As climate change and environmentalism become more a part of the societal conversation, the push for change is ever-present, which means sustainability in all industries is essential, including fashion. This was such a wonderful opportunity, and more companies at the level of Swarovski need to offer such partnerships to HBCU fashion students.
— Christy Frederick
That is why Norfolk State University’s Fine Arts Associate Professor Christy Frederick wants to equip her students with the knowledge and opportunities to design a better future without as much waste. “Sustainability is so important to fashion as in other industries to help save the planet,” says Frederick, “The amount of waste and pollution that is put into the environment from the fashion industry is excessive. The fast fashion industry alone is responsible for at least 10% of global carbon dioxide emissions.” So, when she was approached with the opportunity for a partnership between Norfolk State and Swarovski, the world-renowned crystal manufacturer, it was a crystal-clear decision. This grew from a phone call between Frederick and Felita Harris, the Executive Director of RAISEfashion, a nonprofit that provides pro bono consulting to BIPOCowned fashion brands and individuals. The program, Swarovski Academic Partnership, which included 14 NSU students, began after discussing thepossibility of fashion design students using Swarovski Crystals in their Spring 2024 senior show designs.
With sustainable fashion practices and education at the forefront, the program is designed to bridge the gap between academia and industry while nurturing the next generation of fashion designers through creativity, innovation, and sustainability. In a press statement, Swarovski stated, “Through this partnership with NSU, Swarovski aims to recognize and foster emerging talent and support them with their career aspirations. Together, we will shape the future of fashion for generations to come.”
This collaboration included a workshop where Swarovski visited NSU’s campus in January to give the students a presentation on their heritage brand and review students’ design sketches. The students also had the chance to visit the Swarovski New York flagship store in March. Along with mentorship and opportunities for further engagement, Swarovski gave sponsorship in the form of upcycled Swarovski Crystals with a total value of $3,500 that was equally distributed to each student to complete their designs. Upcycled crystals have been created by re-purposing discounted products, to avoid creating waste.
By using upcycled crystals, the students gave this solid material a new life and purpose. “To me, sustainable fashion embraces fashion principles by focusing on quality over quantity, as well as investing in timeless and durable pieces that can be worn for a long time, rather than following fast fashion trends that quickly become outdated,” states Destini Bell, rising junior Fine Arts major. “Also, emphasizing versatility and creativity in styling outfits, rather than constantly buying new items, which is why this collaboration with Swarovski is a wonderful opportunity to showcase just that.”
As the first Historically Black College and University (HBCU) to partner with Swarovski, a project of this magnitude was an excellent experience for Norfolk State and its students. For Da’Ron Prioleau, to participate in this program with a company with the caliber of Swarovski was unforgettable. “It feels awesome, to be a minority at an HBCU, and to get the recognition of Swarovski is a bles
sing. Almost any crystal you see in Hollywood, or the fashion world will be Swarovski Crystals. I believe more opportunities will come once we show what we can do with the correct resources.”
Students presented their crystal designs to Swarovski and displayed them in a fashion show during the 2024 Senior Show in April. “This was such a wonderful opportunity, and more companies at the level of Swarovski need to offer such partnerships to HBCU fashion students,” exclaims Frederick. “Our students continually rise to the occasion when given the opportunity. These types of partnerships help students create their own paths to having a seat at the table. I hope more companies will follow Swarovski Crystals’ lead.”