Fashion Columbia took to the streets. Joining forces with Manifest, the end of the year showcase presenting the work of Columbia’s graduating seniors, Fashion Columbia was Manifest’s inaugural event. Matinee and evening runway fashion shows were held under a tent, at the corner of Wabash and Harrison Avenue. Dianne Erpenbach, coordinator of the Fashion/Retail Management concentration, was pleased with the new association. “Fashion Columbia received more exposure this year, due to the college’s marketing of Manifest. The arrangement also benefited the students, allowing their family and friends to come at one time to celebrate both graduation and Fashion Columbia.”

     Fashion Columbia is a joint project of the Fashion Design concentration in the Department of Art and Design, and the AEMM Department’s Fashion/Retail Management concentration. Showcasing the original creations of Columbia’s fashion design students, the show is produced by Fashion Retail Management students enrolled in the Fashion Show Production Class, under the instruction of Nena Ivon, Manager of Public Relations and Special Events/Fashion for Saks Fifth Avenue. As faculty advisor to Fashion Columbia and a leader in Chicago’s fashion community, Ivon understands the impact this hands-on experience has on the students and the fashion industry. “Each year, the students look forward to this event with a healthy anxiety,” says Ivon. “The production aspect of the show reflects the students’ aesthetic interpretation of the designs and brings together a collaborative and cohesive product from two academic departments.”

Senior Salute
     Fashion Columbia’s Senior Salute is going high tech. Targeting employers in the fashion industry, Senior Salute will offer a DVD presenting a one-page portfolio of the work of 88 graduating students from the Fashion Design and Fashion/Retail Management concentrations. The new DVD format will make it easier for employers to get a cross section of the work of all the graduating fashion students. It also allows industry professionals who are unable to attend Fashion Columbia an opportunity to request a copy, potentially providing graduating students with added exposure. Says Dianne Erpenbach, coordinator of the Fashion/Retail Management concentration, “many students have had follow-up interviews and employment opportunities arise as a result of employers attending Fashion Columbia and viewing the Senior Salute portfolios.”