BY: KATHERINE RUDIN, COLAFW MARKETING INTERN Photo by Jabril Tobin, Models: Christopher Stanley, Deshea Quashie, Kariem Laporte, Larry GainesThis fall, welcome change—and not just in the seasons! As the leaves turn and the air becomes crisp, it's a perfect time for transformation. Columbia’s rich history remains timeless, a theme brought to life in COLAFW's recent shoot, Main Character. In a tribute to our city's past, COLAFW style team members Larry Gaines and Keonna Myers found a unique way to mix past and present, illustrating men’s fashion across the ages. Inspired by the city, the shoot features a carefully curated wardrobe of pieces representing history, each with a fresh, modern spin on seemingly retro styles. With Columbia’s Main Street as the backdrop, this photoshoot perfectly captures the changing seasons and styles. Each look embodies a warm fall palette, yet every outfit stands alone as its own “main character.” From '70s-inspired bell bottoms to a '90s streetwear bucket hat, each ensemble has its own personality. The keen eye for layering, the use of textures, and playful patterns highlight silhouettes from various decades. Notably, the kilt-inspired skirt paired with jeans offers a modern twist on a historical style. Each look tells its own story of fashion’s evolution, narrating the changes in history while embracing fresh streetwear aesthetics. This artistic display pays homage to the city by inviting people to “experience new life in old ways.” Photo by Jabril Tobin, Models: Christopher Stanley, Deshea Quashie, Kariem Laporte, Larry Gaines
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BY: DEONDRA NEWELL, COLAFW BEAUTY CONTRIBUTOR The environment experiences constant changes on a yearly basis and you know what does the exact same thing? SKIN! That’s right, our skin! But to be more specific the skin on our face goes through the most changes because it receives the most environmental exposure therefore leaving us at risk for skin damage. But fear not, there are some awesome essential skincare products for your face that can create the best environment for your skin to flourish. Ranging from inexpensive to luxury pricing, these products are backed by science and stellar reputations and will take your skin health and protection to the next level. Cleanser Choosing a cleanser that works efficiently while also keeping the integrity of your skin’s barrier in tact is key during changing seasons.
Hyaluronic Acid This powerful and effective skin care component is engineered to create the prime environment for your skin retain moisture and heal itself from the inside out. Retaining 1000 times its weight in water, hyaluronic acid acts as a water magnet to pull moisture into the skin.
Eye Cream Protecting the thinnest skin in your face is one of the most important things you can do!
Moisturizer Keeping the skin bright, beautiful, and healthy is a great start every day!
Supportive Additions Lip Care
Sunscreen
This is simply scratching the surface of all of the various resources available at our disposal that can help make our skin be its very best. No matter what you choose, it’s always important that you commit to a consistent regimen at least for three months to give it time to be fully effective. Different variables can have an effect and certain ingredients shouldn’t be used by expecting mothers or those using medical-grade acne treatments so always consult an esthetician or dermatologist in your area if you’re unsure of what’s best for you. Either way, here’s your sign! It’s time to take the steps toward healthy more confident skin!
BY: SOFIA SHAW, COLAFW MARKETING TEAM MEMBER Happy Halloween COLA FW readers! The weather is cooler, the leaves are falling and celebrity costumes are posted! All of our favorite stars stun this year and the creativity keeps getting better and better. Let’s dive into our favorite costumes for this year. Megan Thee Stallion as Starfire Let’s be honest, Megan looks beautiful in everything, even as a comic book character. The voluminous red hair along with the purple body suit looks gorgeous on her. Not just her costume stood out, but the editing of the photo too! Megan looks straight out of a comic book. Photo via @ theestallion on Instagram  Chloe Bailey as Jessica Rabbit Jaw DROPPED! Chloe Bailey is giving seductive and stunning all in one. Not only is the outfit flattering, the little details of the makeup is truly flawless. From now on, she is Chloe Rabbit! Photo via @ chloebailey on Instagram  Victoria MonetThe R&B singer is unrecognizable in this werewolf-thriller look inspired by Michael Jackson. The outfit, SFX and essence of the photo is hauntingly amazing. I love seeing SFX being used on Halloween and when stars aren’t afraid to get gritty. Photo via @ victoriamonet on Instagram  Sabrina Carpenter as Tinkerbell and Sandy from GreaseCarpenter looks short and spooky with these two costumes. The star celebrated at her Halloween show in Dallas and she did not disappoint. The Tinkerbell look is 10/10, even down to the shoes! The Sandy look is a complete switch, encapsulating Olivia Newton John’s character beautifully. Photos via @ sabrinacarpenter on Instagram
Kacey MusgravesThe country singer looks ethereal in her fairy-elf like costume. I love the simplicity of it, yet it is all stunning together as a look. The wings have beautiful colors and look so realistic that I want a pair myself! Photo via @ spaceykacey on Instagram   Image by Jabril Tobin, Models: Christopher Stanley, Deshea Quashie, Kariem Laporte, Larry Gaines In true South Carolina fashion–the temps are still famously hot–but fall fever is blowing a wind through the capital city. As we wrap up fashion weeks across the globe, we’re turning a new page on trends. A season change is an exciting time for every fashion enthusiast. It’s a chance to revamp and renew your closet–and your creativity. The Columbia Fashion Week style team has been keeping up with the latest autumn must-haves as you cozy up to new ideas and new style.
