CLC and IMG, the operator of New York Fashion Week: The Shows, partnered to deliver the ninth installment of their successful UofNYFW for 23 students from 15 universities at this September’s New York Fashion Week. This unique academic enrichment program, which is an extension of CLC’s continued efforts to support innovative education initiatives for its partner institutions, provides future fashion leaders a behind-the-scenes look at the industry, including entry into select runway shows, panel discussions, and networking opportunities with industry leaders.
“UofNYFW is such an eye-opening & fantastic experience, filled with events that are relevant to the fashion industry. It gives students the opportunity to be able to see the industry in action,” Baylor senior Haidyn Chudy said. “My time in New York proved that what I was learning in class was actually being done in the real world. It also helped give insight as where I wanted to be after graduation, while making amazing connections. I’m so thankful.”
The students were treated to a runway show with top Korean designer Son Jung Wan, as well as a show presented by NewLeaper, the unique incubator for new designers and fashion business start-ups. The students also attended a NYFW: The Talks session on “Mindfulness in Fashion” with Model Hilary Rhoda; Singer, Songwriter Bianca Quiñones; Wellness Professional Christa Janine; and others to discuss mental health in the fashion industry. Additionally, students participated in a Q&A with representatives from IMG, as well as a backstage tour of the production and execution of a fashion show at Spring Studios, the central hub of New York Fashion Week: The Shows.
“It is always exciting to provide a group of bright college students the chance to interact and learn from some of the best designers and experts in the world of fashion at NYFW: The Shows,” said Leslie Russo, President of IMG’s Fashion Events and Properties. “This collaboration with CLC and the participating universities aligns with our mission to deliver opportunities for future leaders in the industry and support the development of new perspectives in the ever-evolving fashion business.”
In addition to the unique New York Fashion Week experiences, the students spent the day at top athletic fashion brand and collegiate licensee Champion where they had the opportunity to learn firsthand how a clothing line is developed and merchandised.
“Our goal for the UofNYFW college program is to deliver innovative experiences and once-in-a-lifetime learning opportunities to students at our partner institutions, which adds tremendous value to the participating universities beyond our traditional role of brand licensing,” said Cory Moss, CEO of CLC. “Since the inception of this unique program, we have been honored to help inspire and influence many talented students on their path to a career in the fashion industry.”
“As Baylor continues to invest in the growth of our collegiate licensing program, we actively look for ways to engage with partners across campus and create educational opportunities for current Baylor students,” Jovan Overshown Executive Associate AD for External Affairs said. “The UofNYFW program with CLC and IMG is an outstanding experience and we are grateful for the opportunity to send Haidyn to participate and proudly represent the Green and Gold at New York Fashion Week.”
The collegiate Fashion Week program delivered unique academic enrichment opportunities for the students with expenses covered by their universities. In addition to Baylor, other Institutions that participated in the collegiate enrichment program at NYFW: The Shows included Arizona State University, NC State, Syracuse University, TCU, Texas A&M University, The University of Texas at Austin, University of Arizona, University of Colorado, University of Delaware, University of Pittsburgh, University of South Carolina, Washington State University, West Virginia University, and Western Michigan University.
Chudy and other participating students chronicled their experiences through social media using #UofNYFW and were asked to share their learnings with other students upon their return to campus.