Check out some of the latest news from the School of Fashion at Columbia College Chicago
School of Fashion faculty member Jacob Victorine and co-founders have opened All We Remember, a new Logan Square retail and creative space where visitors can experience the fashion design process firsthand through workshops, conversation, and thoughtfully crafted garments.
A look from "Scarlet Vanguard," a collection by Fashion Studies BFA alum Charlee Lambert '26, earned a coveted spot in the Driehaus Fashion Awards runway show and WGN's Fourth of July fashion roundup.
As part of Columbia College Chicago’s Renaissance Rising initiative, the college has appointed five deans to lead its eight schools beginning August 16, 2026.
"Newcity" recognized School of Fashion director Colbey Emmerson Reid, PhD, and fashion studies professor Justin Dougan-LeBlanc on their annual list of people who shape Chicago's design landscape.
Columbia College Chicago School of Fashion professor Justin Dougan-LeBlanc’s wearable sculptures enter The Met’s permanent collection, with works on view in “Costume Art.”
Fashion Merchandising major Galaxy Wolf gains firsthand insight into the apparel industry.
Columbia College Chicago alum Darlene Mitchell ’13 is a finalist on the current season of “RuPaul’s Drag Race.”
Columbia College Chicago students earn national recognition as FSF Scholars, presenting industry-focused case studies at the FSF LIVE Gala in New York City.
Six high school seniors transformed discarded materials into original garments at Columbia College Chicago’s Reinvention High School Design Challenge, earning scholarships and recognition for innovation, sustainability, and storytelling.
Columbia launches two new online graduate programs in Screenwriting and Development and Global Beauty Management, designed for working professionals seeking flexible, industry-connected degrees.
Students from Columbia College Chicago will engage with entertainment industry leaders on the same lot where “Avatar,” “The Sound of Music,” and other great films were made.
Columbia students connected with the national industry in New York through NRF competitions, alumni-led site visits, and a J-term immersion linking classroom learning to real-world practice.
Autumn Woody ’23 hosted an intimate industry panel at Soho House Chicago, connecting students with leaders in fashion, media, and costume design, and offering candid insight into real-world creative careers.
From the thousands of images she captured in 2025, Columbia College Chicago alum and staff photographer Julie Lucas ’96 curated 25 standout photos that show Columbia at its best.
Zippers took center stage as fashion students partnered with manufacturer YKK on a project connecting concept, construction, and real-world practice.
From new leadership to standout student and alumni achievements, here are the stories that captured the most attention on Columbia’s website in 2025.
Columbia Fashion student Shamya Banks was named a 2026 NRF Next Generation Scholarship finalist for her sustainable, Gen Z–inspired Crate & Barrel concept.
Columbia alumni Alexander Knox ‘15 and Bryant Von Woodson II ‘18 are leading creative innovation at Coach, blending fashion, culture, and storytelling.
Columbia College Chicago students brought light, sound, and imagination to the city’s annual Arts in the Dark parade on State Street.
Columbia’s Michigan Avenue windows feature the World Fashion Festival this month, celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month and showcasing global creativity.
Through his work as a designer, educator, and advocate, Justin Dougan-LeBlanc is opening doors for Deaf creatives and reshaping the conversation around access and inclusion in fashion.
Columbia College Chicago’s School of Fashion showcased student work at the 2025 University Arts Biennial in Mallorca, highlighting the creative process and forging new global partnerships.
Columbia fashion students and alumni debuted original motorsports-inspired looks at the NASCAR Chicago Street Race in downtown Chicago.
Columbia fashion students and local brand SOUNDOFF launched a custom fan apparel collection for the Chicago Sky, blending sportswear design with hands-on industry experience.
Fashion Design alum Jacey Rhorer '00 is making her mark as the Official Milliner for the 2025 Kentucky Derby Festival.
Seven students have been named Fashion Scholarship Fund Class of 2025 Scholars and will be honored at the FSF LIVE Gala in New York City.
Columbia College Chicago students won first place in the 2025 NRF Foundation University Challenge, with another team reaching the national semi-finals.