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BY: INTISAR FAULKNER, COLAFW PUBLICATION COORDINATOR  Photo by: Darain Ginyard / Pictured: Sheba Marie, Sarah Walker, Keyera Childs (ColaFW Top Model), Dylan Staley Get ready to be enchanted into a world of creativity, wonder and imaginative style. The 2024 Columbia Fashion Week Met Gala theme has been announced, and it’s going to be a magical night to remember. A genius blend of traditional haute couture with a sprinkle of childlike wonder. It’s the perfect mesh of sophistication and playfulness.
So what should you add to the moodboard? With whimsical couture, it’s all about the details–project your imagination “out loud.” Don’t be afraid to mess around with the unexpected—mix materials, try out striking appliques, play with asymmetrical cuts. Accent with bows, jewels, and cheerful colors. Fall into the fairytale. The COLAFW Met Gala is not only a time to celebrate fashion and its everlasting impact on our everyday lives, but to highlight the amazing talent of our city and beyond. Our takeover of the Columbia Museum of Art in 2024 is sure to whisk you off your feet. Be sure to keep up with the latest on this year’s Met Gala on all Columbia Fashion Week platforms. And grab your tickets now–before the clock strikes 12! BY: SOFIA SHAW, COLAFW MARKETING TEAM MEMBER  The Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show is back! After a hiatus, the iconic fashion show gave us all we needed and more: live entertainment, glamor and of course– FASHION! The show took a six-year hiatus after controversy surrounding the brand. However, Victoria’s Secret has realigned their brand and made their comeback this past Tuesday. Familiar faces on the runway included Gigi and Bella Hadid, Adriana Lima, and Barbara Palvin. The show also made sure to include women of all sizes, including model Ashley Graham. Not only that, veteran Angels—Kate Moss and Tyra Banks were spotted on the red carpet as well. Banks making her mark by closing the show. Two major themes were recognized throughout which I like to call: angel and devil. One half of the looks consisted of beautiful pinks and reds and flowy pieces. The other half was darker, more grunge and bold. These two themes beautifully complemented each other. And for my favorite part, I now present to you the top five looks of the night! 1. Imaan HammamThis baby pink set with the ruffle shawl graced the runway as the fourth look of the night. The hair, the face, the look– tens across the board!  Photo Credit: Kevin Mazur // Getty Images 2. Joan SmallsThis fallen angel look was beautifully done with a black corset top and matching bottom. Simple yet seductive, beautiful and edgy all in one.  Photo Credit: Dimitrios Kambouris // Getty Images 3. Awar Odhiang My jaw dropped when I saw this. The feathered cape has a beautiful shape along with the pink color. The model’s short hair complements such a statement piece on the body.  Photo Credit: Kevin Mazur // Getty Images 4. Alessandra AmbriosoThis dark fantasy look is stunning. The cut-out in the lace outfit gives the look dimension along with the gold and black glitter wings. The glamorous makeup seals the deal with this fabulous look.  Photo Credit: Dimitrios Kambouris // Getty Images 5. Vittoria Ceretti This is something completely different compared to the other looks of the night. The whimsical, ribbon shaped wings are so fun and make the simple red outfit pop. The monochromatic look appeals to the eye and stands out.  Photo Credit: Kevin Mazur // Getty Images
BY: SOFIA SHAW, COLAFW MARKETING TEAM MEMBER Another award show, another review! The American Music Awards recently celebrated their 50th ceremony by honoring some of the biggest voices in music. The carpet held stars of all generations and all genres of music. However, the fashion of the attendees had me questioning if their stylists were on a strike. As the fashion correspondent of Columbia Fashion Week, I guarantee you do not want to miss these looks. We’ll start with the top three looks of the night. These were the strongest and most cohesive looks. 1. Jordyn Woods Woods served us metallics and simplicity, and did so elegantly. The dress complemented her figure and incorporated metallic elements in her shoes, makeup and jewelry. A sleek look goes far.  Photo Credit: Getty Images 2. Cedric the Entertainer It is nice to see something other than a black suit from the men on the carpet. The salmon color isn’t too much and looks great. Topped with a fedora, this look is classy and suits him nicely.  Photo Credit: Getty Images 3. Stray Kids The K-Pop band are all cohesive as they pose for the carpet. The color scheme of black, silver and white looks good with the edgy aesthetic they’re going for. LALALA-LOVE it!  Photo Credit: Getty Images Now for the bottom three looks, even though I would make a bottom 10 if I could. I am not going to lie, the red carpet was a hot mess. There were so many questionable fashion choices made on the carpet. Let's dive in. 1. Raye This look was not “worth it.” The talented singer combined a sweatshirt with an oddly colored skirt, and paired it with some chunky sandals. I wish I could understand the direction for this. Her beautiful makeup and hair is giving Hollywood glam, but the outfit is giving a day off from work.  Photo Credit: Getty Images 2. Kate Hudson Was this something borrowed? The actress is giving shag rugs a run for their money. If a bath towel were a dress, this would definitely be it. The dress has a beautiful shape, but the texture is criminal.  Photo Credit: Getty Images 3. Indi Star The KIDZ BOP is serving Generation Z attire. The outfit itself is cute, but not carpet-worthy. This would work for a casual day out, but at the AMAs, it just doesn’t fit in.  Photo Credit: Getty Images
