What civic and cultural leaders are saying about Fashion Week Cleveland, "the educational fashion week"!
Value Statements from Leaders Who Know.
Another great opportunity for our entire community to celebrate
creativity through Art and Design. A fashion show and runway event isn't
just about cutting edge consumerism for fun or sophisticated outfits for the
season, but it is a snapshot of a moment in our evolving aesthetic development
and a reflection on our cultural values and interests. It is exhilarating
and fun!
Fashion Week Cleveland is a great educational opportunity for students,
instructors and industry leaders.
Thank you for your hard work. Constance Korosec, PhD :: Chair
School of Fashion Design and Merchandising Ursuline
College
Six years ago, Donald Shingler made "no mistake on the lake" when he founded
Cleveland Fashion Week... In step with the trends of this "new American
city," Cleveland Fashion Week reflects all the essence of Cleveland's
transformation, having gained the reputation as "the educational fashion week." Francesco Di Maio ::
International Designer Representative
Fashion by Francesco By throwing the spotlight on collaborations between designers, models and
fashionistas, then dropping his runway events and educational programs into the
unexpected venues FWC director Dr. Donald Shingler has ignited everyone from
fashion students to professionals to aficionados. FWC sits comfortably at
the intersection of art, commerce and entrepreneurship with engaging events
around the region.
Thomas Mulready :: Creator CoolCleveland :: Art and Culture Internet Publication
Fashion Week a multi media mecca of fashion on the
edge - a sweet indulgence for the eye and the imagination.
James Levin :: Co-creator and Founder Cleveland Ingenuity Art Festival
Fashion Week Cleveland, a regional phenomenon that has become the nation's
third largest fashion week after
My designs have received much attention in the press and through my website due to my participation in Fashion Week Cleveland. It was one of the best things I could have done for my design business. Thank you so much for selecting my knitwear to be a part of the show. Keep up the terrific work.
Fashion Week Cleveland.... is an extraordinary initiative which both
educates us and celebrates the cultural and economic impact of the fashion
industry. It is a unique event that provides an opportunity for all of us
to be captivated by the amazing work being done by local and national
designers. Kudos to Donald Shingler for his vision and leadership!
Catherine Monnin :: Branch Services Director Cuyahoga County Public Library
Creating a partnership with Fashion Week Cleveland builds diverse audiences
for the organizations involved and provides a unique opportunity to reach new
advocates and enthusiasts.
Bernadette Gillotta :: Executive Director
Ohio Independent Film Festival Independent
Pictures
Educate, explore and express. Expose, promote and transform.
Creative, diverse and cool. Fashion Week Cleveland is a celebration of
Design.
Peter F. Spittler :: Principal Architect Forum
Architects
Fashion Week Cleveland's admirable commitment to the community is demonstrated by the incorporation of the area's respected collegiate, cultural, and medical institutions to present high-quality exhibits, films, industry tours, seminars and workshops. This event fosters friendship and mutual understanding by introducing the work of American designers and informing consumers and industry leaders about the cultural and economic importance of fasion design, manufacturing, marketing, and merchandising. Sherrod Brown :: Senator United States of America
On behalf of the citizens of the City of Cleveland, I am honored to
offer this proclamation designating the first week of May, as Fashion
Week Cleveland in the City of Cleveland. Frank G. Jackson :: Mayor City of Cleveland
Fashion Week Cleveland is a project that has impressed me in various ways
since it started. The steady growth, constant refinement and
consistency of this venue is sure to become an important part of
Cleveland's future. The multitude of events
that unfold during Fashion Week have cast a spotlight on
the incredible talents possessed by Clevelanders of many walks.
Hector Vega :: Artist VegaArt
Fashion Week Cleveland is an extraordinary event ... The Greater
Cleveland Sports Commission is thrilled to participate in Fashion Week
Cleveland's educational programming and to demonstrate the vital link of sport
and fashion as evidenced through AC Milan's partnership with Dolce &
Gabanna. Events such as Fashion Week Cleveland and the upcoming AC Milan
Continental Cup assert Cleveland as a world-class city. Carol D. Payto :: Vice President, Marketing Greater Cleveland Sports Commission
Fashion Week Cleveland is a blend of style, innovation and class... a sign
of our city's future.
David Purpera :: President Flique
Creative
Fashion Week Cleveland mixes the business and pleasure of fashion into an
exotic mood that is truly addictive. Hugo Urizar :: President MercoHispano
Fashion Week is a wonderful array of activities rolled into a week of
education, exhibits and visual runway excitement... I was blown away by the Wearable Art Show. The passion and
creative energy that each local designer brings to the runway should make
Clevelanders proud to be a part of such a dynamic week. Victoria Poole :: Design Specialist Galleria at Erieview
Fashion Week Cleveland shines a spotlight on the many positive and unique
aspects of our city. It highlights the intelligence, the talent and the
creativity of these young Cleveland designers and fashion industry
entrepreneurs.
