ELEMENTAL

2026 BARBARA L. KUHLMAN SCHOLAR EXHIBITION

Currently on display in the Jill Stuart Gallery in the Human Ecology Building

September 16 - October 16

About the Piece

This ensemble explores the interactions between the earth’s elements, putting them in conversation with one another as the white space chases the blue. The shape of the garment cascades and flows, capturing the inherent freedom in water and the inconsistencies that make it beautiful and perfect.

“Adire”, derived from the Yoruba language, directly translates to tie dye. The cloth is either bound or painted with wax patterns, then submerged in an indigo dye vat. Culture is a continuous journey of self discovery, and this theme is exemplified through the replacement of typical geometric patterns with organic ripples and waves.

This piece is nature's mirror; it reflects the reality of personal identity and lived experience. 

Model: Kirsten Williams

CFC 2026

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Photo: Julia Cho, Alex Lau, Joy Huang, Shamus Li, Julia Sun

Hair: Lauren Hooks

AFRIK 2026

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Technical Flats

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  • A young woman in a colorful patterned strapless dress kneeling on the floor against a plain background.

  • A woman in a colorful patterned dress crouching with one knee on the ground, looking at the camera, against a plain grey background.

  • A woman sitting on her heels in a colorful strapless dress with an African print pattern, against a plain background.

  • A young woman with long, curly black hair wearing a vibrant, colorful patterned dress, kneeling on the floor against a plain background, looking over her shoulder.

  • A woman in a red and black strapless dress with a zebra-like pattern posing with hands on hips against a plain gray background.

  • Woman in a strapless red and black patterned dress standing against a plain background.

  • A woman with long curly black hair wearing a red and black patterned sleeveless maxi dress, standing with hands on hips against a plain light-colored background.

  • A woman with long, curly black hair wearing a strapless red and black patterned dress standing in front of a plain background.

Two women in colorful dresses posing at an African 20th anniversary celebration with black curtains in the background.

AFRIK 2025

A young woman on stage wearing a colorful dress with a red and black pattern, green shoulders, white knee-high boots, and braids, striking a pose with her arms framing her face, in front of purple stage curtains.
A woman with curly black hair wearing glasses and a colorful patterned jumpsuit stands on a stage with purple curtains in the background.
A woman in a green ankara dress with black lace sleeves standing on stage, posing with one hand on her hip and the other behind her head.
A woman wearing a colorful African-inspired crop top and matching skirt, standing confidently on a stage with hands on hips, under purple stage lighting.
photos by Kane Photography

2025 CFC Spring Runway Show

photographed by Angelina Guo

photographed by Angelina Guo

photographed by Vivian Ye

photographed by Vivian Ye

photographed by Angelina Guo

photographed by Angelina Guo

photographed by Peter Radzio

photographed by Peter Radzio

photographed by Peter Radzio

photographed by Peter Radzio

photographed by Peter Radzio

photographed by Peter Radzio

EBI Mini Collection

The EBI campaign was made in collaboration with TinolyJ, celebrating a shared love of fashion and culture. With TinolyJ creating looks for women and Abisola designing a dynamic mini-collection for children and teens, we showcased the beauty of girlhood and femininity. Through this collaboration, we carry on the legacy of Abisola’s grandmother, the Late Florence Olajumoke Ayo.

EBI Lookbook

Young woman with dreadlocks wearing a colorful, ankara patterned sleeveless top and sheer black pants with decorative trim, sitting on a white block against a plain white background.
Young woman standing with hands on hips, wearing colorful African print outfit, smiling, against a plain white background.
A young girl with dark curly hair styled in twists, wearing a vibrant pink lace dress, layered with a colorful geometric-patterned vest, paired with black tights and black shoes, standing confidently against a plain white background.
A young girl standing against a plain white background, wearing an ankara floral dress with sheer accents, black patent shoes, and a maroon bow in her hair, smiling and holding the sides of her dress.