Fashion Students Shine at Fashion Graduate Italia 2024 in Milan

Michelle Aiello / Oct 30, 2024

Columbia College Chicago School of Fashion BFA Students Joelle Helena Olabode and Rae Breazeale, and Assistant Professor Jenny Leigh Du Puis, pictured with Consul for Commercial Affairs Caroline Chung from the U.S. Commercial Service at the American Consulate General Milan. Photo by Daniele SchiavelloColumbia College Chicago School of Fashion BFA Students Joelle Helena Olabode and Rae Breazeale, and Assistant Professor Jenny Leigh Du Puis, pictured with Consul for Commercial Affairs Caroline Chung from the U.S. Commercial Service at the American Consulate General Milan. Photo by Daniele Schiavello
Five models appear in a fittings lineup wearing the “Remembering the Legacy of Chicago Bauhaus” collection by Rae Breazeale, BFA Fashion Design ’25. Photo by Gianluca CarraroFive models appear in a fittings lineup wearing the “Remembering the Legacy of Chicago Bauhaus” collection by Rae Breazeale, BFA Fashion Design ’25. Photo by Gianluca Carraro
Close up detail of a leather corset designed by Rae Breazeale for their runway collection, pictured on a model during fittings for the City to City fashion show in Milan, Italy. Photo by Gianluca CarraroClose up detail of a leather corset designed by Rae Breazeale for their runway collection, pictured on a model during fittings for the City to City fashion show in Milan, Italy. Photo by Gianluca Carraro
Student designer Rae Breazeale adjusts a rope accessory for one of their designs on a model during fittings for the City to City fashion show in Milan, Italy. Photo by Gianluca CarraroStudent designer Rae Breazeale adjusts a rope accessory for one of their designs on a model during fittings for the City to City fashion show in Milan, Italy. Photo by Gianluca Carraro
Student designer Joelle Helena Olabode (BFA Fashion Design ’25) adjusts the hood of one of her designs on a model backstage at the City to City fashion show in Milan, Italy. Photo by Daniele SchiavelloStudent designer Joelle Helena Olabode (BFA Fashion Design ’25) adjusts the hood of one of her designs on a model backstage at the City to City fashion show in Milan, Italy. Photo by Daniele Schiavello
From right: Columbia College Chicago School of Fashion students Joelle Helena Olabode (BFA ’25) and Rae Breazeale (BFA ’25), pictured with Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology fashion design students Kane Turner and Laura Heron backstage at the Fashion Graduate Italia 2024 City to City runway show. Photo by Jenny Leigh Du PuisFrom right: Columbia College Chicago School of Fashion students Joelle Helena Olabode (BFA ’25) and Rae Breazeale (BFA ’25), pictured with Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology fashion design students Kane Turner and Laura Heron backstage at the Fashion Graduate Italia 2024 City to City runway show. Photo by Jenny Leigh Du Puis
Student designer Joelle Olabode (third from left,) waits in line behind three models wearing her designs prior to appearing on thecrunway during the City to City show of the Fashion Graduate Italia 2024 event. Photo by Daniele SchiavelloStudent designer Joelle Olabode (third from left,) waits in line behind three models wearing her designs prior to appearing on thecrunway during the City to City show of the Fashion Graduate Italia 2024 event. Photo by Daniele Schiavello
Five models appear in a fittings lineup wearing the “Adams” collection by Joelle Helena Olabode. Photo by Gianluca CarraroFive models appear in a fittings lineup wearing the “Adams” collection by Joelle Helena Olabode. Photo by Gianluca Carraro
A model wears a red ruffled ensemble by Joelle Helena Olabode during the fittings session of the Fashion Graduate Italia 2024 Talent to Talent runway. Photo by Gianluca CarraroA model wears a red ruffled ensemble by Joelle Helena Olabode during the fittings session of the Fashion Graduate Italia 2024 Talent to Talent runway. Photo by Gianluca Carraro
Joelle Helena Olabode and Rae Breazeale pictured backstage at the City to City runway prior to the 2024 Fashion Graduate Italia event in Milan, Italy. Photo by Daniele SchiavelloJoelle Helena Olabode and Rae Breazeale pictured backstage at the City to City runway prior to the 2024 Fashion Graduate Italia event in Milan, Italy. Photo by Daniele Schiavello
Rae Braezeale and Joelle Olabode made their international debut at Fashion Graduate Italia 2024, showcasing original designs alongside peers from around the world and receiving support from the U.S. Consul for Commercial Affairs in Milan.

Two standout fashion students from Columbia College Chicago, Rae Braezeale and Joelle Olabode, recently took center stage at the International Talent to Talent show during Fashion Graduate Italia 2024. Held on October 22 at BASE Milano, this global showcase of emerging designers featured Columbia as the only Chicago-based institution represented, with Chicago itself celebrated as the partnered city.

Hand-selected by Columbia faculty for their exceptional design skills, professionalism, and alignment with the show’s innovative spirit, Rae and Joelle (both graduating Spring 2025) experienced an event-filled week in Milan. They joined in model fittings, press conferences, and show rehearsals, gaining insider access to high-profile events including a series of fashion shows featuring institutions from Shanghai, Osaka, Milan, and Paris. Alongside students from Melbourne and Shanghai, Rae and Joelle’s work was spotlighted at the Talent to Talent show, providing them with valuable networking opportunities backstage.

A highlight of the week was meeting Caroline Chung, Consul for Commercial Affairs at the U.S. Consulate General in Milan, who delivered remarks at the press conference and showed her support for the students before and after the show, congratulating them on their international debut. Additionally, they attended an exhibition featuring Italian fashion institutions, connecting with representatives to explore opportunities for graduate study and viewing student work on display.

Accompanied by Assistant Professor, Product Development and Fashion Design Jenny Leigh Du Puis, the students not only showcased their original collections but gained hands-on experience working with professional teams, including models, dressers, production crew, and show directors. “This marks our first time at an international fashion show, and we hope it sets the stage for future participation,” said Du Puis. “Rae and Joelle’s work embodies the creative spirit of Columbia and Chicago.”

The Driehaus Design Initiative sponsored the students’ travel and provided grants for their materials, emphasizing Columbia’s commitment to global engagement and shaping the next generation of design innovators. This remarkable milestone underscores the college’s dedication to fostering creative talent and building strong international industry connections.

Said Du Puis, “This is an exciting milestone for Columbia College Chicago and a fantastic opportunity for the students to showcase their work on an international platform.”

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