New York Fashion Week: Visionary Designer Chuks Collins Launches Studio and Capsule Collection at Berkeley College in Midtown Manhattan
Wednesday, February 21, 2024
Senior Director, Communications and External Relations
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AND CAPSULE COLLECTION AT BERKELEY COLLEGE IN MIDTOWN MANHATTAN
Photo Caption: Fashion enthusiasts celebrated the launch of Chuks Collins Studio at Berkeley College in Midtown Manhattan on February 8, 2024. (Left) Collins is Berkeley College’s current designer-in-residence. (Right) Linda Mauro, Campus Operating Officer, Berkeley College in New York City, speaks about the Designer-in-Residence program as a fusion of fashion and education.
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Fashion enthusiasts and influencers experienced the intersection of style, education, and industry, as they came together to celebrate the launch of Chuks Collins Studio at Berkeley College in Midtown Manhattan on February 8, 2024. The networking event, which kicked off New York Fashion Week, also unveiled Collins’ anticipated “Reflection” Capsule Collection, an homage to African heritage and sustainability.
“We are thrilled with the launch of the Studio and the unveiling of the ‘Reflection’ Capsule Collection,” Collins said. “This marks a new chapter in my journey as a designer, and I am excited to share my vision with the world.”
Photo Caption: The networking event on February 8, 2024, which kicked off New York Fashion Week, also unveiled Collins’ anticipated “Reflection” Capsule Collection, an homage to African heritage and sustainability.
As Berkeley College’s current designer-in-residence, Collins invited Berkeley College Fashion Merchandising and Management students to help build his creative vision for the showroom on 41st Street. Interns stocked shelves, steamed garments, and more in preparation for the launch. Additionally, Fashion students are planning a public relations campaign, as well as a March 2024 pop-up for the brand.
“The Designer-in-Residence program is about bringing together academia and industry, and teaching our students through real-world, hands-on experience how to run a fashion business,” said Linda Mauro, Campus Operating Officer, Berkeley College in New York City, who was instrumental in bringing Collins to campus. “At Berkeley College, we are proud to offer an education that prepares our students for careers in business. Our faculty are changing how we teach about the fashion industry.”
Students also assisted Collins during New York Fashion Week in September 2023, as he presented his showcase, “Marine Euphoria: A Harmonious Tribute to Oceanic Splendor,” at Spring Studios.
Read More: Berkeley College Students Get Behind-the-Scenes Look at New York Fashion Week
“The collaboration between Chuks Collins and Berkeley College allows our students to learn by experiencing all of the activities and operations that occur within a fashion brand,” said Andrea Kennedy, Lead Faculty, Berkeley College Larry L. Luing School of Business®. “The students are working on actual projects with Chuks and receiving real-time feedback throughout the semester. They learn what works, what won’t, and why – it is truly the immersive, project-based learning for which Berkeley College is known.”
Photo Captions: (Left) Tilda Forsberg, a Berkeley College student from Stockholm, Sweden (center, pictured with students Klara Enander and Meri Faraj), was among the student interns who helped Collins build his vision for the 41st Street showroom. (Right) Geramee Sorbino, a Fashion Merchandising and Management student, said the experience opened doors for his future career.
Berkeley College student Geramee Sorbino, who is pursuing a degree in Fashion Merchandising and Management, traveled weekly from Newark, NJ, to participate in the initiative with Collins.
“I want to be a personal stylist, so taking on this internship meant a lot to me,” Sorbino said. “Opportunities like this have the potential to project my career in a positive direction, and this experience has opened so many doors.”
Tilda Forsberg, a Berkeley College student from Stockholm, Sweden, assisted Collins in the 41st Street space, and also volunteered during his New York Fashion Week show in the fall.
“My professional goal is to work in fashion, but I am still figuring out what interests me,” Forsberg said. “I have made so many connections with people in the industry, and I feel very inspired to be here.”
Vivaan Nagpal of Manhattan, NY, was driven to become involved in the initiative because of his interest in sustainable fashion.
“I want to work with brands that have a sustainable mindset,” Nagpal said. “No matter the industry, sustainability is going to play a major role in the future. Sometimes hands-on experience can teach you more than a textbook.”
What to Watch: Click here to watch FOX 5 New York feature the collaboration between Chuks Collins and Berkeley College.
About Chuks Collins Studio
Chuks Collins Studio is a dynamic fashion atelier founded by renowned designer Chuks Collins. With a focus on cultural representation, innovation, and sustainability, Chuks Collins Studio aims to redefine the fashion landscape through transformative designs and meaningful collaborations. Learn more at https://www.chukscollins.com.
About Berkeley College
Berkeley College, founded in 1931, is a career-focused institution accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education that offers students Master’s, Bachelor’s, and Associate’s degree and Certificate programs in more than 20 career fields. The College also offers Continuing Education programs to enhance career credentials.
Berkeley College has campuses in New York City and in Newark, Woodbridge, and Woodland Park, NJ, with more than 3,500 students enrolled. In addition, Berkeley College Online® serves a global population. U.S. News & World Report has named Berkeley College among the Best Colleges for Online Bachelor’s Programs and among the Best Online Bachelor’s Programs for Veterans, for 11 consecutive years. Berkeley College is also ranked among the Best Regional Colleges/Universities in the North in the 2023-2024 edition of the U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges survey. The website address is https://BerkeleyCollege.edu.
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