Threads of Color is a non-profit organization founded in order to raise scholarships for fashion and business students studying at LIM College in New York.
Among the Threads of Color principals is a desire to celebrate “diversity” within the United States fashion industry.
Many of our country’s best and most exciting designers were born outside of the US, or were born here but have strong ties to their cultural heritage. Some of these designers are very well known, while others exist under the mainstream media radar. Often, they must to work twice as hard to glean half as much. Luckily their tenacity and talent usually pays off.
Thanks to high profile supporters such as First Lady Michelle Obama, designers of diversity are at the forefront of the changing face of fashion. She has made a concerted effort to wear and promote the work of Isabelle Toledo (Cuban American), Jason Wu (Chinese American), and Tracy Reese (African American). Individuals in the industry have taken note of this movement towards diversity and inclusion and are keeping an open eye.
Threads of Color plans to raise money for scholarships by holding a fashion shown in September during the United Nations Word Summit. The project is shaping up to be an unprecedented and exciting event.
Designers from over twenty-five countries and four continents have already committed to participating in the event thus far, and they include Native American designer Patricia Michaels of Water Lilly Designs.
To maximize the amount of scholarship funds, everyone connected to the Threads of Color project is donating their time and services.
Read more about Threads of Color at their website: www.threadsofcolor.org. (Click here to read the original article)
(Patricia Michaels' Bark Dress)
(Fashion designs by Patricia Michaels for NY Fashion Week 2010)