School of Fashion Teams Up With Patagonia for Sustainable Design Challenge

PhotoProducts designed by Columbia students will be displayed in the 618 S. Michigan Ave. windows as part of the Patagonia Worn Wear competition.
The School of Fashion has partnered with Patagonia for a sustainable design challenge, where students transform Worn Wear merchandise into new products, gaining hands-on experience in fashion design, visual merchandising, and industry collaboration.

Columbia College Chicago's School of Fashion has partnered with Patagonia to provide students with hands-on experience and industry insight through the "Worn Wear" initiative. This partnership gives students a unique opportunity to engage with Patagonia’s sustainable fashion movement, gaining valuable experience in design, visual merchandising, and trendspotting. 

The Worn Wear Partnership 

Patagonia’s “Worn Wear” program is dedicated to reducing environmental impact by reselling high-quality used garments. Columbia fashion students will take this initiative a step further by transforming Patagonia Worn Wear merchandise into new products. These creations will be displayed in the 618 S. Michigan Ave. windows as part of a larger competition. 

Student Involvement: A Creative Challenge 

As part of the partnership, Columbia’s fashion students will participate in a Worn Wear Competition where they reimagine Patagonia’s used merchandise into fresh designs. Their work will be showcased in the high-traffic windows of 618 S. Michigan Ave., with the public voting for their favorite designs via Instagram. This experience enables students to apply visual merchandising principles in a real-world setting and develop skills in sustainable fashion design. 

Additionally, students and faculty will attend the Stitch, Sip, + Shop event at Patagonia’s 1115 W. Fulton Market location, where they’ll connect with industry professionals and Columbia’s President. This event offers students exclusive networking opportunities, as well as feedback from Patagonia’s visual merchandising team. 

Real-World Industry Collaboration 

This partnership between Columbia College Chicago and Patagonia exemplifies the power of industry partnerships. Students not only gain practical experience in visual merchandising but also receive feedback and mentorship from Patagonia’s seasoned professionals. This hands-on approach fosters essential industry connections, equipping students with the skills and network they need to succeed in the competitive fashion landscape. 

This collaboration allows students to stay updated on current fashion trends, offering a real-time learning experience that directly informs their designs. Through mentorship, they will refine their skills and gain exposure to industry best practices, preparing them to enter the job market with confidence. 

The partnership between Columbia and Patagonia represents a forward-thinking approach to education, where students are given the tools to succeed in both creative and business aspects of fashion. As sustainability continues to reshape the industry, collaborations like this are essential in preparing the next generation of professionals. 

Event Details 

October 30, 7 p.m. - Stitch, Sip, + Shop event at Patagonia's Fulton Market for Columbia students and faculty. 

November 1 - Worn Wear competition display at 618 S. Michigan Ave. with voting on Instagram. 

December 2 - Announcement of winners; designs displayed in Patagonia stores. 

Recent News