“What does the fox say?” 

Haitian-born, United States-based fashion designer Prajjé O. Jean Baptiste, searches for the answer. 

Philanthropy Meets Fashion, a program of the Columbus Fashion Council and Fashion Week Columbus (FWC), hosted students and designers alike Thursday evening at the Columbus College of Art and Design (CCAD) to discuss the life and work of Baptiste and bring awareness to the inhumane tactics used to create fox-fur pieces in the fashion industry.

Welcomed with hor d’oeuvres, guests were given the chance to speak and take pictures with the distinguished designer and donate to leading nonprofits. 

Walking Wild Rescue, a nonprofit focused on rescuing and providing a safe haven for captive-bred foxes, attended the event, bringing along some furry friends of their own — four live foxes. 

The organization’s hope for the event was to spread awareness about the exploitation of foxes – often used and then discarded to create fur coats and hats in the fashion industry. 

“Foxes are friends, not fashion,” said Baptiste. 

According to an article from People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), about 85 percent of the fur industry’s skins come from animals living captive in fur factory farms which can be home to thousands of captive-bred animals. 

According to the same article, there is no federal humane slaughter law that protects animals in fur factories and the killing methods can be gruesome. Many fur farmers care more about keeping the pelts intact and therefore use poisoning methods to kill the animals which can cause a long and slow death for the animal. 

Baptiste said he has never been one to use furs in his designs because it does not align with his beliefs. 

During the event Baptiste said that he was grateful to play a role in inviting Walking Wild Rescue to the event and that he hopes others in the fashion industry will learn to have a conscious lens on their use of furs. 

“Foxes are friends, not fashion,” said Baptiste.

Baptiste continued the night, talking about his time on both season 19 and the recent “All Stars” season of “Project Runway,” what he learned from it and his inspiration for his upcoming designs. 

Baptiste said he took inspiration for his upcoming collection, “Nos Ginen,” from childhood memories he has, dressing up in clothes from his grandmother’s closet. 

Baptiste said he is largely inspired by his upbringing having lost his birth parents at a young age, he was left with next to nothing, except for fashion. 

Being it was all he had, Baptiste said he threw himself into everything the world of fashion had to offer him and viewed “Project Runway” as a fresh start.

Baptiste made a point to use his position on “Project Runway” to advertise young, marginalized designers. It was his goal to make it so that the world could see what these upcoming designers have to offer.

Throughout the show, Baptiste dressed himself in the works of young artists from head to toe. Anything and everything he wore or used were either pieces from his own collection or those of lesser-known designers. 

As a once struggling artist, Baptiste said he understands how strenuous the industry can be and was happy to have the chance to pay it forward by promoting up-and-coming designers.

As an aspiring artist, Baptiste said he refused to back down despite the fashion industry being very daunting. While most juniors in high school are concerned about the ACT and college applications, Baptiste was organizing art shows for the community. 

Utilizing bright colors and asymmetrical designs, Baptiste exemplifies his extensive knowledge of how to highlight the beauty of the female body while also telling a story through his designs. 

“A runway show is not what I make; It’s a sample of what I make,” said Baptiste. 

“I’m not just casting pretty girls,” said Baptiste. “I’m casting the girl that’s going to tell the story.” 

Baptiste said that it is hard to admit when you need help but that it is okay. There is no need to push yourself past your limits all alone. 

“You are not Superman. Let people help you,” said Baptiste. 

Baptiste spent some time during the event resonating over the lessons he learned during his time on “Project Runway,” discussing the idea of a fashion designer’s job of designing pieces with real people in mind. 

“As a designer, I have a responsibility to the woman for whom I design so that she feels beautiful, confident, and modern,” said Baptiste. “Above all I wish to bring her affordable luxury.”

Baptiste explained that runway shows are simply a glimpse into the mind and work of a designer, not a full representation of everything they are capable of.  

“A runway show is not what I make; it’s a sample of what I make,” said Baptiste.

Founder of Columbus Fashion Council and FWC, Thomas McClure, along with Nia Noelle, hosted the event, asking Baptiste questions about his life and his work.

McClure said he was proud to wear one of Baptiste’s iconic bomber jackets. The denim jacket encapsulates the aura of Baptiste’s style with loud colors and unpredictable patterns. 

Baptiste will be featured in the 14th Annual Finale Runway Show this Saturday at The Joseph Hotel as the headlining designer of FWC.

To learn more about Baptiste and his work visit prajjeoscar.com. 

To learn more about Walking Wild Rescue visit walkingwildrescue.org. 

For Scarlette’s full gallery of photos from the event click here.

PHOTOGRAPHY Catherine Lees