 In the realm of fashion, where aesthetics often reign supreme, there exists a powerful narrative to be told through the interplay of lines, color, and form. Convergence, a groundbreaking fashion shoot creatively directed by Columbia Fashion Week's Chief Marketing Officer, Darain Ginyard, delves into this narrative, exploring the intricate relationship between lines and identity. Through its monochromatic palette, meticulous styling, and the captivating presence of Corey Simmons, a ColaFW 2024 Elite Model, Convergence challenges traditional norms and celebrates the power of self-expression.
The Power of Lines Lines, both straight and curved, serve as the backbone of Convergence. They guide the viewer's eye, drawing attention to specific details and creating a sense of movement and rhythm. In the photography, lines are used strategically to highlight the model's unique features, such as his strong jawline and piercing gaze. The lines in the clothing, from the sharp creases in the suit jacket to the delicate curves of the pearls, complement and enhance the overall aesthetic. The Monochromatic Palette The stark contrast of black and white in Convergence serves as a powerful tool for emphasizing the interplay of light and shadow. The monochromatic palette creates a sense of focus and intensity, allowing the viewer to fully appreciate the intricate details of the clothing and the model's expressive face. By eliminating the distractions of color, Convergence invites the viewer to delve deeper into the visual narrative. The Importance of Styling The styling of Convergence plays a pivotal role in shaping the overall aesthetic and narrative of the shoot. The carefully curated ensemble, featuring a crisp white suit from Jos. A Banks, paired with a simple undershirt and pearls, creates a timeless and elegant look. The juxtaposition of the classic suit with the modern accessories adds a touch of unexpected sophistication. The styling for Convergence was expertly executed by ColaFW Fashion Officer Bella Belrose and ColaFw Stylists Larry Gaines. Their creative vision and attention to detail were instrumental in bringing the concept to life. Belrose and Gaines's ability to blend classic elements with modern sensibilities resulted in a cohesive and visually striking aesthetic. Corey Simmons: A Model of Identity The true star of Convergence is Corey Simmons, a ColaFW 2024 Elite Model whose captivating presence adds depth and intrigue to the visual narrative. Simmons embodies the spirit of the shoot, representing diversity, individuality, and the power of self-expression. His expressive gaze and commanding presence draw the viewer in, making him more than just a model but a symbol of the broader message that Convergence seeks to convey. A Statement of Diversity and Inclusion Convergence is more than just a fashion shoot; it's a statement. It challenges traditional norms and celebrates diversity, both in terms of race and gender. By featuring a model of color and showcasing a non-traditional menswear ensemble, Convergence sends a powerful message about the importance of inclusivity in the fashion industry. It's a reminder that beauty comes in all shapes, sizes, and colors. The Intersection of Art and Fashion Convergence is a testament to the power of fashion as a form of art. It's a visual exploration of lines, identity, and the human condition. Through its carefully crafted aesthetic and powerful narrative, Convergence invites the viewer to consider the deeper meaning behind the clothes they wear. It's a reminder that fashion is not just about appearances but also about self-expression and storytelling. Convergence is a groundbreaking fashion shoot that challenges traditional norms and celebrates the power of self-expression. Through its meticulous attention to detail, captivating imagery, and the powerful presence of Corey Simmons, Convergence is more than just a visual spectacle; it's a statement about diversity, inclusion, and the transformative power of fashion. It's a reminder that lines, both in the literal and metaphorical sense, can be used to create powerful narratives and shape our understanding of identity.  Photos by: Darain Ginyard Pictured: Jah Johnson (Top model 2022), Lauryn Mitchell (Top Model 2021), Ashton Abraham (Elite model 2022)
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