Bold Threads, Big Dreams: The Fashion Innovation Shaping Columbus's Style Scene

The Community's Conversation

When it comes to fashion, Columbus has the talent. It has the retail giants, the design schools, the logistics, and the creative minds. What it hasn’t had—until now—is the fashion infrastructure to stitch those pieces together.

With the launch of the new Fashion Innovation Center in the heart of Downtown’s Discovery District, Yohannan “Yogi” Terrell and the Columbus Fashion Alliance are betting big on a bold vision: to make Columbus not just a great place for fashion, but a city defined by it.

Could Columbus become the next fashion capital—not just of the Midwest, but of the nation? What does it take to build a thriving cultural and economic district from scratch? And what role can fashion play in shaping a more creative, inclusive, and opportunity-rich city?

Featuring

Yohannan “Yogi” Terrell, CEO, Warhol & WALL ST, and Director, Columbus Fashion Alliance

Erica Crawley, Board President and Commissioner, Franklin County Board of Commissioners

Madison Hilson and Valentina Thompson, Co-Founders, SENIQ

The host is Kat DePizzo, President, Justice Design Lab.

This forum was sponsored by the Franklin County Board of Commissioners and Taft.The presenting sponsor of the CMC livestream was The Center for Human Kindness at the Columbus Foundation. CMC’s livestream partner was The Columbus Dispatch. This forum was also supported by The Ellis. This forum was recorded before a live audience at The Ellis in Columbus’ historic Italian Village on July 9, 2025.