‘Boy Meets Girl x Strawberry Shortcake’ Collab Makes Waves in Adaptive Fashion

Michelle Aiello / Sep 25, 2024

Photo from the Boy Meets Girl x Strawberry Shortcake collaboration, which featured the work of Columbia students.Photo from the Boy Meets Girl x Strawberry Shortcake collaboration, which featured the work of Columbia students.
Columbia’s School of Fashion partnered with Boy Meets Girl on adaptive fashion, leading to a sold-out collection and future collaborations.

Columbia’s School of Fashion partnered with the local contemporary athleisure brand Boy Meets Girl last year for the year-long Concept to Consumer project. One standout group explored adaptive fashion, expanding their knowledge from the Design Solutions class. Their design, a jacket created by Faith Oehlberg ‘24 was adopted into Boy Meets Girl's latest fashion line. 

Stacey Igel, the brand's founder and a Columbia brand partner, has been spreading the word about the collaboration, which included a recent feature on WGN News. During the appearance, which included a mini runway show, she highlighted the partnership with Columbia and the integration of Oehlberg’s design. Oehlberg worked with Igel and other program alumni this summer to finalize the concept with a Chicago-based collective that will produce the garments. 

Boy Meets Girl x Strawberry Shortcake sold out during its first drop, with half of the proceeds benefiting Columbia student organizations.  

According to School of Fashion Assistant Professor of Instruction Reyes Witt, Columbia will partner with Runway of Dreams this semester. Led by adaptive fashion pioneer Mindy Scheier, the initiative will further push boundaries in the Design Solutions class, offering students a unique opportunity to innovate in inclusive fashion. 

“Inclusive fashion is a central focus among my colleagues at the School of Fashion,” says Witt. “We're thrilled to see students integrating adaptive fashion into their projects, even beyond our dedicated class, Design Solutions. Their enthusiasm and creativity make us proud, and we’re excited about the impact they will have on the industry after graduation.” 

Recent News