Berkeley College Students Get Behind-the-Scenes Look at New York Fashion Week as Interns for Designer Chuks Collins
Monday, October 2, 2023
Senior Director, Communications and External Relations
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BEHIND-THE-SCENES LOOK AT NEW YORK FASHION WEEK
Photo Caption: Twenty-one Berkeley College students served as interns for designer Chuks Collins as he presented his Spring 2024 showcase, “Marine Euphoria: A Harmonious Tribute to Oceanic Splendor,” during New York Fashion Week on September 13, 2023.
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Berkeley College students learned what it takes to execute a successful showcase at New York Fashion Week, as they interned for designer Chuks Collins last month. Twenty-one students served as interns for Collins, Berkeley College’s designer-in-residence, as he presented his Spring 2024 showcase, “Marine Euphoria: A Harmonious Tribute to Oceanic Splendor,” at Spring Studios on September 13, 2023.
The students assisted with research, fittings, accessorizing, and pre-show planning, as well as back-of-house and front-of-house tasks on the day of the event.
“The students were more than amazing,” Collins said. “They brought their unique perspective. It reminded me a lot about myself when I was in school, and I look forward to working with them again.”
Photo Caption: Berkeley College student Riddhi Sindha works at designer Chuks Collins’ New York Fashion Week showcase, “Marine Euphoria: A Harmonious Tribute to Oceanic Splendor.”
Riddhi Sindha, a Berkeley College student from India, dressed models backstage and contributed insights to Collins’ public relations campaign.
“What captivates me about fashion is its power to express individuality through style,” Sindha said. “These roles allowed me to witness the intriguing world where fashion meets precision.”
Tilda Forsberg, a Berkeley College student from Stockholm, Sweden, said being a part of the showcase gave her insight into her future career.
“My professional goal is to work in fashion in the future, and I am figuring out exactly what interests me,” Forsberg said. “I’m very grateful to have been part of this event, as my involvement gave me the full experience on what goes on backstage at a fashion show.”
“I love fashion and have great passion for it,” said Mathilda Österberg Ponsler of Malmö, Sweden, who helped with fittings and preparations for the show. “I have always found it fun to help with planning and to be challenged in new situations. I am grateful that Berkeley gave students this opportunity.”
Photo Caption: Berkeley College student Ebba Hellzen models during designer Chuks Collins’ New York Fashion Week showcase, “Marine Euphoria: A Harmonious Tribute to Oceanic Splendor.”
Additionally, Berkeley College student Ebba Hellzén was selected from among hundreds of model hopefuls to walk the runway.
“I’ve never done anything with modeling before,” Hellzén said before the show. “But when I got to Berkeley I got the opportunity to walk in New York Fashion Week. I’m so excited.”
As Berkeley College’s current designer-in-residence, Collins used space at the 43rd Street campus to create his vision for New York Fashion Week. The Bronx-based, Nigerian-British designer also lent his expertise to help students assemble engaging fashion display cases on campus, and spoke at a recent “Fashion Founders” event, alongside other industry leaders.
Collins also invited students to the taping of Tamron Hall’s “Up & Coming Designer Series Finale,” where he was a featured guest.
Photo Caption: As Berkeley College’s current designer-in-residence, Chuks Collins lent his expertise to help students assemble engaging fashion display cases on campus (left), and spoke at a recent “Fashion Founders” event, alongside other industry leaders. Pictured at the “Fashion Founders” event (L to R) are: Busie Matsiko-Andan, Busayo Michelle Olupana, Collins, and Terance Coffee.
“New York Fashion Week is one of the most prominent events in the fashion world. This was an incredible opportunity for our students,” said Linda Mauro, Campus Operating Officer, Berkeley College in New York City, who worked in the fashion industry prior to joining the College. “Our students know that this can be a highly competitive industry and success often comes through dedication, persistence, and a genuine passion for the industry. I am confident that the interns now have a lasting impression of what it takes.”
“The collaboration between Chuks Collins and Berkeley College allowed our students a real-life, hands-on experience assisting in the sample room and backstage at a New York Fashion Week show,” said Andrea Kennedy, Lead Faculty, Fashion Merchandising and Management, Berkeley College Larry L. Luing School of Business®. “It’s the perfect example of the project-based learning with industry that Berkeley College is known for.”
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 3,600 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 10 consecutive years. Berkeley College was 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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