A 'fur-free' Fashion Week Columbus kicks off 7 days of events
Sunday is the first day of Fashion Week Columbus, featuring seven days of runway shows, presentations, parties and more at various locations.
One thing that will not be featured is real fur, as the event has established a new fur-free policy. In fact, it is the first fashion week in the U.S. to take the step, according to the Humane Society of the United States, a nonprofit focused on animal welfare.
Another "first" for the event will be a "Curvy Runway," presented by BG Luxe on Friday at Due Amici.
What remains unchanged is the major opportunity Fashion Week Columbus has provided for local designers and models since its inception in 2010.
"It's the biggest platform that you could possibly have in Columbus and central Ohio," said Keira Chatman, executive director of the Columbus Fashion Council nonprofit, which hosts the event. "They're able to get on the stage for a very minimal entry (fee). And it catapults their whole business because most of the people who are interested in fashion are there."
Fashion Week Columbus is the flagship program and major fundraiser for the Columbus Fashion Council, which was founded by Thomas McClure. The organization provides year-round programs, and collaborates with the Columbus Downtown Development Corporation and IL Moda Brand Development on the Columbus Fashion & Retail District. The district includes the Common Thread shops on the ground floor of the Columbus Commons Garage.
The Columbus Fashion Council, which has given $55,000 in scholarships to Columbus College of Art & Design students, has played a role in growing the fashion industry in the city, which ranks third in the country for its number of resident fashion designers.
Despite that fact, Chatman said many Columbus residents are still unaware of the local fashion industry.
"You don't know until you actually do your research," she said. "And that's why I think that a lot of people haven't gone to Fashion Week Columbus, because it is just not a lot of trust and faith that this will be a good presentation."
Read on for more information about Fashion Week Columbus, which features headline designer and "Project Runway" star Prajjé O. Jean Baptiste.
All tickets can be purchased at fashionweekcolumbus.org/events.
More: 'Bringing couture to Columbus': A look at the city's fashion community
High Fashion Tea Runway Show
On Sunday, from 1-4 p.m., the 14th Annual High Fashion Tea Runway Show will take place at Le Méridien Columbus, The Joseph, 620 N. High St. The afternoon will feature a fashion show, silent auction, tea and snacks. Tickets are $90.
Macy's Fall Fashion Show
On Monday, from 6-9 p.m., the Macy's Fall Fashion Show will take place on the roof of the Easton location of the department store, 4141 Easton Loop East. About 60 to 70 models will participate, and about 300 people are expected to attend, Chatman said. Tickets are free.
Passport 2 Fashion By The Spice Age
On Tuesday, from 6-9 p.m., the Passport 2 Fashion show will celebrate diverse designers and their designs at Strongwater Food and Spirits, 401 W. Town St. Tickets are $35-$50.
"It's really the breaking-in point for a lot of designers into Fashion Week Columbus," Chatman said. "It's all local designers."
But attendees can expect diversity throughout the entire week of events, Chatman added.
"It's always been diverse, but I think we've had the reputation that it wasn't diverse enough. But 90% of our models are Black, and our leads and directors are all diverse. I really wan to be able to showcase that a little bit more. That's definitely one of the goals this year."
Recycled Runway Fashion Show by Nurtur
Sponsored by Nurtur Salon, the Recycled Runway Fashion Show will take place Wednesday, from 6-8 p.m., at Gravity, 500 W. Broad St. The designers will be focused on sustainability and zero waste, and the winning team will be given $100 Easton gift cards. Tickets are free.
"We really just want to make sure that we're trying to be as ethical as possible." Chatman said. "Everything that they present is (from) materials that they already had or they found. And then they revamp it. It's one of my favorite shows. It's really fun."
Philanthropy Meets Fashion hosted by CCAD
On Thursday, from 6-9 p.m., Philanthropy Meets Fashion will feature an interview with headline designer Prajjé O. Jean Baptiste, as well as a presentation by Walking Wild Rescue, a nonprofit that rescues captive bred foxes, some of whom will be onsite at CCAD, 60 Cleveland Ave. The event is sold out.
"It's really an opportunity for the local community to come out and get to know the headliner, and also for the students to learn from someone who has gained so much success as a designer," Chatman said.
The Fashion Industry Mixer by IL Moda Brands
The category is "Tuscan couture" for the Fashion Industry Mixer by IL Moda Brands, which will take place Friday, from 7-10 p.m., at Due Amici, 67 E. Gay St. Tickets are free.
An annual staple, the mixer is hosted by IL Moda Brands owner and Columbus Fashion Council President Lubna Najjar. The event will feature a "Curvy Runway" featuring curvy models.
"It's high-energy and really fun," Chatman said. "But it's not a sit-down event. You mingle and network and see some looks in between."
Finale Runway Show
The pièce de résistance, or 14th Annual Finale Runway Show, will take place Saturday, from 6 to 10 p.m., at the Greater Columbus Convention Center, 400 N. High St. Tickets are $50-$300.
Chatman said about 600 people are expected to come out to see the works of the designers, which include headliner Prajjé O. Jean Baptiste.
"It gives you New York City − it's an awesome production," Chatman said. "I think that when people get there, they're really surprised about how high-level it is."
Official After Party
The week of festivities will wind down with the FWC23 Official After Party on Saturday, from 11 p.m. to 1 a.m., at Parlay Sporting Club + Kitchen, 570 N High St.
ethompson@dispatch.com
@miss_ethompson
This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Fashion Week Columbus 2023 features 7 days of fashion shows and more
