Seventh Annual Columbia Fashion Week teaches self-esteem and poise to young models
Fraendy Clervaund with WACH Fox TV (l) and Jai Sparks with Jai Sparks design speaking about “Recess! Kids and Teens Runway Show.” Alicia Ziegler was born in New York City. She was introduced to the fashion industry working as a child and teen model where she saw her options were open to start her own career at a young age.
She left home at the age of 16 to work feeling attending college would slow down her modeling career. She considers herself an “autodidact” or “self-taught” professional in the fashion industry.
Ziegler moved to Columbia 12 years ago when her husband was sent to Fort Jackson. She saw Columbia had a very small fashion community and had not developed this industry like New York, Atlanta, and Charlotte.
While in Columbia, Zeigler opened FFS Talent and Modeling Agency, started the online publication, Wink Magazine, and began to brainstorm about starting a fashion week.
The “WALK” Runway Event during Columbia Fashion Week She says major cities with established fashion industries center much of their networking and growth around this week when local talent and vendors can be displayed and promoted.
She says a fashion week is essential to growing the fashion community in a city like Columbia.
Zeigler launched Columbia Fashion Week in 2012. Unfortunately, the first year she did not bring in the attendance she expected and lost her $30,000 investment in the project.
She did not give up, however, and based upon the advice of a friend, decided to take a new approach.
She contacted the City of Columbia and began to sell officials on the concept and economic potential of hosting a Columbia Fashion Week. She began promoting Columbia Fashion Week with important vendors and businesses with the help of the City.
This year marks the seventh year of what is now Columbia’s Fashion Week. Zeigler says the event held every June provides a significant economic footprint in the city every year.
The 2018 Columbia Fashion Week was held June 18–23. This year’s event included a panel discussion of leaders in the fashion industry to coach and give advice to those aspiring to enter the industry.
A special event is the “Child and Teen Runway Showcase” featuring children and young teen models walking the runway.
This event is important because it shows the benefits of learning to model as a young person by developing a stage presence, self- esteem, and confidence.
An awards party at DMR Fashion, 617 Lady Street, to celebrate the event was held Friday, June 22, and the culminating event “WALK” was held at the ETV Studios Saturday, June 23, featuring over 20 designers modeled by adults.
Styled by Nadia, 607 Lady Street, was a featured sponsor of Columbia Fashion Week.
