Our afterschool and weekend programs are the heartbeat of the studio. Here, we mentor the next generation of makers to find their artistic freedom through the restorative care of textiles. This isn't just a sewing class; it’s a radical practice in resilience, turning industry fragments into personal masterpieces
For six weeks, kids will dream, sketch, and bring their designs to life—turning deadstock fabrics and pre-loved garments into stunning, one-of-a-kind runway looks. From hand and machine sewing to embroidery, painting, upcycling (think pants into tops, tops into skirts), creating appliqués, and designing accessories—they’ll transform waste into wonder.
But this class goes far beyond fashion and fun (though we promise there’s plenty of both!). It’s about:
Students will be invited to participate in our Spring Runway Show on May 17 on the CCAD Campus.
Columbus Fashion Academy is proud to be the pioneers of sustainable fashion education for kids in Ohio, starting with just two students back in 2017. Today, our programs serve youth from more than 10 school districts and have attracted families beyond Central Ohio. We are honored to continue inspiring confidence, creativity, and purpose in every child who walks through our doors.
Your child(ren) will not just create a collection—they’ll walk their own runway showcasing everything they’ve made!
There is a profound agency in the hum of a sewing machine. In our afterschool and weekend sessions, students don’t just follow patterns; they learn to deconstruct the status quo. By working with archival fragments and industry debris, they discover that every 'flaw' is an opportunity for radical wonder. This is where professional grit meets the pure joy of creation, giving every young maker the tools to sew their own story into reality.
Artistic Freedom + Agency = Fun
At Columbus Fashion Academy, we go beyond teaching fashion—we’re transforming lives. Our programs are designed not just to educate, but to inspire confidence, foster creativity, and celebrate individuality. We believe fashion is a powerful tool for self-discovery, self-expression, and empowerment.
Unlike traditional programs, we focus on creating inclusive, nurturing environments where every student can explore their unique style, develop artistic freedom, and build the confidence to be their authentic selves. From afterschool programs to summer camps and Fashion Lab Days, we blend hands-on learning with values that resonate far beyond the classroom.
By embracing the language of fashion, our students gain more than technical skills—they develop the ability to communicate who they are, think creatively, and navigate the world with self-assurance and joy. At Columbus Fashion Academy, we don’t just teach fashion; we teach confidence, creativity, and the art of being unapologetically you.
Our studio is a boundless fashion lab where we don't just make clothes—we create everything that adorns the body. With a full arsenal of professional tools and the space to imagine, our students explore the radical art of jewelry making, accessory design, and wearable sculpture. We believe that intentional fashion has no boundaries; if it can be worn, it can be reimagined through the lens of grit and wonder.
At the end of each season, our students take center stage in spectacular fashion shows held in iconic locations across Central Ohio. These events are more than just showcases—they are celebrations of creativity, confidence, and community. Families and friends gather to cheer on their young designers as they proudly present their unique creations, walking the runway with poise and pride.
The transformation we witness is nothing short of extraordinary. Shy kids become bold storytellers, expressing themselves through fashion in ways that light up the room. Parents beam with pride, and the audience is filled with smiles and awe, moved by the talent and joy radiating from each child. These runway shows don’t just display amazing sustainable fashion designs—they highlight the remarkable potential in every student, developing skills like communication, public speaking, leadership, flexibility, planning, creative problem solving and self-expression in an environment where they feel safe, celebrated and supported.
Imagine your child shining on the runway, their confidence soaring as they experience the joy of being seen and valued for who they are. It’s an unforgettable experience, and we’re honored to provide the safe space and inspiration that make these moments possible.
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