Media for December, 2013

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BY: Jamil Khan

It is a well-known fact that in order to survive in the ever-changing, fast paced world of fashion one must be prepared to change color like a chameleon. Here at United Colors of Fashion (UCOF) we believe that even the most versatile artists need some practice honing their skills, which is why we have been focusing our energy on our STAND project. A mentorship program for young, but under resourced creatives in New York with dreams of breaking into the fashion and design industry. Each year, our program’s extensive training under the mentorship of the best in the business brings forth an Achiever of the Year. The current title is held by Sade Solomon, who has since managed to showcase her first collection and is well on her way to establishing her own brand.

Desiree Patton

If there’s someone who knows a few things about wearing multiple hats it’s Desiree Patton. She is an intern in the program but already heads up her own headgear design business called Desiree by Design. She designs and makes fascinators, hats and high fashion headbands and believes in service and purpose in business. It is this passion that has lead her to join the UCOF cause for the past two years. As diverse as her craft, she has a degree in Business Administration and is also pursuing a qualification in Image Consulting at The Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT).

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BY: Jamil Khan

The global creative fashion industry finds itself in a position of being one of the most influential, lucrative industries of our time. The enormity of the industry was however, built on the backs of eager young creatives who were willing to do anything to have piece of the pie, which would essentially bring them worldwide acclaim and satisfaction.

This may have been the case in the early days, but sadly today the chances of walking into an established fashion house or creative hub and offering your non-specific services will prove to be less than fruitful. Many young creative hopefuls in the field of fashion particularly find that doors are quickly closed in their faces.

For this reason, United Colors Of Fashion has taken New York youth aspiring to enter the industry under our wing and opened a few doors.

Rose-Anne Reynolds is one such aspiring creative, recently selected to be in the running to become UCOF’s next Achiever of the Year. She is a senior at Irvington High School and credits Photoshop with sparking her interest in Graphic Design. She has been selected out of numerous applicants, for her self-belief and burning passion to be a Graphic Designer.

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By Sibusiso Mkize

In a city that breeds the most influential giants in fashion from Alexander Wang to Michael Kors, one would expect New York to have no qualms in nurturing and putting the fashion aspirational youth into schools.

United Colors of Fashion (UCOF) has been unsurpassed in cultivating and moulding the lives of under-resourced youth in New York and New Jersey. Aria John, one of the new interns to the UCOF Fashion Education program is one of the reasons that gives uplifts the spirits of the organization.

Aria John

Currently studying nursing at William Paterson University, Aria is one of many young people in New York that dreams of a career in fashion, however doesn’t have a clear direction in reaching their dreams. “Fashion is something that is a part of me; I just do not know where my niche is in the industry,” says Aria.