Fashion Week just wrapped, and let me tell you, the runways were a total explosion of creativity! From fierce to flirty, these designers delivered looks that had us shouting "YASSSS" from the rooftops. So, grab your virtual shades and get ready to dive into the hottest trends that absolutely slayed:

1. Color Chaos is the New Cool: Forget playing it safe! This season, it's all about embracing the rainbow. Christian Cowan and Diotima went wild with vibrant hues, from sunshine yellows to emerald greens. Basically, the brighter, the better!

2. Mix and Match Mania: This ain't your grandma's wardrobe. Designers are throwing out the rulebook, pairing form-fitting pieces with flowy skirts, or mixing lace with leather. It's a fashion party, and everyone's invited! (Think Kim Shui's edgy business blazers with lacy undergarments — fire!)

3. Ruffles with an Attitude: Ruffles are back, baby, but with a twist! Collina Strada showed us how to rock soft, whimsical ruffles for a quiet confidence vibe. Meanwhile, Diotima went full-on drama with dramatic, flowing ruffles that made a serious statement.

4. Barefaced Beauty: Makeup who? This season, many designers embraced a natural, barely-there look. Think glowing skin and minimal products (Coach and Collina Strada nailed this!). But fear not, makeup lovers, because...

5. Expressive Eyes Make a Splash: Diotima offered a refreshing contrast with bold, expressive makeup, proving that dramatic eyes can steal the show. Think bright shadows, sharp lines, and a whole lotta sass! ️

So there you have it, fashion fam! These are just a few of the killer trends that took New York Fashion Week by storm. With a mix of bold colors, wild combinations, and a celebration of individuality, this season was all about pushing boundaries and having FUN with fashion. Now get out there and rock your own unique style!
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Models: Jah Johnson, Steven Lemon, Nicole Biaggi | Photographer: Aaron Smalls | Styling: Bella Ngong 

Chris Scott isn’t just a designer; he’s a dreamer, who uses fashion as his canvas. His passion for his brand, Dyes Effx, bleeds through his every word, a vibrant tapestry woven from a love of art, self-expression, and collaboration. With Dyes Effx, he’s not just creating clothes – he’s creating a movement, one splash of color at a time. 

But what truly sets Dyes Effx apart is its collaborative spirit. “Dyes Effx isn’t just about my designs,” Chris emphasizes. “It’s about welcoming other artists, other brands, and creating something together.” 

During his runway showcase at Columbia Fashion Week 2024, his mix of grunge and chic all glued together with vibrant splats of color throughout–definitely made heads turn. The collection featured a maxi corset dress by local designer, Anton x Maxine. The showstopping piece was a contrast to the designers’ more defined, clean cut, and darker hued garments.

Scott isn’t afraid to break the mold. “Sure, we have t-shirts and hoodies,” Chris says with a grin, “but Dyes Effx is more than that.I believe that there are trends that come and go, some that simply never change, and somewhere in the median there’s a balance that yields a timeless result, and that’s where DFX find opportunities.”

Read more about Dyes Effx in our second issue of the COLAFW Experience. Grab your ticket now for out official launch party HERE.

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​Setting the Stage
The newly renovated The Venue, a luxurious event space nestled in the heart of Columbia, South Carolina, provided the perfect backdrop for our exclusive interview with Robert Wilkerson, a renowned Style Icon of Columbia Fashion Week. The venue's elegant ambiance, with its soaring ceilings, plush furnishings, and impeccable attention to detail, mirrored Wilkerson's own refined aesthetic.

As we sat down with Wilkerson, it was immediately apparent that his style was more than just clothing. It was a reflection of his personality, a carefully curated expression of his individuality. His words, delivered with a quiet confidence, painted a vivid picture of a man who had spent years perfecting his craft.

A Personal Style Revolution
Wilkerson's approach to fashion is rooted in a deep appreciation for both classic and contemporary styles. He described his personal aesthetic as "remaining classic but still adding nuance and flair." This ability to seamlessly blend tradition with newness is a hallmark of his unique style. "I am a lover of a classic style and foundational styling but adding my twists so you can see my personality," Wilkerson explained. "It's about understanding the art of thrifting and high end and being able to blend both." This philosophy is evident in his carefully chosen outfits from colors, to accessories, to patterns.

Influences and Inspirations
Wilkerson's style has been shaped by a variety of influences, both personal and professional. His parents, he revealed, played a significant role in developing his appreciation for fashion. His mother, a skilled thrifter, taught him the value of finding unique pieces and repurposing them. His father, on the other hand, introduced him to the world of high-end fashion, working as a personal shopper at Bloomingdale's and Suit Supply. "I have an understanding of what high end fashion looks and feels like and what fabric and patterns are best for what season," Wilkerson explained. “But also understanding that with the thrifting part of it, there’s a level of humility that you get out of it. And it allows you to be able to make somebody's trash your treasure."

A Contrarian's Approach
While many people follow fashion trends to the letter, Wilkerson takes a contrarian approach. "I never follow trends to its exact T," he stated. "Majority of people are already going to do that." Instead, he selects elements from trends that resonate with his personal style and incorporates them into his own unique aesthetic. This approach allows Wilkerson to maintain his individuality and stand out from the crowd. It also ensures that his wardrobe remains timeless, rather than being dictated by fleeting fashion trends.

Read more in our upcoming Fall publication!