ATLANTA, GA (September 22, 2021) – Following a brief hiatus caused by the pandemic, CLC, the nation’s leading collegiate licensing company, and IMG partnered for the relaunch of UofNYFW, a one-of-a-kind education experience for students from 10 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, provided 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.

The students were treated to a runway show with Ghanaian American fashion house Studio 189. The students also attended the NYFW: The Talks panel entitled Creation, The New Digital Landscape, which explored how social media has shaped our everyday lives and featured supermodel and entrepreneur Coco Rocha, designer and creative director Brandon Maxwell, dancer, actor, and IMG model Parker Kit Hill, head of content and creator partnerships at Pinterest Aya Kanai, and content creator Tinx. Following the panel, the students were treated to a reception and Q&A with representatives from IMG, as well as a backstage tour of the production and execution of a fashion show at Spring Studios.

“We are excited to welcome bright, young college students back to NYFW: The Shows and remain committed to delivering opportunities for future leaders in the industry to interact and learn from others who know what it takes to be successful,” said Leslie Russo, President of IMG’s Fashion Events and Properties. “Collaborating with CLC to provide this experience aligns with our mission to build inclusivity and support the development of new perspectives in the ever-changing world of fashion.”

In addition to the unique Fashion Week experiences, the students were also treated to a private breakfast at the home of jewelry designer Kyle Garcia of collegiate jewelry company Kyle Cavan, where they were joined by Kyle Cavan co-founder Elizabeth Shirley for a discussion on starting and building a brand. The students also had the opportunity to hear from past participants in the #UofNYFW experience to learn how the program benefited them in pursuit of their careers.

“Our UofNYFW college program helps us deliver innovative experiences and life changing learning opportunities while adding value to our partner campuses beyond the traditional role of brand licensing,” said Cory Moss, CEO of CLC.

The collegiate Fashion Week program delivered unique academic enrichment opportunities for the students with expenses covered by their universities. Institutions that participated in the collegiate enrichment program at NYFW: The Shows included Gonzaga University, Northern Arizona University, TCU, University of Arizona, University of Delaware, University of Miami (OH), University of Pittsburgh, University of Texas at Austin, Texas A&M, and West Virginia University.

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.

_____

For media inquiries: Tammy Purves, tammy.purves@clc.com, 770-799-3275