Cornell Fashion Expo Identity + Materials
About
Fresh off of revamping their branding, Cornell Human Ecology was in the process of developing a one-of-a-kind event in NYC when they reached out for art direction and design support.
The Cornell Fashion Expo was created as an opportunity for NYC alumni to engage with students by focusing on their common love of fashion and design. One of the main design challenges was to introduce the new college branding to these audiences while simultaneously creating a distinctive feel for the event itself.
While we could have gone all-in with the rich and vibrant brand colors, the team was receptive to the idea of the event standing out by reducing the color palette to (almost) black and white, with iridescent foil touches on the invitation. Doing so created a bold and flexible identity, and formed a backdrop for the varied and imaginative fashion designs on display.
Scope and Roles
Graphic Design for:
Event identifiers (flexible and evergreen)
Print invitations (iridescent foil)
Digital invitations / banner graphics
Printed displays for student work
Printed event program
Giveaway items
Event signage / banners
Outcome
It was a great success to create a distinctive but flexible event identity while still adhering to brand guidelines; setting a good example of what’s possible within the college’s brand architecture.
The event itself has gone through transformations each year, with the event branding continuing to do what it does best: set the tone and be bold when needed, but not muddle or overwhelm attendees once the student work is on display.
Other event materials succeeded in generating excitement, guiding attendees through the event, forming a backdrop for the items on display, and the high-quality giveaway items were memorable gifts for students and attendees.