Cynthia Schuster Eakin :: Publisher
This Week In Cleveland
Fashion Week Cleveland is a great way to spotlight the culture and creativity
that makes Cleveland so unique.
William Nottingham :: Industrial and Consumer Products Designer Nottingham-Spirk
Design Associates
As
a Cleveland-based business, we are proud to support Fashion Week
Cleveland. We believe in the importance of helping local designers and
emerging talent through community involvement and are thrilled to have
a partnership with this great organization. Rick Bunka :: Dots CEO Dots
As a working Media Artist in the city of Cleveland and an
instructor of Filmmaking and Photography, I'm proud to say that Cleveland
Fashion Week has opened up new avenues for my students in both exploration and
collaboration in media design and fashion photography.
Robert C. Banks, Jr. Media Artist and Instructor
Cuyahoga Community College and Cleveland Institute of Art
Fashion Week Cleveland not only gives you the
modern runways and latest fashions, it also collaborates with local museums
& universities to let you see fashions of eras gone by.
Jil Renee Sah :: Education Director International
Women's Air & Space Museum
Western Reserve Historical Society has supported Fashion Week Cleveland for more than five years as a sponsor venue. We have seen growth in awareness and attendance each year. The event brings students, business partners, and fashion enthusiasts in a week of education and entertainment.
I've been a huge fan of Fashion Week Cleveland for a very long time... there's amazing fashion here in Cleveland.
Kenneth Crumpton :: TV Features Journalist
B.A., Communications, Fashion Design and Merchandising FOX News
Fashion Week Cleveland is one of my favorite events of the year. Nice
to see stylish people coming together and having a great time. Well done!
Zedenko Zovich :: Proprietor XO
Prime Steaks
It was great to see the variety of choices in men's fashion. Fashion
Week Cleveland also exposed the great stores that you can shop everyday at
Beachwood Place.
Tim Richards :: Disc Jockey Q104
Radio :: Cleveland
Many people assume only places like NYC, Paris or Milan attract high-caliber
fashion events. However, for those of us that enjoy high fashion and call
Cleveland home, this is a not to miss high-caliber event located in our own
backyard.
Laura Ambro :: Publicist and Account Executive
Owens Group
I volunteered to be on the Fashion Week Cleveland committee while a student at Kent State University's merchandising program. Not only did I learn a great deal from the experience, but I made valuable industry contacts. When I earned an internship at Kohl's (headquarters in Milwaukee), Fashion Week Cleveland's founder, Dr. Shingler, put me in contact with an executive at Kohl's. The executive had been on the (FWC) committee some years before. I now had a mentor at Kohl's, beven before I arrived there.
Elena Kruglova :: Merchandising Student ::
Kent State University
I
used my participation in Fashion Week Cleveland to secure a design and
visual merchandising internship at Nanette Lepore and to launch a brand
under my own name. In addition, I have stayed in contact with many of
the industry professionals whom I met while working at FWC, thus
furthering my fashion design and retail business.
Corinne Brothers :: Fashion Designer
Kent State University ::
Corinne Brothers
I have been involved with Cleveland Fashion Week for the last handful of
years. It is beneficial to the City of Cleveland as well as
designers and artists such as myself and provides us with an outlet to show our
work and meet others in our field. Dr. Shingler even provided me with the
opportunity to work with Nary Manivong during his fall 2009 collection showing
in New York City. Dartanya Butcher :: Fashion Designer
Kent State University ::
tbgr
couture
My involvement with Fashion Week Cleveland is such a benefit to me... the exposure that I am receiving from Fashion Week is such an asset to the
growth of my business. Donald and his team
have been so helpful and supportive of me as a designer in this process and I
am looking forward to next years event even more!
Valerie Mayen :: Fashion Designer
Cleveland Institute of Art :: Project Runway Television Show Participant
Yellow
Cake :: Valerie Mayen
For me, the best part of Cleveland Fashion Week was seeing my
collection realized on the runway.
Gina Dudik - Fashion Designer and Boutique Owner Duchess von Dudik :: Little Italy
Fashion Week Cleveland is a great learning experience for any fashion designer,
to see what actually goes into staging a runway show, how your pieces look and
feel as a collection, and most importantly, to understand where you can improve
on the next time. It was a great event to be a part of for several years.
Kriztina Lazar :: Artist and Fashion Designer Transcendent Bird
Fashion Week Cleveland helped me gain the publicity I needed to push me to
further my business. I gained exposure (in publications) which was used
on my resumé for grad school and job applications. Fashion Week Cleveland
helped me get to where I am today!
Brittany Rucella :: Designer Ccella
Bottega
(Fashion Week Cleveland) It's a week filled with lights, camera
& glam... right here in Cleveland!
