The creative talents of Kent State University's fashion students are taking center stage – literally – in the Big Apple for New York Fashion Week (NYFW).
For starters, the leading fashion institutions, the School of Fashion at Kent State and IFA Paris, are collaborating for the second consecutive year with a fashion show at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 6.
"Last year's joint show was a testament to the magic that happens when creative minds unite," said Ann Mariko Walter, director, NYC Fashion. "This year, we are raising the bar even higher. Our students and alumni are eagerly looking forward to showcasing their ingenuity and exploring how the fusion of global cultures can lead to a revolutionary era in the fashion industry."
Provided with the generous support of the Garment District Alliance and New York Film Academy, the event will showcase an array of collections that blend traditional techniques and contemporary designs from around the world in hopes of captivating and inspiring the fashion community. This year's joint fashion show during NYFW is a celebration of the bond between diverse cultures, united under a common passion for fashion and creativity.
"We are truly excited to join hands with the School of Fashion at Kent State University for the second time," said Jean-Baptiste Andreani, CEO at IFA Paris. "Our mutual dedication to empowering young designers and embracing diverse cultures is the cornerstone of this partnership. This show is more than just a runway event; it is an embodiment of our vision for the future of fashion – one that is inclusive, compassionate, and sustainable."
Recent Graduate Showcases Work in Supima Design Competition
The excitement of Fashion Week continues Thursday, Sept. 7, with the annual Supima Design Competition.
Wendy Weng '22, is representing Kent State in this year's Supima Design Competition. In its competition preview, Supima notes that Weng loved doodling and drawing cartoon figures as a child, but when she bought the book “How to Draw Clothing” she immediately knew she found her calling. The idea of fashion design and the endless possibilities that go with designing a collection resonated with the young Weng who at the age of 11 was drawing fashion figures.
Fast-forward to Weng graduating high school and deciding that Kent State had the fashion pedigree and education abroad program that she would thrive in. With a major in fashion design, an associate degree in arts and a minor Chinese, Weng had a well-rounded curriculum that would shape her approach to design. She also took full advantage of the school’s education abroad program participating in the Kent State Florence program and soon after being accepted into the prestigious Paris American Academy program.
Weng Weng’s Supima® collection is inspired by nature’s destruction and its ability to regenerate life. The sophisticated take on womenswear focuses on color and texture to show the process of how nature is able to come back after destruction. Weng uses a variety of techniques and dyeing processes to create a transition in fabrics and textures.
Kent State Today hopes to share a live stream of the fashion show beginning at 6 p.m. on Sept. 6.