Kent State University’s School of Fashion held its first show ever during New York Fashion Week this fall with a creative partnership. Kent State University invited International Fashion Academy (IFA) Paris and International Migration Organization (IMO) to join them with the goal of bringing awareness to the world’s most prestigious fashion schools and the impact of global cultures.
The show took place at the penthouse of Madison Square’s NeueHouse on September 9, 2022. Through collaboration, Kent State University, IFA and IMO’s No Nation Fashion Brand made a statement with Balkan-Migration-Inspired designs. Three outfits from the No Nation Fashion Brand represent the journey of migrants from the time of nomadic practices. The collection celebrates resilience and inclusion through social and cultural change.
Watch a Video of the Show
KSU x IFA Fashion Show
Co-hosts:
Ann Walter, Director NYC Fashion, School of Fashion, Kent State University
Jean-Baptise Andreani, CEO of IFA Paris
Speakers:
Todd Diacon, President, Kent State University
Diane Helfers Petrella, Dean of the College of the Arts, Kent State University
Mourad Krifa, Interim Director of the School of Fashion, Kent State University
Jean-Baptise Andreani, CEO of IFA Paris Group
Laura Lungarotti, Chief of Mission/Representative, Sub-Regional Coordinator, IOM - UN Migration
Production Team:
Hannah Delmore, invite illustration
Chic Studio, make-up
Tyshaia Earnest, photography
NeueHouse Productions
Designers:
Nora Riffle (Kent State University ‘22)
Manon Marasse (IFA Paris ‘22)
D’Antae Butler (Kent State University ‘22)
Leonor Schmidt (IFA Paris ‘22)
Jayda Breiding (Kent State University ‘22)
Nicole Moore (IFA Paris ‘22)
Mase Makuch (Kent State University ‘22)
Isabella Digiacomo (IFA Paris ‘22)
Alycia-Rae Dewit (IFA Paris ‘22)
Thongchat Chinnabut (IFA Paris ‘22)
No Nation Fashion (Powered by IOM)
Redd's Denim by Garrison Redd
Masks, Jase King
No Nation
The No Nation Fashion Brand was created by the collaborative efforts of migrants and the Bosnian fashion industry. When migrants were being placed into accommodations, there was a rising interest in sewing and tailoring. Sewing centers were set up in Temporary Reception Centers to help migrants improve their skills. They mended and altered clothes, created reusable masks, and gained the attention of the creative sector. Soon after No Nation Fashion Brand was created to bring together different cultures through fashion. Under the creative direction of Aleksandra Lovrić, they created a powerful line for New York Fashion Week.
School of Fashion
Kent State University is in the top 25 fashion programs in the world and number six in the United States. Additionally, the graduate program for fashion is number five in the United States. Kent State’s School of Fashion boasts three undergraduate degrees in Fashion Design and Merchandising, and a variety of programs for all students to grow creatively. Located in Kent, Ohio, the School offers several study-away programs including New York City, Florence, Paris, and Hong Kong. From their location in the Garment District, students studying in New York have a unique opportunity to work with industry leaders, explore the marketplace, and gain experience with internships.
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