Melissa Mack :: Weather Reporter FOX8 TV :: Cleveland
Fashion Week Cleveland provides the city with an opportunity to showcase the
incredible shopping and talented designers there are in what is traditionally
known as an industrial town. Cleveland, Ohio is chic and hip. Fashion
week is a big part of getting that message out. Christopher S. Forgy - Vice President/General Manager WZAK-FM, WENZ-FM, WJMO-AM, WERE-AM
Fashion Week Cleveland offers events that are not only aesthetically
pleasing showcases of clothes, but also creative learning-experiences. Fashion
has the ability to teach people about history, art, and self-expression.
It allows viewers to explore creativity and to appreciate the talent and hard
work of designers and retailers. Events like these enrich the lives of
Clevelanders and make our city a well-rounded, eccentric and exciting place to
live and visit.
Jessica Goodworth :: Administrator
Rock the House Entertainment
Fashion Week Cleveland... a major regional week-long event that can
inform visitors and local consumers about the artistic importance and economic
contributions of the fashion industry as well as support fashion design,
manufacture, education, and retail growth in Northeast Ohio.
James Harris
Partner, H/L Communications
This cultural showcase has at its focus the exquisite designs of the most
skilled and savvy individuals reflecting the growth of the fashion community.
Barb D'Avilla :: President
D'Avila Model Management
Once a year, Fashion Week Cleveland steps in to remind us that fashion is a
statement accessible to more than just the New York City scene or Hollywood red
carpets. Fashion Week makes us want to celebrate our own artistic voices
in the choices we make every day and, most importantly, makes us realize we
don't just have to admire from afar. Tara
Hawley :: Singer/Songwriter and former model
Fashion Week Cleveland benefits our city by highlighting diverse
organizations and individuals, which may seem unrelated at first, but have a
common thread through fashion. Cleveland is a city rich in the arts,
including fashion! We need to encourage growth and participation, and
provide accessibility and awareness through events like Fashion Week Cleveland. KB
& Carmen :: Professional Dancers
A Tango Romance
Fashion Week is adding even more character to our roots! I have lived in
this city my whole life, it's great to see how some things have stayed the same
and others have changed for the better. Education is everything, and Fashion
Week makes it FUN!! Jessica Schmidt :: Model
Fashion Week in Cleveland once again like the Rock Hall Week puts Cleveland at
the center of all that is creative, entertaining and winning about the American
spirit. On this week in Cleveland America focused on Cleveland's
inventiveness, head and heart. George Fraser :: Chairman and CEO FraserNet
Fashion week Cleveland is much more than the latest styles and trends,
although it certainly has that. The true value of Fashion Week Cleveland
comes from the tremendous educational opportunities. It is unique in its
commitment to educate the public on fashion, fabric and historical relevance.
It represents a rare combination of fun, fashion and facts.
Deborah Hanson :: Vice President ClevelandWomen
Fashion week Cleveland is a culmination of the artistic endeavor that will
catapult this city's status to it's deserved place. The network that
supports this display allows all Clevelanders to take pride in our city.
Greg Sotak :: Photographer Digital
Image
NASA is always interested in reaching new and diverse audiences with our
story of exploration in air and space. Fashion Week Cleveland provided an
opportunity to discuss the important role NASA attire plays in achieving our
missions. In the world of high fashion, image is everything. When
you are 200 miles away from Earth in the vacuum of space, it's easy to
understand why form follows function. David M. DeFelice :: Community Relations Team Lead NASA Glenn :: Cleveland
Fashion Week Cleveland performs a critical function for a special
part of Northeastern Ohio's creative and business community. It affords
the up-and-coming regional fashion designers important facetime with the
public and access to the geographically distant national fashion stages.
Further, university graduate students in fashion design have their first
exposure to the world they hope to shape and form --- both figuratively and
literally.
Craig Williams :: Aerospace Engineer
Every year, a great opportunity (is) given to Hispanic designers and models,
to showcase their talents.
Randy Michael :: Founder and CEO El Sol de Cleveland
The series of fashion related events throughout Greater Cleveland
and beyond serves as a platform for both established industry professionals and
aspiring newcomers to showcase their work as well as network with peers and the
public. Accessibility and diversity in programming allow the public to
engage the week on many levels; experienceing a show, taking in an exhibit,
participation in an educational program or joining in the festivities at a
party. The week also contributes to a sense of civic pride about what the
region has to offer and how it continues to evolve. You're invited to
become an active participant in the local fashion community by supporting local
style makers during Cleveland Fashion Week and throughout the rest of the year. Fatina Salaheddine :: Publisher & CEO Al
Sahafa newspaper
Cleveland has long been a fashion center and a number of small fashion
enterprises are taking hold. Fashion Week eventscan nurture this growth.
Jean L. Dreusedow :: Director Kent State University Costume Museum
It's about design. It's about education.
It's about retail business development in the American garment industry.
Donald C. Shingler :: Founder & CEO Fashion Week Cleveland
Special thank you to Smile Art Center,
provider of general dentistry and cosmetic services,
for their continued support of Fashion Week Cleveland's art and design students.
SPONSORS 
