare for my junior year when I am eligible to complete internships for credit"
- Katie Kahle, Sophomore


"This was a phenomenal opportunity for anyone looking for internships or jobs." 
- Emily Bertino, Senior


"The fashion world is always connected one way or another. It is good to see Columbia is connected throughout the city and to my 
current employer. Through this event I was able to connect with someone in a different department at Akira to open a door for me."

 - Nadieen Jazeh 


What is your best piece of advice for those entering the fashion industry? 


"Get experience in everything you can." - Caroline Ibarra, student


"Have a lot of experience. Employers want that wow factor; create that lasting impression." 
- Sarah from Coach 


Why do you love your job in the fashion industry?


"I love my job because I feel like I am actually making a difference." 
- Emily Thompson from Crate & Barrel



"I love my job because I can really help customers and get them what they want, not force them to buy." 
- Erika Devine from Kohl's

Did you miss the Networking 


event? Or did you love it and want more? 


The Fashion Advisory Board will 


be hosting two other  events this semester: 


the Industry Breakfast for seniors and the 


Industry Panel. Stay tuned for updates so 


you won't miss out!