As we look toward our Fashion Challenge: Reimagined event, we're taking you behind the scenes to meet each of our 2020 designers. Learn about the inspiration behind the unique looks that will be revealed in our virtual runway experience on June 18th!

We have some amazing designers joining the Fashion Challenge: Reimagined. Each one brings their own style and take to the runway. Hear from the final four of our emerging designers on their inspiration to participate in this year’s competition:

Concetta Cipriano, bridal designer and wardrobe stylist, has come a long way with RefuSHE as a member of the first-ever Fashion Challenge cohort back in 2011! The event marked a special moment in her life. “Although I had already been designing for years, [2011] was the year I decided to quit my full-time job and pursue a career in fashion design full-time instead, so it was extra special to be apart of such a beautiful cause.”

Concetta is eagerly awaiting the creations from other designers. “It will be very exciting to see how everyone has taken the inspiration and used it to create something unique.”

Her motivation for this event is very personal. “I have had people who have supported me in my life,” she shares. “I know how important it is to empower these young girls so they realize that they can take their lives into their own hands and are able to pursue their own careers and dreams as well.”

Fraley Le, a women’s evening-wear designer, is a Fashion Challenge regular - this year will be his third year participating in the competition! “I just love being able to design, see the audience, have models to wear my design on the runway. ”

Fraley has a deep connection to RefuSHE’s work and a heart for the show. As a former refugee himself, he recognizes the hardships that our girls and children endure while being displaced. “I lived in a refugee camp in Indonesia for a while and I understand the feeling – it’s a hard life for people in the refugee camps,” he shares. “I want to give my support to the Fashion Challenge so RefuSHE can do their best to help the refugee girls.”

Kate Van Asten, the designer behind Wulfka, started her business to use fashion as a force for good in the world. Her designs are effortless, minimalist, and easy, and she has a passion for human rights and giving back. “I love that RefuSHE supports women and respects the labor-intensive art of hand-dyeing, using traditional crafts to achieve financial independence. These values are also dear to my heart and I'm honored to use my work to showcase their skills!”

Kate is excited about the personality that the designs created by our Artisan Collective bring to the process. “I can't wait to get my hands on the perfectly imperfect patterns, and the fabric itself is so soft and flows so nicely - it will really make my design pop!”

She adds, “I recognize that living in Chicago and having the resources to be a designer is a profound privilege. The women that RefuSHE represents deserve that same opportunity, and so much more. I'm proud to help bring their work in front of an audience that can do more for them than I ever could.”

Meet the Fashion Challenge Designers: Part II

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