On December 11, Columbia College Chicago’s School of Fashion and Patagonia came together to announce the winners of the Worn Wear competition at Patagonia’s Fulton Market store.
Rae Braezeale and Joelle Olabode made their international debut at Fashion Graduate Italia 2024, showcasing original designs alongside peers from around the world and receiving support from the U.S. Consul for Commercial Affairs in Milan.
The School of Fashion has partnered with Patagonia for a sustainable design challenge, where students transform Worn Wear merchandise into new products, gaining hands-on experience in fashion design, visual merchandising, and industry collaboration.
Olabode was chosen for a $25,000 scholarship from the Council of Fashion Designers of America.
Columbia College Chicago kicks off the new academic school year with a renewed spirit and excitement to welcome freshmen and transfer students to its South Loop campus on September 3.
As a kickoff to Columbia College Chicago’s 135th Anniversary, the college is honoring 24 distinguished alumni across all disciplines as part of “24 in 2024,” a college-wide initiative that celebrates Columbia alumni and their career accomplishments.
Angie Belloso, Brianna Jennes ’24, and Breyona Smith ’24 just had the trip of a lifetime to London, snagging second place at L'Oréal Brandstorm.
Columbia students come together to produce and promote an end-of-year showcase of student fashion designs.
Spring 2024: Columbia College Chicago Highlights
This is everything attendees need to know before Columbia College Chicago’s Manifest Arts Festival: Breakthrough 2024.
Higher education leaders Nivine Megahed, president of National Louis University, and Raymond E. Crossman, president of Adler University, will be honored at the college’s 2024 Commencement ceremonies
Columbia College Chicago Adjunct Professor Rachel Jimenez Penca uses her personal styling expertise to advise graduates on what to wear on their big day.
As the U.S. winners, students Angie Belloso, Breyona Smith, and Brianna Jennes earn an all-expense paid trip to London for the next stage of the international competition.
During Women's History Month, we honor female-identifying artists who make ShopColumbia a unique shopping experience in the heart of Columbia College Chicago’s campus.
Columbia College Chicago students got together in their Communication Department courses to discuss the details of the biggest night in advertising
Columbia College Chicago welcomed back Alum Shea Couleé ’11 for a panel discussion and reception unveiling Couleé-curated fashion exhibit window.
Columbia College Chicago’s Colbey Reid and her co-author look at various iterations of the posthuman and assert the need for alternative, feminist readings of technology and the future of humanity.
In January, the windows at 618 S. Michigan Avenue feature examples of clothing available at the Brave Space Alliance, a place where members of the LGBTQ+ community can find free gender-affirming clothing and more.
Once again, the Fashion Scholarship Fund has awarded five Columbia College Chicago students scholarships and funds to travel to New York City for a gala event recognizing their accomplishments.
The Chicago Fashion Incubator will transition its operations to a new speaker series at Columbia College Chicago.
Columbia College Chicago honors the Efroymson Family Fund with the 2023 Philanthropic Icon Award for the family’s contributions to help create opportunities for students to pursue their passion in the arts
As hip hop turns 50, we look at Columbia’s connections to the cultural phenomena that has impacted music, dance, fashion, art, film, and so much more.
A range of performances and experiences showcasing student and faculty artists from diverse backgrounds and disciplines.
Columbia faculty explore what it means to make, merchandise, retail, market and celebrate fashion that engages with, rather than denies, the existence of most people’s bodies.
The award provides ten $15,000 scholarships and one full-tuition scholarship to students transferring from Chicago-area community colleges to Columbia College Chicago.
Fashion Studies students participate in a design competition sponsored by Medline, maker of Curad bandages.
The outdoor apparel and equipment company announced winners over the weekend.
Fashion Revolution Week activities at Columbia include an ethical fashion panel discussion with "Worn’" author Sofi Thanhauser, a display of student work, a mending workshop, and more.
The Spring 2023 campaign targets prospective students across the United States.
Student team from Columbia College Chicago wins innovation competition by leveraging new technologies to promote brand.
NRF Foundation scholarship recipients from Columbia place second in Student Challenge and enjoy three days of fashion industry events and networking opportunities.