For general questions about showcasing as a Fashion Stylist with Columbia Fashion Week, please email our showcase department.
Columbia Fashion Week (COLAFW) hosts an annual stylist competition known as "Thrift The Runway," where fashion stylists compete to become the Columbia’s Top Stylist of the Year. This event challenges stylists to create innovative looks using thrifted materials, promoting sustainability and creativity within the fashion industry.
Competition Overview:
Emerging Stylist Competition Package:
Participating in the Thrift The Runway competition offers a unique platform to showcase your styling talents, engage with a vibrant fashion community, and contribute to the promotion of sustainable fashion practices.
Competition Entry Fee: $150.00
Competition Overview:
- Event: Thrift The Runway – Emerging Stylist Competition
- Date: Friday, November 7th, 2025
Emerging Stylist Competition Package:
- Venue space & production
- Access to COLAFW Model Look Book
- Access to Hair & Makeup
- Access to Runway & Fashion Week pictures (watermark and non-watermark); incl on website
- Event & Brand Promotion via Social Media
- 10 looks
- Stylist Bio on website
- Winner receives:
- Named COLAFW Top Stylist of the Year
- Editorial Spread in COLAFW Experience Magazine
- Monetary prize
- Creative Director of Goodwill Campaign
- Eligibility: Open to all fashion stylists, including emerging talents and seasoned professionals
- Application: Interested stylists must submit an application detailing their experience and portfolio.
- Materials: Participants will be provided a $100 giftcard sponsored by Goodwill Industries of Upstate/Midlands to style their looks using thrifted items, emphasizing sustainability
- Presentation: Each stylist will showcase their curated looks in a runway presentation during the event
- Exposure: Gain visibility within the fashion community and potential opportunities for future collaborations
- Networking: Connect with industry professionals, including designers, models, and influencers.
- See additional benefits on page 10.
- Submission: Complete the online application form available on the COLAFW website
- Portfolio Review: Submit a digital portfolio showcasing previous styling work
- Concept Proposal: Provide a brief outline of your vision for the Thrift The Runway presentation
- Deadline: Applications must be submitted by the specified deadline; late submissions will not be considered
Participating in the Thrift The Runway competition offers a unique platform to showcase your styling talents, engage with a vibrant fashion community, and contribute to the promotion of sustainable fashion practices.
Competition Entry Fee: $150.00
STEP ONE: Submit COMPETITION APPLICATION