College Fashion Week

With only one month of school left, students at the University of Illinois are certainly anxious for the summer to begin. But before all of that, a group of fashion-loving enthusiasts prepared one of the most highly-anticipated weeks every to grace Champaign: College Fashion Week.

The University’s College Fashion Week was founded last year by Jenn Ruppert, a senior in Communications, as an organization that aims to provide students on college campuses nationwide with the resources to create, host and launch a fashion week at their own university. It strives bridge the educational gap for students who have an interest in the fashion world while also exposing campuses to current trends. College Fashion Week independent student organization that offers students the opportunity to create a mutual exchange between the campus and the catwalk.

Members of College Fashion Week planned a plethora of events, from a concert and a campus style competition, to a fashion night out and a runway show.

Here’s a quick recap of the events:

Monday, April 9

Kick-off Concert at Canopy Club featuring Beats Antique and Random Rab

Starting off College Fashion Week on a high note, students danced and sang along to the whimsical style of the bands.

Tuesday, April 10

I-L-L-E-S-T Style Competition

Best Campus Style

Members set out to find the best-dressed students on campus. Students styled their outfits showcasing their personal style and shared it on the group’s Facebook page. Winners received a VIP entrance at Fashion Night Out.

Wednesday, April 11

Fashion Networking Conference

Six panel members discussed how they got involved in the fashion industry, from former interns at publications to student designers and models. In addition, representatives from Ford Models Chicago held an open casting call for aspiring student models.

Thursday, April 12

Fashion Night Out at The Red Lion

Students dressed to impress while enjoying the VIP experience of a real-life Fashion Night Out. Proceeds went to the Red Pump Project in Chicago.

Friday, April 13

Poolside Thrifting Bazaar

The bad weather didn’t dampen fashion-loving students’ thirst for scouring through vintage finds. The event also featured a fashion show by Vintage by Bike and Ellison sunglasses. Extra clothing was donated to the One Shirt Collegiate Challenge.

Saturday, April 14

Main Runway Shows at the Atkins Center

More than 40 people attended the presentations, which showcased lines from student designers Gordana Rasic and Omar Villalobos of GOCA Designs (who recently showcased their work in New York Fashion Week 2012) and Polly Bland of Paulie Antiques, threads from Vintage by Bike, local Champaign boutique Le Shoppe and Chicago designer Wanda Grace.

Sunday, April 15

Final Fashion Fix

Students flocked to sift through unique vintage clothing and jewelry and score free goodies from Rent the Runway, Roland Realty, Chloe and Isabel, and other vendors.