COLUMBUS, Ohio — When you think of Fashion Week, most people think of New York City or Los Angeles, but now as one Ohio city celebrates its own fashion week, it’s taking major steps to put itself on the fashion map.
The new venture aims to bring more to the community than just the latest fashion trends.
It’s a big space with big goals of making the city of Columbus a major fashion capital across the country and the world.
“It’s an ecosystem where ideas can flourish, where creatives can partner with other creatives, where designers can think of an idea and then actually bring that idea to life, all in one building,” said Eddie Parker IV, with Columbus Fashion Alliance/The Loom.
The 43,000-square-foot space called The Loom is being transformed into the city’s first fashion hub and innovation center right in the center of downtown.
“The idea for this space is for us to be able to weave together fashion, industry, retail, culture and collaboration so that not only can creatives benefit from this space but it can also help influence workforce development, promote jobs and also a more collaborative ecosystem,” said Parker.
The Columbus Fashion Alliance worked alongside the Columbus College of Art and Design to bring the new venture to life, which will feature state-of-the-art industry equipment, immersive learning opportunities, an outdoor community gathering space, networking events, mentoring opportunities for students and more.
News of the new hub comes during Fashion Week Columbus, a time to highlight area designers and creatives.
However, those behind this project say the space won’t just be for those in the fashion world, but rather a communal gathering place for everyone, to share a meal or conversation with their neighbor, learn a new skill or even find a new job.
“This is a space of innovation, ideas, collaboration and culture,” said Parker.
Showing that it’s about so much more than just clothes.
Phase one of the project will be complete early next year. For more information about Fashion Week Columbus events, click here.
