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Princeton Fashion Week Ends with a Bang: Sustainable Fashion Initiative Fashion Showcase and Runway Show

This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at Princeton chapter.

Who knew that sustainable fashion would be such a hit! Our world has certainly transformed into an eco-friendly state of mind and we continue to seek new and improved ways of preserving our environment through our innovative ideas and pursuits. A favorite student group of the Her Campus Princeton team, Sustainable Fashion Initiative has grown into a strong, recognizable force on campus that is committed to its “social and environmental look at fashion” (Jenna Rodrigues).  Carmina Mancenon, Meg Partridge, and Jenna Rodrigues founded Sustainable Fashion Initiative almost two years ago and have hosted multiple talks, DIY workshops, and now two runway shows/brand showcases. April 13th, we went to Princeton’s Art Museum to attend the brand showcase and the subsequent runway show.

 
BRAND SHOWCASE
 
 
 
 
 
 
THE RUNWAY SHOW
The models dressed by A Peace Treaty were the first down the catwalk. The models were outfitted in white tops and jeans that were complemented by fashionable scarves that can be worn with either casual or more formal attire. The scarves each feature interesting accents and patterns that add personality to the material.
 
 
McColl and Clan brought fitted designer coats and jackets to the table as well as a pink tweed jacket and skirt suit that added spunk to the entire collection. 
 
The runway show highlighted McColl and Clan’s voyeur into menswear fashion. Christian Birky is shown wearing the McColl and Clan tweed biker jacket. 
 
Rent the Runway is definitely a campus favorite. The Rent the Runway frocks were fun and airy, elegant and high fashion, and styled with taste and sophistication. Rent the Runway seeps elegances and high fashion. Almost all of the dresses were Lawnparties/Houseparties appropriate. 
 
 
 
Indego Africa is a non profit that supports the work of women in Rwanda who handcrafted, for example, the accessories we saw during the runway show. The models were outfitted in black tops with jeans or black dresses and the black look was balanced with one of the bright, striking accent pieces from Indego. Indego Africa’s pieces were actually some of our favorite from the show (but check out the brand and let us know in the comment box what you liked).
 
Soham Dave presented pieces with varying colors and textures that were very reminiscent of resort wear. The Rubina collection followed and dazzled with clutches that were striking, especially when contrasted with the basics worn by the models. There was literally a clutch for any imaginable outfit.
 
Tabii Just was the last line on the runway and definitely one of our favorites. The line had a very everywoman vibe and every piece that came down the runway was very Princeton appropriate. The patterns were smart. The clothes were chic, gorgeous, and paired in creative ways. 
 
 
 
VERTE MAGAZINE LAUNCH
The showcase was followed by the launch party for Verte Magazine whose first issue is available now. We’re excited to see a fashion magazine back on campus.
 
 
Let us know what you loved about Sustainable Fashion Initiative’s event in the comment box below.
Ajibike Lapite is a member of Princeton University’s Class of 2014. When not studying, Ajibike tutors at the Young Scholar’s Institute in Trenton, NJ; serves as the President  of the Princeton Premedical Society; is the Editor-in-Chief of Her Campus Princeton; currently holds the title of Most Stylish Undergraduate (from Stylitics). Ajibike is a  molecular biology major with a certificate in global health & policy. She enjoys consumption of vanilla ice cream and sweet tea, watching games of criquet, exploring libraries, lusting after Blair Waldorf’s wardrobe, watching far too much television, editing her novel, staying watch at the mailbox, playing tennis and golf in imitation of the pros, hanging out with the best friends she’s ever had, baking cookies that aren’t always awesome, being Novak Djokovic’s fan girl, and sleeping—whenever and wherever she can.
I am a junior at Princeton University in the Molecular Biology Department and am pre-med. I am heavily involved in the Christian community on campus as I am a part of Princeton Evangelical Fellowship. I am also a youth group leader at my local church for High school students where I can share God's love. I have been figure skating for over 12 years and I a member of the Princeton University Figure Skating Club and I am a part of the Princeton University Synchronized Skating Team. I also teach skating lessons to other students and staff here at Princeton. I love to sing and have been a part of the Princeton University Gospel Ensemble and both worship teams in PEF and at my church. I am passionate about serving my God and I am blessed with the many opportunities I have as a Princeton student.