CWC Year 4 Fellows Head to San Francisco's CCA
Four CWC Fellows will be venturing to San Francisco to attend the California College of Arts (CCA) this summer! At CCA for four weeks students will get a sense of what it’s like to go to college for fashion design, and ultimately, to be a working fashion designer. The 4 students selected to attend CCA are 10th, 11th and 12th graders, coming from various artistic backgrounds.
Below are some highlights of them and their work.
CWC Fellow Divina
Divina is an 11th-grader from California, who is passionate about fashion design and committed to artistic exploration. Divina has always been captivated by fashion, evident in her extensive educational background. During middle and high school she immersed herself in various art and design classes, honing her skills across multiple disciplines, including animation, photography, graphic design, studio art, and drawing. Additionally, she pursued extracurricular courses in metal jewelry making, leather making, ceramics, painting, sewing and construction, and fashion illustration, providing her with a diverse skill set and a solid foundation for her career in fashion design.
Divina's interest in fashion design stems from her belief that it is one of the best forms of self-expression, blending her creative interests, talents, and skills. From creating outfits for herself and her dolls as a child to designing wearable art in elementary school, her journey has been a continuous exploration and learning.
Over the last three years, she has mastered cutting patterns and making garments, like skirts, pajamas, and denim jackets. Her participation in the FIT pre-college summer program last year further advanced her sewing, designing, and illustration skills.
As a Black artist and emerging fashion designer, Divina draws inspiration from several sources that shape her as an artist and creator. She looks up to Black fashion designer pioneers Ann Lowe and Vivienne Westwood for her innovative use of punk and street fashion, blending historical styles with modern elements.
Divina's long-term goal is to become a fashion designer and work for or create a company that embodies her interest in sustainable living and fashion versatility. Her immediate goal is to develop a portfolio that secures her a spot at one of her top three school choices: California College of the Arts, the Fashion Institute of Technology, and Parsons.
Through the Creatives Want Change (CWC) program, she hopes to access top institutions, receive mentoring from successful designers, build relationships with Black artist communities, and gain industry connections to thrive in the fashion world.
We are excited to see how she incorporates CCA’s pre-college lessons into her repertoire this summer.
CWC Fellow Khloe
Since she was just 8 years old, Khloe has been captivated by the world of fashion design. Fueled by her grandmother's exceptional sewing skills, Khloe's passion for creating clothes blossomed. Now an ambitious and dedicated 11th grader, she continues to pursue her fashion dreams.
Throughout middle and high school, Khloe has immersed herself in art and design classes. She attended pre-college programs at FIT, Parsons, RISD, Otis, and FIDM. These experiences have provided her with a foundation in various aspects of fashion design, including Art 100, Digital Art 180, 2D/3D sketching, and Fashion Design 100.
Khloe founded a nonprofit organization (Khloe Kares) supporting women experiencing homelessness. She is passionate about philanthropy having raised funds to build water pumps in Ghanaian schools without access to clean water.
Inspired by artists who merge different eras, such as Michael Wilkinson, the costume designer for "Jingle Jangle," Khloe is fascinated by the fusion of Afro-Victorian styles with contemporary patterns and colors. She draws inspiration from African fashion, embracing its vibrant patterns and cultural significance.
As Khloe's journey in fashion design continues, she aims to become a fashion illustrator, helping designers bring their ideas to life through her illustrations. She is particularly interested in fashion show illustration, capturing the essence of runway looks through her creative lens. Eventually, she hopes to give back by teaching younger children how to sketch and navigate the fashion world.
Khloe is grateful for the opportunities provided by CWC. The mentorship and experiences have been instrumental in shaping her skills and building her resume. CWC has also helped her identify potential colleges to attend, furthering her journey in the fashion industry.
We are excited to see how CCA’s program enhances her skillset this summer.
CWC Fellow Nicolas
Nicolas is a 10th-grader driven by a creative spirit and a desire to make a meaningful impact in the fashion industry. Since a young age, he has been captivated by the art of drawing, and sketching. He loves creating bold unique outfits and finds freedom and empowerment through fashion design.
Nicolas has taken classes in the Principles of Art, Elements of Art, Art History: Appreciating the Arts, Visual Arts, Foundations of Art, and Digital Art II. These classes have provided him with a solid foundation in various aspects of art and design, further enhancing his creative abilities.
Fashion design has always been a source of inspiration and creativity for Nicolas. He is particularly inspired by hip-hop music’s compelling storytelling and its influence on fashion. He admires designers like Tremaine Emory, Kerby Jean-Raymond, the late Virgil Abloh, and Mike Amiri, who have shown him what is possible in the fashion industry for young Black creatives.
Nicolas is a driven and principled young creative who has grown significantly over the past year. Our program has inspired him to take creative risks, welcome constructive feedback, and strive for excellence. He has taken on leadership roles, such as creating a Black History Month logo for his school's Black Student Union and starting a fashion club at his high school. He’s also incorporated elements from his Nuclear Chemistry class into his fashion creations, demonstrating his interdisciplinary approach to art and design.
Nicolas is eager to continue seeking opportunities to develop and grow creatively. He is grateful for the support and positive feedback he's received from CWC.
Nicolas is excited about staying on campus at CCA’s pre-college program this summer and fully immersing himself in the experience.
CWC Fellow Noel
A 12th grader from Florida, Noel's artistic path is paved with dedication to creative expression and academic excellence. Throughout middle and high school, she tackled challenging courses like Sculpture 1, Honors Pre-IB Visual Art, and IB Visual Art, developing a strong foundation that blossomed into a unique artistic voice.
Noel's leadership extends beyond artistic pursuits. Founding and leading the Fashion Club fostered a welcoming space for fellow fashion enthusiasts. As Vice President and Co-Founder of the Jewelry Club, they played a key role in its establishment and management.
Their commitment to service shines through membership in various honor societies and volunteering efforts like the A More Artful Jacksonville Mayoral Initiative and Jacksonville Beach Clean Up Day. Noel's entrepreneurial spirit is evident in her work as a Depop curator and retailer. She is also a TikTok brand ambassador for Yes Style.
Noel's talents have been consistently recognized. She was the First Place Winner of the Jacksonville Summer Reading Contest, an AP Scholar, and earned Gold and Silver Keys in the Northeast Florida Scholastics Art Awards. Her sculpture Jill was even published!
Noel's design interest stems from a desire to express individuality through fabric, color, and form, merging artistry with wearability. Inspired by childhood memories, cultural background, and designers like Simone Rocha, her work features vibrant colors, bold silhouettes, and themes of authenticity and growth.
Noel aspires to be a creative director, honing her skills and gaining industry knowledge through programs and mentorship. Self-motivated and resourceful, Noel has independently nurtured their passion for design, navigating challenges and continuously improving her craft. Through CCA’s summer pre-college program, Noel hopes to further develop technical skills in garment construction and gain valuable industry insights.
We eagerly anticipate the growth and innovation she will bring to her designs through this immersive experience.
This summer, the California College of Arts will welcome four talented CWC Fellows eager to dive deeper into the world of fashion design. Divina, Khloe, Nicholas, and Noel bring a unique blend of artistic backgrounds, passions, and goals to the program.
We are confident these CWC Fellows will thrive at CCA. This immersive experience will provide the tools and knowledge to refine their skills, develop their creative voices, and forge valuable industry connections. We are excited to see how their experiences at CCA this summer propel them further on their fashion design journeys, and we can't wait to witness the innovative and inspiring designs they create now and in the future!
