Columbia Fashion Week (ColaFW) and Goodwill Industries of Upstate/Midlands South Carolina (GIUMSC) are proud to announce an innovative partnership that highlights the intersection of fashion, sustainability, and community empowerment. This collaboration will extend through 2025, featuring special events, programs, and initiatives designed to amplify the importance of sustainable practices while showcasing the transformative services Goodwill provides to the community.

Through this partnership, Columbia Fashion Week aims to support Goodwill’s strategic goal of promoting sustainability and offering job training, skills development, and career opportunities to individuals across the region. Together, the organizations will engage the community in meaningful conversations about reducing waste, fostering creativity through upcycled fashion, and building a more sustainable future.

To celebrate this partnership, the organizations are hosting For The Good, an event highlighting sustainable fashion and community impact. Taking place on Thursday, February 27, at 7 PM at The Venue (1626 Main Street, Columbia, SC), the evening will feature a clothing drive to benefit Goodwill’s mission, free entry for those donating gently used items, and insights into the future of this collaboration.

“Columbia Fashion Week has always been about more than just style—it’s about using fashion as a force for good,” said Juliette Muller, CEO of Columbia Fashion Week. “Partnering with Goodwill allows us to shine a light on the power of sustainable fashion while celebrating the incredible impact their programs have on our community. Together, we’re redefining what it means to be both fashionable and responsible.”

“We are thrilled to partner with Columbia Fashion Week to bring attention to the importance of sustainable fashion and its potential to drive positive change in our communities,” said Chunsta Miller, Vice President of Communication and Public Engagement of Goodwill Industries of Upstate/Midlands South Carolina. “This collaboration perfectly aligns with our mission of empowering individuals through job training and career opportunities while promoting environmental stewardship. Together, we’re showcasing how fashion can be both innovative and eco-conscious, proving that sustainability is always in style!”

Throughout the partnership, Columbia Fashion Week and Goodwill will host a series of events, including thrift-themed fashion events, styling workshops, and donation drives. These programs aim to connect local communities with opportunities, inspire sustainable living, and highlight Goodwill’s comprehensive training and skill-building programs that empower individuals to pursue careers they are passionate about.

Over 90 cents of every dollar Goodwill spends goes directly to fund these critical services, making each purchase a step toward improving lives and strengthening communities. By

weaving together the values of sustainability and social responsibility, this partnership sets the stage for a transformative era in South Carolina’s fashion and nonprofit industries.

For more information about this partnership or upcoming events, please visit www.ColumbiaFashionWeek.com or www.goodwillsc.org.

About Columbia Fashion Week:

Columbia Fashion Week is a premier fashion event in South Carolina, showcasing innovative designs, fostering creativity, and building a platform for the fashion industry. With a focus on sustainability and community impact, CFW connects audiences with the art of fashion while driving meaningful change.

About Goodwill Industries of Upstate/Midlands South Carolina:

Goodwill Industries of Upstate/Midlands South Carolina is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping individuals achieve their full potential through the power of work. With a commitment to sustainability, Goodwill funds job training and employment programs through donations and the resale of goods, creating opportunities and transforming lives.